Nutrition News 
Hartford Public Schools
Department of Food Services
and Nutrition Education
Vol. VIII, Issue I, 2000-2001

The Top Banana :

Commendation to the Food Service and Nutrition Education Department

The Food Services and Nutrition Education Department has developed and implemented promotional and educational activities to stress the importance of calcium consumption in students' food choices and its benefits in the prevention of osteoporosis. In recognition of our work, the Connecticut Department of Public Health presented the Top Banana Award to Carole Kurtz, Food Service Director on October 13, 2000.

Women today are busier than ever. Their everyday health helps them get through the day. Here is what today's women have to say:

• Almost 90% of women feel it is important to eat regular well balanced meals, but only 26% feel they eat a healthy diet.
• Eighty eight percent (88%) of women feel that regular physical activity is very important while only 36% exercise regularly.
• Over 90% of women feel getting plenty of sleep is very important, only 46% feel they get the sleep they need.
• Almost 80% of women feel drained of energy at the end of the day and nearly 50% of women have talked with their doctor about feeling tired or having low energy .

Snacking is on the increase and so is weight

 For years, dietitians have recommended snacking or grazing as a better way to eat than three large meals a day. In theory, little meals every three hours prevent hunger and reduce the tendency to overeat. Those little meals should be real food and not high fat and high calorie snacks.

When it comes to snacking, many people eat whenever we get the chance not just when we need to. The high fat, high calorie and salty choices do not improve our nutritional status. The average American consumes 53 gallons of carbonated drinks and 8 gallons of sugary "fruit" drinks a year. In addition, 60 pounds of frozen potatoes, mostly in the form of french fries are eaten. These empty calories on top of generous meals add up. It is no wonder, half of our population is at least a little overweight and more than a third are considered obese.

The problem is we eat three high calorie meals per day plus snacks. We have been programmed to think if it lacks salt, grease or sugar, we don't believe we have had a treat.

Here are some practical hints to curb excess snacking: Be mindful of what you are eating; write down all the snacks; when you eat, don't do other things at the same time; take your time and enjoy what is in front of you; eat when you are hungry, not just because the food is available; bring healthful snacks so you are not tempted to indulge in salty caloric substitutes.

Breakfast Continues to be the Most Important Meal of the Day

Children who eat breakfast tend to be more awake, more involved and more eager to learn than children who skip the morning meal. Students who have not eaten in the morning may be restless, unable to concentrate, inattentive, slow to comprehend and lacking in energy.

A good breakfast is any combination of foods from three of the five food groups. Foods eaten for breakfast, together with other meals and snacks should supply all the nutrients needed for a child's energy, growth and body repair. When breakfast is skipped many important nutrients are missing from the diet.

• Students who eat breakfast perform better in school. Encourage your students to eat breakfast at home or at school, you will see a more alert student each morning.

• The deeper the colors, the more nutrients they contain. Eat colorful fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, mangoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, blueberries, broccoli, greens and squash.

• All you have to do is get moving. Everything counts toward your 30 minutes of exercise each day.

• Getting a good night of sleep is essential for your everyday health and for re-energizing your body.

If you have nutrition questions or would like a nutrition lesson presented to students or parents, please contact:               Susan Davis (860)522-4888 ext 4253