National Nutrition Awareness Month begins this Friday, March 1st.  Sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the campaign is focused on spreading information to make informed choices about the food we choose to eat.  Many factors combine when we choose our food -- lifestyle, personal taste preference, culture and ethnic heritage, economics, and current health ideals are all at play when you decide what to eat.    

How can we spread the information we need to make healthy eating choices?  This knowledge is needed more than ever, especially for teens, whose health is suffering from poor diet and exercise. 

 

Did You Know?

 

- Kale, the leafy green, contains more calcium per calorie than milk.

- Quinoa, the seed, is a complete protein. It contains all 9 of the essential amino acids our bodies need.

- Cashews are cancer fighting!  They contain flavanols that starve tumors and stop cancer cells from dividing.  Cashews also contain copper, which helps rid the body of damage-casuing free radicals.  

- Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which is a type of unsaturated fat that is good for our heart. Chia also contains antioxidants and helps rid the body of toxins.

 

What Can You Do?

Start a conversation in your classroom about National Nutrition Awareness Month.  What do your kids want to learn?

- Have your students heard the word "superfoods?"  What are some examples of superfoods?  Why are they called super?

- Are your students up-to-date with the current standards of MyPlate.gov?  What is the difference between MyPlate and its food pyramid predecessor?  Why did the government make these changes?

- The partner to a healthy diet is a healthy, active body.  What sorts of exercise do your students do?  What could they add to that routine to better their heart health? 

 

Materials for Your Classroom

National Nutrition Awareness Month offers an opportunity to empower students so that they are able to make educated choices about eating healthfully and exercising.

We've gathered our best nutrition and exercise programs together to help you educate your teens about these vital life skills. Please click the link below to find out more and take advantage of the special offer below: