Nutrition Month is an initiative from Dietitians of Canada to encourage families to take an active role in planning meals, purchasing food and preparing healthy food at home. It’s an opportunity for parents, teachers and community leaders to educate children about food and nutrition.
"Obesity has become the most prevalent nutritional problem in the world, eclipsing under-nutrition and infectious disease as the most significant contributor to ill health and mortality" (CMAJ, 2007; 176-8). In Canada, one in four children is overweight and obesity rates have quadrupled over the last 15 years. Health risks associated with obesity are occurring at a much younger age and include Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, some cancers, osteoarthritis and social and psychological problems such as low self esteem and depression.
behaviours which have been identified as potentially contributing to this energy imbalance include:
- Lack of physical activity
- Increase in sedentary behaviour
- Increased portion sizes for food and beverages
- Increased number of meals eaten away from home
- Frequent snacking on energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods
- Increased consumption of sugar sweetened drinks
- Fewer family meals prepared and eaten at home
In the "Mission Nutrition" food lab children visit four learning stations, where they are challenged to find out the facts about healthy eating. Each learning station attempts to address several of the behaviours contributing to childhood obesity in a fun and interactive way, hopefully inspiring and empowering our kids to make healthy living choices throughout their lives.
- Station 1: Eating Well With Canada’s Food Guide - Kids identify the amount and types of food that makes up a healthy eating pattern.
- Station 2: Rate Your Breakfast Cereal - Children learn how to use the nutrition facts label on food packaging to identify healthy options.
- Station 3: Quench Your Thirst…Not Your Sweet Tooth - Kids learn about healthy drinks choices and how much sugar goes into sugar-sweetened beverages.
- Station 4: Fast Food, Be Choosey - Kids learn how to identify healthier fast food options.
This year Kids in the Kitchen takes place on May 3rd at Cambrian Heights School.
Our sincere thanks to Dani for speaking at our GM on this timely subject, enlightening us about good nutrition and encouraging us to rededicate ourselves to the KITK initiative. Thank you also to all the JLC members who volunteered to assist with the demonstrations!
