Rational
In the United States childhood obesity is a major concern of healthcare providers, teachers and parents.There are nearly twice as many overweight children and almost three times as many overweight teens as in 1980. (1,2) Childhood obesity can lead to other health complications, such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, joint problems, heart disease, and anxiety.
Diet plans and nutritional advice inundate our society. The amount of information, conflicting advice and health claims can be overwhelming for adults. For students whose nutritional needs are different, the task can seem impossible. Our students are barraged with television ads that often make foods with little nutritional value seem very desirable. Candy, snacks and soft drinks companies advertise frequently on Saturday morning cartoons. Major Food Chains create cute "Kids Meals" where students not only get lots of calories but a prize too!
Nutrition is essential to health. Students need to understand how their body uses food and how different kinds of food contribute to health.When our student's nutritional needs are met, it is easier for them to focus and learn. Good nutrition and learning go hand in hand.
Building a solid foundation of nutritional knowledge while they are young will lay the groundwork for lifelong health habits. It is vital that our students learn about healthy eating patterns at an early age so that they can take responsibility for what they eat, make informed choices and protect their health through diet as they grow older. Healthy eating habits learned early in life will serve them well.
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