Spring has officially come and being on spring break has already got me thinking about summer. With summer coming, it provided inspiration to be mindful about health and nutrition. Now maybe some already have resolutions to get healthier and move more. This includes me! However, one issue that I have been recently discussing with my best girlfriend was the state of children's diets and how it affects them in school. I have been pondering this topic for a long time and finally decided to write on it. I have been teaching for 12+ years and I have seen first hand how a child's diet can impact their learning potential.
It is no joke as many of us are working parents and don't have the time some days to use the bathroom let alone pack a healthy lunch for our children. The truth of the matter is that children who eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to be involved and available to learn. Having pop tarts in the backseat may be an easy option for kids but the nutritional value of a pop tart leaves a whole lot to be desired. The amount of sugar will spike the energy level, but the child will crash hard and that may even be before 8am and they still have 3.5 hours until lunch.
Attention deficit disorder is one of the mot common things I hear as a school teacher. What many adults may not know is that a child's diet can impact and contribute to the disorder wreaking havoc within a child. I am not a doctor and what I write here is based on my experience as an educator, not with medical research. Kids who drink water, low-sugar, natural drinks and have a diet that is rich in whole-grains, fruit, and vegetables tend to be more alert and engaged in school. Children who eat processed foods that are high in sugar and fat tend to be more lethargic in class and less engaged.
Are you an informed consumer? I ask this question out of a place of caring and well-being. I try not to judge others and everyone has their own individual story to tell. Over the years, I have had hundreds of children pass through my classroom door and I can tell the children who eat a well-balanced diet from those who don't. I can tell by the child's behavior, attention, and overall engagement in class. I can tell by their body size and activity level. That is even before the child open's up and contributes in class. Now, I don't boast ever about being perfect and I work 12-14 hours a day, commute 45 minutes each way to work and run in the rat race like other busy mom's and dad's. My house is not the best furnished or the largest, but it might be the best stocked in whole grains, fruits, and vegetable. Now don't get me wrong, I have my fair share of chocolate, jelly beans, and ice cream, but the treats are rationed and we take each day as it comes, one day at a time.
When I asked the question, are you an informed consumer, I want to know, do you take time to make a grocery list? Are you looking at labels and making sure you can actually read and pronounce the words that make up the food you are eating? Are the first few ingredients corn syrup, high fructose, sugar, or enriched white four? If so, you might consider putting it back on the shelf and opting for the organic brand. My best girlfriend once said to me, "Randee, it's ok to have Mac and Cheese, just buy the organic kind!" Now, you might be saying to yourself, "organic, shmorganic! It's all hype and it is way too expensive!" Well, yes you might be paying more for organic but here is my rule that I try to live by. It the produce is grown in it's own skin and I don't eat the skin, then I buy non-organic and use a veggie wash. If I eat the skin (strawberries, blackberries, etc) then I buy organic. When I can't get organic, I make sure to use a veggie wash. Also, grocery chains are getting back into the game and realizing that consumers are wanting and expecting more. Food grocery chain Aldi, has even started to come out with a few items that are organic and more healthful. Almond and Soy Milk, Organic cereal, and a couple organic pastas have made their way to the shelves at my local stores. Trader Joes is another fantastic chain that has global foods at great prices. If you are in the Chicagoland area, Mariano's is another fantastic store. Fresh produce, meats, deli, and a fantastic bakery to boot! Their prices are very reasonable and you can't beat the quality.
Now, you might be thinking that this educator has gone off the deep end here, what does this blog post have to do with education? Well, I believe that health and nutrition absolutely effects the state of education. As adults we know that if we don't eat well or sleep 7-9 hours a night, our work performance suffers. We are tired, irritable, and often times tend to reach for the comfort food to help us get through the work day. Kids are the same way! They are tired, listless, and cranky when they don't get the proper nutrition. Their brains don't function as well and they are not available to learn! I see the lunches that are packed and it amazes me the processed, high carb, high fat lunches that are sent in. This doesn't include the corn syrup-laden juices and energy-boost drinks that are packed everyday!
When students come back from lunch, they are at a high. They have had 40 minutes to laugh, engage in conversation, and refuel their bodies. Shortly after lunch, the food coma tends to kick in and students can start to be sluggish and tired. Kids who have had proper nutrition are more likely to stay engaged in the classroom versus my student friends who have had processed foods rich in orange cheese powder and patties of beef that are warmed in baggies.
One of my good friends who shares in the same belief of wholesome, nutritious foods, inspired me recently to have a family creed. I saw a very smart family poster in her home and it inspired me to come up with with a few simple rules to live by in my home:
The Educator Beat Family Creed
5. Be Respectful of everyone
4. Follow directions that adults give
3. Hugs and kisses are always welcomed
2. Be open and honest with each other
1. Make healthy choices daily (food, sleep, and behavior)
Wrapping up this week's blog post, I am challenging my readers to share what they are doing to help their families live a healthier lifestyle? I would love to hear from you. Are you eating dinner together, turning off the TV at meal times, walking more, cleaning out the refrigerator and freezer, turning off the video games? As always, be kind to yourself, your family, and your students.
Keep in touch and until next time, be well!
~RK
After I published this, I came upon this article and thought I would pass along. Making informed choices are key!
Truthout.org: The Truth about Wal-Mart
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