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 http://www.igs.k12.wi.us/dist_menus.cfm?memberid=111&month=9&year=2012&view=cal_view&categoryid=all

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 http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/governance/legislation/comparison.pdf

Video http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/video/meals-food-school-lunch-students-youtube-government-guidelines-cafeteria-health-17335054

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 http://www.igs.k12.wi.us/ighs/ighs_greenhouse.cfm

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 http://www.choosemyplate.gov/

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 www.fns.usda.gov

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

http://www.pecentral.com/lessonideas/ViewLesson.asp?ID=11799

Lesson Plan

www.fns.usda.gov www.choosemyplate.gov www.abcnews.go.com www.igs.k12.wi.us www.webmed.com www.pecentral.com

Resources