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Teenage bodies are still in the formative years of growth, and proper nutrition is as important as ever during these years. Making their own choices doesn't always mean teenagers eat right, but middle and high schools do provide more attractive and healthy choices these days. Choosing healthy foods can still be something teens enjoy if they have enough options.
The availability of healthy food for children in primary school settings promotes health, growth and intellectual development. When children are encouraged to eat nutritious foods regularly, it will lead to enhanced brain function and an overall healthy lifestyle. When healthy food is offered in the home and at school, children tend to do better on tests and classroom work.
By eating healthy, children can prevent future disease. Poor nutrition in childhood can result in serious health problems down the line. The right combination of carbohydrates and proteins produces amino acids that help neurotransmitters in the brain work better. This enhances learning and behavior in youth. Lunches such as a salad of legumes with turkey or tuna help kids keep alert through the afternoon.
Like many parents, you are probably outraged at the quality of food being offered to children in school cafeterias and vending machines. Considering that most school food is loaded with sugar, salt, artificial dyes and empty calories, it is really no surprise that there is a growing epidemic of obesity as well as behavioral problems in our nation's young people. As a parent, you can help your child achieve glowing good health and nutrition with a few key tools.
Children need a balanced diet to help them grow and learn. However, not all food is nutritious and balanced. Some food provides empty calories and low nutrients. Giving children food rich in vitamins, fiber, calcium and protein will benefit them in the present and prepare them for a healthier future.
Eating healthy at school requires you to watch your portion size while not trying everything at once. Maintain healthy eating at school with help from a health promotion specialist in this free video on healthy eating.
Healthy eating activities teach students to make positive food choices and establish a life-long appreciation for nutrition. Interactive and enjoyable activities make healthy eating more appealing to kids. Begin with the healthy eating activity ideas below, making modifications as necessary. Allow the kids to expand on the activities or develop new healthy eating activities for the class.
