Page 125 - Volt Elevate The World Around Us Book 4

Jimmy’s Journey to a Healthy Environment

One bright morning, Jimmy walked with his mother to the
weekly market. As they passed by the vegetable sellers,
his mother explained, “Food is life, Jimmy. It gives
us strength to play, study and grow. There are many
food groups – grains like rice and wheat, fruits and
vegetables full of vitamins, and milk, meat and pulses
full of proteins.” Jimmy noticed baskets of fresh carrots,
tomatoes and mangoes. His mother added, “Some food
comes from plants, some from animals and all travel
a long journey before reaching our plate. We can
also cook food in many ways like boiling, steaming,
roasting or frying.” Jimmy understood food was not
just taste, it was care from nature.
“Food from farm to home it goes,
Helping every child who grows.

Cook it well and eat it right,
Stay healthy, happy, full of might.”

At lunchtime, Jimmy’s mother served dal, rice and salad. She
said, “This is a balanced diet with all nutrients. Junk
food like chips or sugary drinks may taste good
but harm your body. Our teeth chew the food, the
tongue tastes it and then it goes for digestion in
the stomach.” Jimmy chewed slowly and mindfully,
enjoying the flavours. His grandmother joined in,
telling how people earlier preserved food by drying
and pickling, while today we use refrigerators and
sealed containers. Jimmy realised food was too
precious to waste and smiled with gratitude.
“Balanced meals keep sickness away,
Junk food spoils the body each day.

Chew it slow, give thanks for the grain,
Food once lost won’t come back again.”

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