Have you heard the saying that all we really need to know we learned in kindergarten? I think there is a great deal of merit to that saying and it applies to nutrition, also. I am preparing a presentation on nutrition for my daughter's first grade class and I have come across a delightful book called How Austin Got His Muscles, by Shari Boockvar. It tells about a little boy who wants to eat dessert first at each of his meals. His Mom and Dad (obviously) don't want him to do that so they make a deal with him that he can have dessert each night if he finishes his breakfast, lunch and dinner. But there is a catch. He must pick a fruit or vegetable that is one of the colors of the rainbow with each meal and then he can choose a dessert after dinner. Since Austin wants to have lots of energy and big muscles like his dad and to get better at all of the sports and games he plays, he agrees. He chooses strawberries for his cereal or blueberries in his oatmeal, oranges at lunch and purple eggplant along with red, yellow and green peppers for dinner. Then he can have his favorite dessert...ice cream with rainbow sprinkles on top.
This is a message that we can heed at all ages and it is very sound nutrition advice. Many adults like to eat dessert several times a day, like candy bars from the vending machine, soda that is loaded with sugar and super sweetened coffee drinks. Occasionally, a dessert or sweet is ok, but eating this way everyday can undermine your health and deplete your energy. So, my advice to everyone is to do what Austin did...eat a rainbow colored fruit or vegetable (or two) at each meal. They are loaded with nutrients and antioxidants, are low in fat and high in fiber (which will help you feel full so you won't overeat). Every part of your body can benefit from them and they taste delicious!! Then, if you still want something sweet, go ahead and have a small dessert and enjoy it. If 90% of what you eat is densely nutritious, the other 10% won't hurt you!
Maybe all we really do need to know is learned in kindergarten (or first grade). Why not take advice from Austin and eat a rainbow of colors every day. You may just find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow...better health, more energy and possibly, a slimmer body.
This is a message that we can heed at all ages and it is very sound nutrition advice. Many adults like to eat dessert several times a day, like candy bars from the vending machine, soda that is loaded with sugar and super sweetened coffee drinks. Occasionally, a dessert or sweet is ok, but eating this way everyday can undermine your health and deplete your energy. So, my advice to everyone is to do what Austin did...eat a rainbow colored fruit or vegetable (or two) at each meal. They are loaded with nutrients and antioxidants, are low in fat and high in fiber (which will help you feel full so you won't overeat). Every part of your body can benefit from them and they taste delicious!! Then, if you still want something sweet, go ahead and have a small dessert and enjoy it. If 90% of what you eat is densely nutritious, the other 10% won't hurt you!
Maybe all we really do need to know is learned in kindergarten (or first grade). Why not take advice from Austin and eat a rainbow of colors every day. You may just find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow...better health, more energy and possibly, a slimmer body.
