Home » ExchangeEveryDay » Proper Eating Habits



ExchangeEveryDay Past Issues


<< Previous Issue | View Past Issues | | Next Issue >> ExchangeEveryDay
Proper Eating Habits
January 20, 2005


"You really can change the world if you care enough." - Marion Wright Edelman



Proper Eating Habits

Study after study has confirmed that child obesity is a growing problem in the United States (see ExchangeEveryDay for August 13, 2004 at http://mail.ccie.com/go/eed/0509).  Early childhood programs can play a significant proactive role in helping children develop healthy eating habits.  We know that many programs have developed clever and effective approaches to promoting healthy eating habits among the children in their programs, the adults working in their centers, and the parents they serve.  We invite you to share your strategies for promoting healthy eating in the "Ideas from the Field" section of our web site.  Here you can share your ideas, as well as view the ideas of your peers from around the world.  A selection of these ideas will also be published in the March 2005 issue of Exchange.  

To participate, go to:
http://mail.ccie.com/go/eed/0510

ExchangeEveryDay

Delivered five days a week containing news, success stories, solutions, trend reports, and much more.

What is ExchangeEveryDay?

ExchangeEveryDay is the official electronic newsletter for Exchange Press. It is delivered five days a week containing news stories, success stories, solutions, trend reports, and much more.



Comments (64)

Displaying 5 of 64 Comments   [ View all ]
Caryn O'Connor · April 26, 2005
Imagine Early Learning Centers
New York, NY, United States


Healthy living has become the theme of the 2004-2005 school year at Imagine Early Learning Centers.

Starting in the Fall of 2004 Imagine started a "healthy snacks" campaign. We removed some old standards from our snack menus like graham crackers and gold fish in favor of healthy crackers free of hydrogenated oils and trans fats. Puffed wheat and whole grain cereals were also added in addition to increasing concentration on fruits and vegetables.
Teachers are also working with parents to increase the healthy content of foods brought in from home, as well as limiting nuts and other foods associated with common food allergies.

Outdoor and indoor gross motor activites continue to be a focus at Imagine. Dance, stratching, gymnastics and yoga classes are among the physical curriculum highlights. Several active parents have volunteered their time to teach physical classes or join us for gym activities.

Finally, for the first time Imagine's Assistant Directors were in charge of planning our annual Fall staff conference. The theme was health and wellness. Presenters conducted sessions on stress reduction, yoga, pilates, Nia, massage, and meditation. Staff learned how to use techniques to reduce their own stress as well as incorportating the strategies in the classroom with their children.

Janet Cordingley · April 26, 2005
Ave Maria House
Tulsa, OK, United States


This a request: I would be interested in more info from Robin Rick (Epworth Preschool and Daycare). "Nutritious snacks that the children prepare themselves" sounds like a winner!

Tami havener · April 26, 2005
Discovery Learning Center
Steamboat Springs, CO, United States


We live in an area where almost everyone is physically active in outdoor recreation, so because parents include their children in their activities - skiing, hiking, etc.. children are also active and therefore obesity isn't really an issue for our kids.

Poko Tuaiti · April 26, 2005
Te Punanga Reo childcare
Hamilton, New Zealand, New Zealand


The babies are at the mercy of the adults, I have taken care of twins, and as soon as they are 8-12 months, they explore tasting food. Veges, freshly cooked. Fresh fruit they suck out of a muslin cloth. The first tasting of veges, fruit, need to be introduced, and build up to toddlers stage. Habits are formed by tasting a variety of fruit and vege. Fish, beef, is added to fresh veges for taste at first. The infant and toddlers meals are build on these basic food. Exercises are added, after meals and rest is the pattern that the babies growth is analyse during rest. BICS and CALP are explored as early as infant stage. The first word from the babies I care and work with is 'ataata' means smile, in three languages. I picked up the sounds they make and ask parents what they mean. Eating habits are formed and then build in the child's character. What an amazing learning experiences we are all having. The pattern of eating, tasting, resting are very important as the child is developing with a holistic approach of caring and loving. Life begins at birth, followed by many disciplines of learning and growing. Pen Name. Olly T80.

Kelly Satola · April 26, 2005
Action for Children
Columbus, Ohio, United States


The Healthy Child Care Ohio program provides FREE consultations & on-site visits to child care homes & providers to address nutrition issues. We discuss menu ideas, preparation methods & activities as easy ways to incorporate nutrition education opportunities into a child's day. However, the biggest obstacle may be a providers' attitude toward nutrition! Providers should lead by example: eating meals with children from the same menu, snacking on healthy choices ("snacks" can be fruits & vegetables - not just treats/junk food), moving around with the children during activities rather than sitting, showing an enthusiasm for new, healthy foods (turning your nose-up at a food prompts the children to do the same) & finally, having a good understanding of nutrition guidelines & why they are important to a child's growth & development. The examples you set now, could influence a child's healthy habits for a lifetime!



Post a Comment

Have an account? to submit your comment.


required

Your e-mail address will not be visible to other website visitors.
required
required
required

Check the box below, to help verify that you are not a bot. Doing so helps prevent automated programs from abusing this form.



Disclaimer: Exchange reserves the right to remove any comments at its discretion or reprint posted comments in other Exchange materials.