School Lunch, "From a Mother's Perspective"
From a Mother's perspective, as well as a health educator, I am very upset with the new guidelines for school lunches. I am sure that First Lady Michelle Obama had good intentions with the plan to change school lunches. Although, I think she forgot to take a few things into account. First, for the children that are overweight, their poor eating habits probably started at a very young age. Many children that are overweight also have parents that are overweight. The example of how to eat healthy may not have been taught at a young age. Second, we are a more sedentary society due to video games and technology. We are not forced to get up and move as much. Many parents allow their children to play video games which does not do anything positive for their health.
Third, we are in such a hurry that our meals may be chosen due to convenience. Most food that is fast food, canned food or processed food, is not as healthy of a choice. There is more sodium and fat present in a lot of these types of food. Therefore, with the original intention that, First Lady Michelle Obama may have had, it is defeated by choices made at home. One meal a day in school and an extra gym class each day may not make a huge difference, unless education is a part of teaching better eating habits. The way I see these changes affecting my children, who have been taught better eating habits and to be active, is in a negative way. They are hungrier now than they use to be. They need to buy extra lunches to feel full. Also, they have no desire to eat at school. This is affecting their mood and making them more tired in the afternoon. They feel they need to snack more. Unfortunately, this is not an option. I do not feel this is fair to my children. They should not be affected by other's poor choices.
My solution to the problem is education. Teach the parents of the obese children how to cook healthier, choose appropriate portion sizes and exercise. We need to realize that we should eat to live and not live to eat. Setting an example for our children will continue on down through the generations. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could change some of the negative choices that will ultimately affect our health down the road. Think of the benefits of eating healthy. Not only would this impact how you feel about yourself, it would also increase your activity level. Overall, we know there would be less stress on the body itself and joints. Most people would reduce their risk of diabetes and sleep apnea, as well as, many other diseases that are related to obesity. Imagine what we could actually accomplish and how great people would feel!
"As I said, this is my own perspective as a mother and health educator."
Article Submitted By:
Maryfran Powall
Independent Senior Sales Representative
2012
Links about Diatary Information fo Children:
1.) http://www.choosemyplate.gov/
2.) http://www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_eating_children_teens.htm
3.) http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/healthy/news/nutritionalguidelinesforkids
4.) http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=10054
5.) http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/good-eats-school-age-kids
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