Lesson Plan

Nutrition Investigation Plan

Students will investigate nutritional labels, compare food choices, and create a personalized healthy meal proposal, applying nutrition literacy and critical thinking skills.

This lesson empowers students to understand nutrition facts, make informed food choices, and develop lifelong healthy habits by hands-on label analysis and meal planning.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review and Organize Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Nutrition Detective Role

5 minutes

Step 2

Decode the Label Activity

15 minutes

Step 3

Analyze and Compare Food Choices

15 minutes

Step 4

Develop Healthy Meal Proposal

20 minutes

Step 5

Reflection and Self-Assessment

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Decode the Nutrition Label

Welcome students! Introduce yourselves as Nutrition Detectives. Explain that today they'll learn how to decode every part of a nutrition label so they can make informed food choices.

Why Nutrition Labels Matter

Emphasize why reading labels matters for health and long-term habits. Connect to daily choices like snacks and lunch picks.

Serving Size & Servings Per Container

Point out the “Serving Size” box on a label. Explain that all nutrient values relate to this amount.

Calories

Discuss calories as units of energy. Mention daily calorie needs vary by age, activity, and goals.

Macronutrients: Carbohydrates

Explain carbohydrates’ role in energy. Differentiate simple vs. complex carbs if helpful.

Macronutrients: Protein & Fat

Cover protein’s role in growth and fat’s types: saturated vs. unsaturated. Emphasize moderation.

Fiber & Added Sugars

Highlight fiber benefits and why added sugars matter more for health.

Micronutrients: Vitamins & Minerals

Show common vitamins and minerals. Emphasize nutrients critical for teens like calcium and iron.

% Daily Value (%DV)

Explain %DV as a quick guide. Point out that 5% or less is low, 20% or more is high.

Ingredient List

Discuss how the ingredient list is organized by weight. Teach them to spot added sugars and artificial additives.

Sample Label Walkthrough

Walk through a real or mock label image. Point to each component and ask questions to engage the student.

Tips for Healthier Choices

Summarize key tips and preview next activity – comparing two labels and planning a meal based on what they’ve learned.