Students learn how to choose a lifestyle that combines sensible eating with regular physical activity. The dramatic increase of overweight children in our schools indicates that it is imperative for children to learn the importance of being fit and healthy. Children need to develop good eating habits and participate in physical activity. Maintaining a healthy weight is key to leading a long, healthy life.
Nutrition education helps children be aware of what they eat and learn to make wise food choices.
Daily participation in physical education classes by high school students dropped from 42 percent in 1991 to 27 percent in 1997 The time students spend being active in physical education classes is decreasing. In addition to maintaining a healthy weight, it is also important that children be physically active. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend, for optimal overall health, children get 60 minutes of moderate exercise each day. Provides an outlet for energy and tension Physical activity and nutrition work together for better health. Increasing our level of physical activity increases the amount of food we need, allowing us to eat more of a variety of healthy foods, making it easier to get the nutrients we need.