The School Day Just Got Healthier By: Nick Johannesen Tina Makiola

 Learn how to use choosemyplate.gov  Super Tracker  Learn how to be a healthy role model  How to incorporate a lesson on healthy life choices into your classroom  Tips for older students in co-curricular activities Today’s Objectives

 Standard 3  Standard 5  Standard 7 National Health Standards

 Nearly 32 million children receive meals throughout the school day.  These meals are based on nutrition standards from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  New nutrition standards for schools increase access to healthy food and encourage kids to make smart choices.  Schools are working to make meals more nutritious, keep all students hunger-free, and help children maintain or reach a healthy weight.  School lunch example  A little background behind school lunches

 Students benefit from whole foods that include whole grains, fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lower sodium foods, and less saturated fat.  It is important to talk to the student about the changes in the school meals  School Lunch before and after   Video  Benefits of a healthier meal at school

 Fruits and vegetables are available at school lunch everyday  It is important to educate the students on the value of these foods.  A variety of color is key.  3-5 servings per day  Greenhouse  The importance of more fruits and vegetables

 Whole grain foods are rich in fiber which allows for the students to feel full longer  Carbohydrates are a main source of energy for your body  Can improve digestive health  Carbs are the only fuel normally used by brain cells  Important for brain function  6-10 servings per day. More whole-grain foods

 By choosing low-fat dairy products, children get the same calcium as well as other nutrients, but with fewer calories and less saturated fat.  Foods such as yogurt, milk, cheese, and calcium- fortified soy beverages for lactose intolerant students  2-3 servings per day. Choosing low-fat dairy

 Protein makes up 20% of a healthy body  Protein is a part of everything in a body that has structure, such as bones, hair, skin, and nails  Protein makes up the enzymes that enable essential chemical reactions in our body- helps break down foods  Foods such as meat, beans, poultry etc.  2-3 servings per day Protein

 School meals meet children's needs, based on age  Over eating can cause drowsiness and inability to learn  Over eating for long periods of time can lead to obesity  Portions should be no larger than the size of one’s fist. Portion size is key

 3 oz. of meat  Baked potato  Bagel  Potato chips, pretzels, popcorn  Rice  1 oz. of cheese  Nuts  Pasta Portion Size Examples

Portion sizes continued

 It is important to stay hydrated so that our bodies function correctly  Schools can provide water pitchers and cups at lunch tables  Allow students to bring water bottles to class and can re-fill at the water fountain when needed.  Eliminate soda machines in schools or only offer soda at certain parts of the day  8-8 fl. Ounces of water should be consumed per day. More water

 Show the children how to make healthy choices at school by using choosemyplate.  Visit choosemyplate.gov for tips and resources  Activity  MyPlate can help kids make better food choices

 School meal programs can provide much of what children need for health and growth.  It can be a challenge for parents to buy healthy foods at home. Learn more about healthy school meals and other nutritional assistance programs at Resources for Parents

 You can do many things to help your students develop healthy eating habits  By educating the different varieties of healthy choices available at school lunch. They can take what they learned in the classroom to the lunchroom. Be a healthy role model for children

 Eat vegetables, fruits, and whole grains with your meals or snacks  Let the students see that you like to munch on raw fruits and vegetables Show by Example

 Show your attention with praise  Choose not to offer sweets as a reward. Let your students think sweets or dessert foods are worse than other foods. Reward with attention, not food

 Set an example by being active  Make physical activity fun for the whole class  If the students are not paying attention have them get out of their desks and take a minute to stretch and move around  Maybe sit on stability balls  An active brain is a learning brain. Encourage physical activity

 Milk and Yogurt  Oats  Blueberries  Salmon  Walnuts  Dark Chocolate  Dark Green Vegetables  Beans  Coffee Top Brain Foods

 Hydrate throughout the day, so cramping instances are reduced during a sporting event  Bring easy light snacks such as:  Fruit  Carrots/Celery with peanut butter  Nuts/Trail mix or granola bar  Peanut butter and jelly on whole wheat  Eating a light snack will improve your energy/mood Suggestions for students in co-curricular activities

 p?ID= p?ID=11799 Lesson Plan

      Resources