Champions for Change, a Network for a Healthy California, presented “Rethink your drink — You are what you eat and drink” to members of the Boys and Girls Club of Stanton last week.
Club members heard that being healthy starts at home.
Champions for Change, a Network for a Healthy California, presented “Rethink your drink — You are what you eat and drink” to members of the Boys and Girls Club of Stanton last week.
Club members heard that being healthy starts at home.
“We are not only what we eat but what we drink,” children were told.
Then they were asked what things they should avoid eating and drinking, some of which the club members said were sodas. They also said they should drink more water.
Those attending the presentation were reminded that if poor choices weren't available, they wouldn't have to avoid them.
The Stanton Boys and Girls Club has two vending machines in the game room, but careful attention has been paid to have healthy snack choices in the machines, along with lots of bottled water which the children can purchase.
Children were told to eat smart to play hard and to use “My Plate.gov” to help them find foods from the food groups to fuel their bodies.
Food groups may have changed a little over the years, but it's still fruits, vegetables, protein, grains and dairy that matter.
They were instructed to avoid foods with added sugars or solid fats because those fill you up so there's no room for foods that help them to eat smart and play hard.
As the different foods were mentioned, each was explained as to how it helped the body, such as carrots for eyesight and that foods with vitamin C and A help the immune system
Water is the essential ingredient to life because nearly 70 percent of the body is made up of water; water also helps in the digestion of food and keeps the skin smooth and healthy too.
Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day such as skateboarding, tossing a ball or playing tag.
“Every little bit counts,” children were told
Each child was given a promise contract to fill out and sign, with things they thought would make them healthier and stronger such as, “I promise to drink water when I'm thirsty for the next so many weeks,” or, “I promise to read food labels on the back of the beverage and/or to choose a healthy beverage.” etc.
They could choose anything they wanted to add to their promise contract.
The club is holding a poster contest about nutrition; the winner will be announced next week and the winner gets to take home a brand new bicycle.
For information, visit www.RethinkYourDrink.com.
