Dubai Municipality has developed a series of characters that create positive dietary habits and unleash the potential in youngsters’ hearts and minds.
Food Heroes, characters that represent the six main food groups, help deliver the message to school children that consuming these food groups is not only a healthy thing to do, but fun too!
Saleem: Protein
He represents the animal group, including chicken, meat, and fish. Saleem is rich in B-vitamins, zinc, iron, and magnesium; he helps build muscles, bones, skin, and blood, as well as enhancing memory.
Ghalia: Wheat
She is our main source of carbohydrates and is therefore full of energy! Everybody loves Ghalia because she keeps our stomach full and is a source of fibres and B-complex vitamins.
Mufeed: Dairy
He is a source of protein and calcium, who helps with strengthening bones and focusing better. Mufeed recommends low fat milk and milk products over full fat milk.
Jamila: Fruits
She represents the fruits family, such as bananas, strawberries, oranges, and apples. Jamila provides us with vitamins and minerals such as potassium and vitamin B6.
Nasheet: Vegetables
He is a source of vegetables and provides us with fibres that help in digestion and vitamin C, which in turn helps fight infections. He recommends consuming one cup of raw leafy vegetables or one cup of cooked vegetables per day.
Lateef: Nuts
Although he is small, Lateef is a source of healthy fats, vitamin B, vitamin E, and minerals such as iron, zinc, potassium, and magnesium.
Food Heroes Plate
Creating a ‘Food Heroes Plate’ can be a colourful, fun, and educational experience, but it is important to take the following into consideration:
- Choose variety and different food groups to create a balanced meal
- Fill half of the plate with Jamila and Nasheet food groups, such as salads and fruits
- When choosing Ghalia, make at least half of the grain group whole grains, like oatmeal and whole-wheat bread
Combining the food groups with these fun heroes ensures that kids relate to the foods on their plate every time they sit down to eat!
Contact
Web: www.dm.gov.ae
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 800900
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