How do you plan a diabetic menu?

GRADE LEVEL:  5 - 8

LEARNER OUTCOMES:

• Students will understand the importance of individualizing their eating habits
• Students will be able to plan their own menus for diabetics
• Students will better understand the nutritional guidelines for good health

• Copy of a "Food Guide Pyramid" and "The Dietary Guidelines"
• Food items:  slice of beef, egg, oatmeal, packet of artificial sweetener, vegetable, fruit, skim milk and salt

• Computer with Internet Access

• Peer tutoring and/or cooperative learning

PROCEDURE:
 

Hand out the "Food Guide Pyramid" and the "Dietary Guidelines" and explain how these are like a road map for your trip to good health.

Begin by showing the slice of beef.  Explain that you should limit your intake of animal products in order to limit your intake of saturated fat and cholesterol.  Stress that too much protein can stress the kidneys and people with diabetes are at a high risk for kidney disease.  Show "Meat and Meat Substitutes."

Show the egg.  Explain that an egg is high in cholesterol and you should limit the intake of cholesterol.  Discuss that egg substitutes are a good option.

Show the oatmeal.  Explain that fiber in needed for good health.  Also, oatmeal may help to control blood glucose levels.

Show the skim milk.  Explain that consuming at least 3 to 4 servings of low fat dairy products can provide calcium and vitamin D.  Show "Milk and Yogurt."

Salt shaker.  Explain that you should limit the salt intake because people with diabetes often have high blood pressure.  Controlling the salt intake will help lower blood pressure which is common in diabetics.

Vegetables and fruits.  Explain how these can reduce the risk for heart disease, stroke, and many cancers.   Show "Vegetables and Fruits."

Packet of sugar.  Discuss how to lower sugar intake and that artificial sweeteners are safe.  Avoid too much sugar between meals.  For example drink diet soft drinks, not regular.  Show "Fats and Sweets."

End by discussing how healthy eating habits can help people with diabetes live a normal and productive life.

• Refer to student IEP to determine specific modifications/accomodations 

• Bring in examples of healthy food and have a tasting party for the class.
• Invite medical professionals to speak to class about good nutrition.
• Students will be able to find a "Pen Pal" with diabetes.

• Rubric Evaluation With Students Achieving At Least A Minimum Satisfactory Rating

1. Observation
2. Student Portfolios
3. Oral Testing

• Reading:  5.11, 5.14, 5.16
• Personal Health and Wellness: 5.8, 5.26, 5.27, 5.29
• Science and Technology: 6.78
• Computer and Technology:  6.98

• Understands essential concepts about nutrition and diet
• Knows how to maintain and promote personal health
• Knows essential concepts about the prevention and control of disease
• Uses reading skills and strategies to understand and interpret a variety of  informational texts

References:

1. The Food Guide Pyramid Site
2. The Dietary Guidelines Site
3. JDRF'S Site
4. WebReference
5. AnimationFactory