MES Health- Nutrition

In our last few weeks of health class (I transition to teaching health at WES in mid-January), we'll be exploring food and nutrition. My approach to nutrition education focuses on teaching about the nutrients that different foods provide our bodies and how those nutrients benifit our health. I try to refrain from labeling foods as "good vs. bad"; "healthy vs. unhealthy", "junk vs. clean" and encourage students (and you!) to do the same. Instead we'll learn that the calcium in dairy helps build strong bones, and protein in beans and meats helps our muscles grow. Food as fuel and water as hydration will be the highlighted. 

PHOTO: DIANA CHISTRUGA Eatingwell

While it's true that some foods provide us with many more nutrients than other foods, there is evidence that dichotomous thinking around food can be a slippery slope toward restrictive eating and even eating disorders. In health class, we practice the skill of "analyzing influences." In our nutrition unit, students will reflect on some of the influences on their food choices. This time of year, a major influence on many of our eating habits is cultural and family traditions tied to holidays. The joy of sharing food with others is influential and the jubilant emotions and social connections that come with these rituals is arguably more important to our overall well-being than the exact number of calories in a cookie. 

We'll cover the importance of eating a variety of foods and get students thinking about what new foods they might be interested in trying. Perhaps you can make a plan with your child to try a new food together. If you are looking for insight on expanding your child's palate, I highly recommend the book How to Raise an Intuitive Eater: Raising the Next Generation with Food and Body Confidence by Sumner Brooks and Amee Severson (first one to email me can borrow my copy :)).

I also love the free Small Bites email newsletter from the Registered Dietitians at Kids Eat in Color. It has advice on such important topics as "Avoiding Hangry Meltdowns at the Holidays" and recipes like "Protein Packed Rice Crispy Treats".

Some of us may remember health and PE classes from our school days that emphasized making the "right" food and exercise choices in order to achieve or maintain a "healthy weight." As the scientific understanding of the relationship between health and weight evolves, this has faded from the health curriculum and National Health Education Standards. Over the past year, I have spent some time talking with and learning from the researchers at UVM Weight Inclusive Nutrition Research Group who envision an inclusive world where no one feels ashamed of their body, and certainly not because of what they learned in health class.

I believe that food and movement can sustain our bodies, regardless of size, with nourishment and delight, no (weight related) strings attached. 

I wish you all a lovely holiday season celebrating with all your favorite people and treats.

Bon appetit,

Ms. Zaino