1. Eat Fruits, Vegetables and Whole
Grains Every Day: You need to eat
grains every day because they supply most of the energy your body
uses. When we breathe, think,
heal and grow, we are “spending” energy. Whole grains are “superior” to
refined grains because they have more fiber, vitamins, minerals and
healthy phytochemicals (or plant chemicals). Fruits and vegetables
give us many vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fiber and phytochemicals.
The nutrients from fruits and vegetables keep our skin, eyes and
hair healthy. Aim for at least five fruits and vegetables every day.
2. Always Eat Breakfast: Everyone needs to eat breakfast
every day! It keeps your mind sharp and fuels your body. Kids who
eat breakfast every day do better in school and are able to maintain
a healthy weight. Try to include a variety of foods. Traditional
choices include eggs, whole grain toast, English muffins or bagels,
cold or hot cereals with milk, or yogurt with fruit. Did you oversleep?
Take some yogurt, a whole grain cereal bar or a peanut butter sandwich
to-go.
3. Watch out for WHOA foods: "Go" (whole grains,
fruits, vegetables, lean meats, beans, tofu, and low fat dairy products)
foods are the lowest in fat and added sugars; these can be eaten
every day. “Slow” (refined grains, 100% juice, baked fries…) foods
are higher in fat and added sugars than “Go” foods, but still lower
than “WHOA” foods. You can eat “Slow” foods several times a week. “WHOA” (regular
soda, fried foods, high-fat meats, whole milk, ice cream…) foods
are the highest in added sugars and fats, and should be limited for
rare occasions.
4. Limit non-homework screen time to 2 hours per day:
The more time you spend playing videos, watching TV or surfing the
net, the less time you have to do more active things, like come to
FitWize or play basketball. Time spent in front of the screen can
lead to unhealthy weight gain, decrease your academic performance
and is linked to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Sitting in front is also related to unhealthy snacking. Try to limit
your non-homework screen time to 2 hours a day.
5. Be ACTIVE most days of the week: Find ways to
be active every day. Exercising makes you stronger, healthier and
smarter! Besides coming to FitWize, make a list of favorite activities
so you can refer to it when your 2 hour screen time is up. Include
activities for the whole family!