When Mrs Walker entered the classroom, there was a collective gasp of surprise. Following her were a group

be heading off to college or starting your careers, and it is essential to develop good habits now that will benefit you in the long run. Mrs Walker then divided the class into small groups and assigned each group a budget of $20 to plan a healthy meal for a family of four.

The first step in planning a meal is to determine which food groups should be included. These include fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy. Each group will be responsible for selecting items from each food group while staying within their budget.

To begin, let"s consider the fruits and vegetables category. Fruits and vegetables are important sources of vitamins and minerals. They should make up a significant portion of our meals. With a budget of $20, each group can allocate around $4 for fruits and vegetables. This could include items such as apples, oranges, carrots, and broccoli, which are relatively inexpensive and provide a variety of nutrients.

Moving on to grains, which are a significant source of energy and dietary fiber. Grains include foods like bread, cereal, rice, and pasta. With the remaining budget of $16, each group can allocate around $6-$8 for grains, depending on their preferences. They can consider choosing whole grains that provide more nutrients and fiber, such as whole wheat bread and brown rice.

Next, let"s consider proteins. Proteins are essential for growth and repair of body tissues. They can be found in foods like meat, poultry, fish, beans, and nuts. With the remaining budget of $8-$10, each group can allocate around $3-$4 for proteins. They can consider more affordable options such as beans, lentils, or chicken, which are good sources of protein.

Lastly, we have dairy products. Dairy products provide calcium, which is vital for strong bones and teeth. With the remaining budget of $5-$6, each group can allocate around $2-$3 for dairy products. This could include milk, yogurt, or cheese.

After selecting items from each food group, the groups can work together to create a meal plan within their allocated budgets. They can calculate the cost of each item and ensure it fits within the given budget. Additionally, they can make adjustments to ensure a balanced meal that meets dietary recommendations.

It is important to note that prices of groceries may vary, so the groups should take into account any fluctuations while creating their meal plans. Mrs Walker encouraged the students to think creatively and make the most of the resources available to them.

By planning a healthy meal within a limited budget, the students learned the value of making nutritious choices while being mindful of their financial constraints. This exercise provided them with valuable skills that they can carry forward into their adult lives, promoting both physical and financial well-being.

Remember, a healthy diet doesn"t have to be expensive, and with some planning and smart choices, it is possible to maintain a nutritious lifestyle on a limited budget.