That dreadful time has come. The end of the school year is rapidly approaching. Students are preparing to take finals, regents, and advanced placement examinations. Throughout the country, pupils are suffering from immense stress and fatigue, desperately yearning for this intense and aggravating period to pass. In frenzied emotional states, most students raid soda and snack machines, craving a sweet or salty treat, “quick fix,” and immediate boost of energy. Perhaps these tense students should rethink their sinful food choices. Artificial food coloring, sweeteners, corn syrup, hydrogenated fats, sugars and white flour, are just some of the unhealthy ingredients lurking in many processed “delicacies” displayed in snack machines. These additives are known to weaken brainpower and retrieval of information, thus lessening productivity of study time. In addition, consuming these products can actually lead to lower test scores! Students need to select and monitor their food intake wisely. They must be aware of dietary secrets, unique foods that can enhance brain function and increase academic achievement. During this high-stakes time, teachers, school nutritionists, and nurses should encourage pupils to select nutrient rich and healthy foods conducive to learning. But don’t be fooled! Consuming a nutrient rich diet does not guarantee success. Students must study too!
In order to start the day off right, it’s crucial that students eat breakfast. According to Pitterman, author of the Scholastic article, entitled, “It’s Brain food! Secrets about Snacks that can Help You Succeed, “…skipping breakfast will probably leave you more tired during school…” (2009, p. 1). Thus, the ability to concentrate and retain information lessens. In addition, sleepy students may do poorly on tests. Pitterman firmly believes that eating breakfast boosts memory and alertness in school. She advocates a healthful morning meal, rich in complex carbohydrates. For example, Pitterman suggests consuming oatmeal, which contains protein, fiber, and carbohydrates, “…which will keep you energized and alert during the test” (2009, p. 1). Other early bird options include whole-wheat bagels, yogurt with granola, and cereals low in sugar, such as Cheerios. The author also encourages the consumption of a balanced, healthy school lunch to feed the brain as well as the stomach. A midday meal, consisting of whole grains, fruit, vegetables, protein, and water keeps one energized and ready to learn. Bringing lunch from home ensures adequate nutrition, as most school lunches tend to skimp on vegetables, lean meat, and whole grains. However, Pitterman warns students to stay clear of high fat and sugary foods, which tend to make one feel sluggish and tired, thus unable to concentrate, focus in class, or ace the test.
Pulskamp’s article, entitled “Foods, Scents Fuel Brainpower for Finals,” offers beneficial tips for healthful eating, keeping the brain in mind. Green, the Director of Education for the Herb Research Foundation, advocates the consumption of certain herbs to enhance academic performance. In Pulskamp’s work, Green claims, “The herbs that are known to help with mental activity, like gingko, work overtime and increase blood flow to the brain” (2009, p.1). Students can purchase gingko capsules and tea at health food stores. However, it takes a few weeks of ginkgo usage to see results, so students should add this herb to their diet well before finals. Green also says, “Scent is an incredible trigger for memory” and “…when students study while smelling a certain scent, then take a test while enjoying that same aroma, they perform better” (2009, p. 1). Grapefruit, peppermint, and basil, are some memory boosting scents.
In “70 Ways to Increase Your Brain Power,” Gillman discusses many dietary supplements and extracts to enhance memory and blood flow to the brain, thus possibly increasing grades. Phosphotidyl Serine (PS), a supplement, is known to increase lucidity, rate of learning, and reverse memory decline. Vinpocetine, an extract derived from alkaloid, found in the periwinkle plant, increases mental awareness and is a potent memory booster, as well as olive oil. Gillman discusses the value of antioxidants, which protect brain cells, thus expanding its power. Some examples of foods containing antioxidants include raisins, blueberries, garlic, cranberries, spinach, and raspberries. Vitamin C is known to increase a person’s IQ. Fish, such as salmon and tuna, speeds up brain waves, thus making it easier to concentrate.
The message is clear. Students should stop sprinting to snack machines and skip on over to the salad bar! The brain will be very grateful!
Works Sited
Gillman, S. (2009). 70 Ways to Increase Your Brain Power. Mind Power News. Retrieved April 5, 2009, from http://www.mindpowernews.com/BrainPower.htm
Pitterman, C. (2009). It’s Brainfood! Secrets about Snacks that can help you Succeed.Scholastic.com. Retrieved April 5, 2009, from http://content.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=1592
Pulskamp, A. J. (2009). Foods, Scents Fuel Brainpower for Finals. Colleges.com. Retrieved April 5, 2009, from http://www.colleges.com/Umagazine/articles.taf?category=health&article=HN_000503memory
52 responses so far ↓
jlaboyne // April 19, 2009 at 11:37 pm |
I think this is a really great article because even we as adults don’t always make the right decision when it comes to what is going into to our bodies and sometimes dont realize the effect it will have on not only our body but also our brain and stamina. I think a lot of times people, both adults and children, go for whats quick instead of whats healthy. I think maybe before these stressful times that you pointed out, like during regents, SATs and finals, teachers should point out helpful eating habits to students and maybe point out some healthy choices and the benefits they can have. I also think schools should address cafeteria menus and make these healthy choices more available to students. I really don’t remember having too many healthy options available while I was in school. But I think we need to be realistc and while its a great idea for students to skip the snack machines and go for the salad bar, not too many kids are going to go for that and thats why we need to give them a variety of healthy options.
mjg0413 // April 21, 2009 at 8:35 pm |
I also agree that it is up to the school to not only educate it’s students about healthier eating habits but to implement them in the school cafeteria. If a school is promoting fruits and vegetables and serving sloppy joes and french fries, this is counterproductive to their efforts. Nutrition is a subject that often goes unnoticed when referring to the education of our children. Anti-smoking campaigns are an integral part in the health initiative in most schools but what about what the students are eating? The biggest killer in America is heart disease, not lung cancer. Why should the schools focus so much on cigarettes when junk food and unhealthy eating may be more hazardous to ones health?
One of the healthiest schools in America is actually located on Long Island: West Babylon Senior High. “At West Babylon, all soda machines have been removed, so the only drinks available are water, milk, and fruit juice; the revamped cafeteria features a menu that emphasizes healthy choices, like wraps and yogurt, and has replaced fryers with state-of-the-art ovens; and participants in after-school activities are encouraged to stay on campus for healthy snacks and light meals in the cafeteria.” (Minkin: CNN Health)
References:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/family/09/24/healthy.schools/index.html
meghanwoodstock // April 22, 2009 at 1:46 am |
I agree with the above statements. This was a great article and something that all students and their parents should be knowledgeable about. Kids are always going to love their snacks, such as cookies, chips, ice cream etc. but are these snacks benefitting them or hurting them. Schools should be teaching their students about nutrition and good health. They should also offer healthier foods in the cafeteria and in their snack machines. Instead of the typical cookies and chips in a snack machine they can have trail mix and healthy fruit bars.
If students knew that eating healthy foods could potentially help their grades, I am sure they would be more interested in eating good foods as opposed to the “junk food” they would typically be eating.
edwardchlanda // April 24, 2009 at 4:52 am |
I couldn’t agree more with this article. I have always been a firm believer that eating well and keeping energized helps you in all aspects of life, including learning. In order for athletes to have strong muscles and endurance within their sport they need to good nutrition. As learners our brain is a muscle that needs nutrients just like athletes bodies need them. Snack foods and candy do nothing but give you an initial boost then a short period of time later you crash. In order to keep focus, motivation, and the ability to retain information we need to have a strong brain, which means we need to provide it with the right nutrients to give it the best possibility for learning.
krubino1 // April 25, 2009 at 12:51 am |
I agree with the above comments as well. Eating breakfast is very important in a child’s life as well as adults. I know with myself when I eat better I feel better. When I was doing one of my observations the school cafeteria was giving out breakfast but there was nothing healthy. School cafeterias should supply more fruits and less processed food. I also think that part of the problem is that kids don’t realize how bad some of these foods are for them. We should try to teach about how some foods that you eat are not always good for you because this is a problem that is not always discussed
acirnigl // April 25, 2009 at 3:37 pm |
I agree with the premise of this article, but I also think the health food craze must be kept into some perspective. There has been such an emphasis on promoting healthy choices that there has been left little room for kids to be kids. I understand that kids need to learn about proper nutrition, but children should not made to believe that all foods other then fruits and vegitables need to be eliminated. There is a time an place for junk food. The problem in out culture isnt so much about what we are eating, but how much we eat. The portion sizes in America are extremely larger then those of other countries. Children should be taught that they can enjoy sweets, just in moderation. Some schools have worked to completely eliminate sweetned foods and drinks from their schools. I think this is a mistake because it doesn’t teach moderation or healthy eating patterns. It’s not realistic to believe these children will not eat unhealthy foods and this shouldnt be a goal either. I think it is sad when children come to school with food they hate and wont eat for reasons such as one 6-year old girl told told me. She explained she couldnt drink apple juice because, “mommy says its fattening.”
og399 // April 26, 2009 at 6:22 pm |
I definitely agree that eating well will contribute to better performance in school and on exams. Children need guidance from their teachers to remind them to eat well for their bodies, as well as to aid them in achieving higher results in school. Teachers play an important role in giving good nutrition advice to their students, because many children don’t receive proper guidance from their parents, regardless of the families socioeconomic status. Along with advising children to eat healthy foods we, as teachers, need to remind students the best ingredient we can put into our bodies for health and learning is water. If a child eats a snack lacking nutrients and chooses to drink water instead of a sugary drink, the child will probably not feel as sluggish. However, a child who chose a sugary drink along with the nutrient deficient snack will most likely feel lethargic. Thus it is vital to remember that water is the key component that will make us feel better if we eat a snack or food rich in fat, stimulate our memory, and most importantly it carries oxygen to the brain.
artsy313 // April 26, 2009 at 6:43 pm |
I found this article to be very interesting because I think that eating right is something that gets overlooked very easily. I agree that schools really need to be teaching their students about nutrition. Unfortunately, we have an excessive population of overweight people in our country, so teaching children how to eat right and the importance of eating right is crucial. I think it is great that some schools have already taken soda machine away and have substituted the unhealthy foods on their menus for healthy foods, and I think this needs to be done in all schools. If those bad foods are there for kids to purchase, they are going to. School districts need to see this as an essential element of the school, and as a possible way of increasing their tests scores.
I think this article was even intersting for us adults, too, because I know that I am always grabbing something from the snack machine to hold me over for class, and it kind of opens your eyes to what you are doing. I also found the idea of scents as a memory trick to be very interesting- I think I’ll try that when studying for my next test!
tagnes86 // April 26, 2009 at 11:19 pm |
I really enjoyed reading this article and agree that breakfast is the most important meal for a child. Breakfast starts off the day in the right direction. When a child doesn’t have breakfast, it can ruin their day in class. Breakfast, especially whole grain’s such as cereal and granola, help provide nutrients which helps support brain function. Processed foods such as potato chips and m&m’s do not provide these healthy nutrients, and are not good for a child’s diet. Schools should provide healthier options for snacks such as packaged fresh fruits, driet fruits, yogurts, etc.
missorangesweetness // April 27, 2009 at 1:23 am |
This article was very interesting to read, I do agree that breakfast may be the most important meal of the day but honestly how often do kid’s actually get the the time to eat a balanced breakfast. Some kid’s parents work full time and they are out of the house by 6am so some kid’s don’t really have someone to make that healthy breakfast, but even if a child grabs a quick breakfast that would be good enough. Now if a student does not get a chance to eat breakfast their ability to concentrate and function in class is much slower than a child who has had breakfast . I always make it a point to encourge my students to always try to eat a balanced meal everyday. Students also should be encouraged to eat 3 healthy meals everyday.
nyteachers // April 27, 2009 at 2:21 pm |
Look at the information on this school in California that emphasizes good nutritious food – and have incorporated it into the curriculum. It’s called the Edible Schoolyard and here’s the web site: http://www.edibleschoolyard.org/
What I’m slightly disturbed by the discourse is how these foods are good for the brain – aren’t these foods good in general for everyone, and for healthy living – not just for the brain and not just for academic performance?
jenjohnson1861 // April 27, 2009 at 2:41 pm |
I think that this was a fabulous topic to write about. All people want to do is talk about test scores and how to improve them. I have never sceen a news report about a healthy breakfast. I only let my son have non-suger cerals for breakfast…he knows that the fun colorful suger ones are only for a snack. I thinks schools should explains to kids what is a healthy breakfast & what is a healthy breakfast to grap on the go.
amebec23 // April 28, 2009 at 3:12 am |
I agree with this article. A healthy diet is a topic that if often taken for grantet. Eating the correct foods before an important test is vital to a students education. I enjoyed the paragraph on eating breakfast because i consider this meal to be the boost that gets you through the day. Breakfast gives you brain power and energy to complete tasks and leanr information. Great article!
jackiehali29 // April 28, 2009 at 3:18 am |
This article was not only enjoyable to read but I believe it to be very applicable to both students as adults. Getting the proper nutrition can significantly increase concentration and so many studies have been done to prove the increase of brain function. Many students will skip breakfast and fill up on sugary junk food at lunch which will lead to them getting a quick sugar rush and then back to feeling tired and unable to pay attention. If they get the proper nutrition not only will they physically feel better but they will benefit emotionally and academically as well. I think that as teachers we should take this information with us into the world of work and practice this as much as we can to keep our own brains alert and well functioning throughout the school day.
infinity238 // April 28, 2009 at 10:59 am |
I agree with this wonderful article. Too many students and parents alike reach for high caloric processed foods because it’s quick and satisfying and we frequently ignore the ramifications of eating unhealthy.
In order for children to have a healthy diet, parents have to teach them and show them that there are other healthier alternatives to help them get through the day. Sometime discussing healthy food requires an age appropriate association to to a person or a cartoon character they like.
I remember how I developed my love for spinach just by watching “Popeye” cartoons. This will not work for older kids, but communicating about it is the first step.
Parents should also practice what they preach by eating healthier and begin incorporating fruit with their breakfast as well as salads with lunch or dinner.
yanksplaya29 // April 28, 2009 at 9:51 pm |
I think this is a great article. I know that as someone who trains hard for sports; i see the importance of eating healthy and the effects different foods have. It is like the commercials with the little shredded wheat guy saying you need me at breakfast for the extra brain power. I think it is both the parents and the schools job to try and get nutrition across. i think it may even be necessary for schools to help let parents know what a healthy diet is. Some parents may not know or may think that what they are feeding their child is healthy when it may really be not). Kids may not like the new diet change but like anything in time they will get used to it. Even healthy foods can be yummy, you just have to find them. I know that i defiantly see a difference in myself when I don’t eat or eat something unhealthy and full of sugar. So I can only imagine what it must be like for the real little ones. Great article!!
mot86 // April 29, 2009 at 12:06 am |
I found this article to be very entertaining to read. I remember my mother telling me to eat fish before a big test like the SATs because “fish is brain food”. I laughed at her and never thought much about it. I also agree that schools should provide healthy opinions during lunch time or controlling what items go inside the vending machines.
tgt2009 // April 29, 2009 at 10:56 am |
As an advocate of healthy eating, there are not enough praises that for what healthy eating can do for the learning process. You are more alert less prone to headaches and foos can they have made lunch time fun. The children have taste tests of healthy food that may not seem that healthy to them because it tastes good. Empowering kids to make food choices at school, and controoling the lunch menu, also can allow them to make better choices over all when choosing food.
stimey13 // April 29, 2009 at 5:33 pm |
I completely agree with this article. Eating healthy should be apart not only of children’s lives but adults as well. I think getting parents involved and educated on the benefits of eating healthy will help ensure that their children are eating healthier. Maybe schools could provide more healthy snacks in their vending machines to decrease the chances of children picking snacks which are unhealthy for them. Also, educating children in the classroom about the harmful effects of eating unhealthy and explaining that a change in their diet can increase their brain power and in turn produce high grades. Also, offering suggestions on healthy snacks to choose from may provide students to make better choices when picking snacks. If children and adults are aware of the effects of eating healthy than I think changes will be made for the better.
darwinsbeard // April 30, 2009 at 8:44 pm |
This was a very informative article. I knew about things like Gingko and tuna, but all the additional foods and herbs were new to me. Schools really need to step up and try to get better foods for the students. There also needs to be an attempt to work within the community and educate families. The students will spend more time and eat more meals at home then in school. There needs to be an effort made on both sides.
tammyt91 // May 1, 2009 at 1:32 am |
Great article! Such an important topic that finally people are talking about. Kids today, and adult alike are loaded with so many unhealthy chemicals in their bodies. Chemicals that can be crucial in the development of our childrens brains, and total body functions. I think school and families need to address this issue. I do agree with the comment that Kids need to be kids. But they do not need to be kids that are taught to make unhealthy choices.
thoneboylan // May 1, 2009 at 5:12 pm |
I absolutely agree with the article that a healthy diet helps students perform better in school. When students haven’t had a healthy breakfast, it shows in their lack of energy and alertness. With all the information out there about the importance of a healthy breakfast, it’s hard to understand why so many students still arrive at school on an empty stomach. It would seem fairly easy for schools to offer low-sugar, nutritious “grab and go” snacks for children on those mornings when they just didn’t have the time to eat breakfast. Also, students know that eating healthy foods is important yet, during snacktime, you mostly see chips and cookies. It would be interesting to see what the effects would be if a school tested a healthy breakfast-no junk food policy for a week or two. I’m convinced that students would be more alert and would be better able to stay focused. Better grades would certainly follow.
keisha1 // May 2, 2009 at 2:14 am |
I really enjoyed reading this article. As other have voiced, breakfast is the most inmportant meal for anyone, not just children. Ensuring that a chidl eat healthy on a daily basis is the ke. Eating properly not only gets them healthy, but it also supplies good brain power for them in school. As one comment mentioned, you have never seen an article in the newspaper about teaching kids about eating healthy. Some schools are trying to implement healthy foods in their lunch menus, which I think is great. I am not a parent as yet, but, parents need to reinforce healthy eating habits and explain to their kids that eating properly helps them as students to perform better in school.
tvic4 // May 2, 2009 at 2:18 am |
I think that this is an important topic that both schools and families must address. Because a child spends most of their waking life in school and their success in school directly relates to the quality of their health, schools must be a big part of the solution. I believe that good nutrition is essential to good learning. For this reason, I would argue that parents, schools, teachers, government, and the private sector all must play a role in childhood nutrition and ultimately reducing childhood obesity. So, what is wrong with the school lunch program? Plenty. For starters, most schools are still serving foods high in fat, sodium, added sugar, and many still offer soda, candy and chips in vending machines. We need to teach kids to make healthy choices and not try to trick kids into healthy eating. This can only be done if we are willing to teach nutrition as well as offer healthy choices. Kids need to understand which foods are healthy and why and then and only then their will be a direct link between understanding and action. Although some schools are trying to make changes by limiting certain snacks and vending machines, it is not enough. We need school wellness policies that address health and nutrition education along with physical activity and every aspect of the food and drink made available during the school day. Unfortunately, making these changes come at a cost to the district and requires a lot of work by many. Nutrition has to become part of the curriculum and part of each and every students decision-making process when it comes to eating. There is so much riding on it: student health and school success.
ecyoung // May 3, 2009 at 6:46 pm |
I believe that good nutrition is extremely important in a child’s life especially in school. Being a vegetarian I know how hard it is sometimes to make sure that you eat right. Children are so busy in school with all of their classes and after school activities, that they forget to eat properly or at all. Even though school obviously provides lunch for the children it may not be enough and in most cases lacking nutritional value. I think it would be great if the schools could provide healthier snacks for the students throughout the day and not just have chips and soda in vending machines.
irish44cb // May 3, 2009 at 8:00 pm |
With all of the news surrounding the “obesity of America”, this blog is truly based a very relevant issue. Providing children with the proper diet can lead to so many positives. With that being said, a large part of the responsibility should be placed on the schools to follow through with this gameplan. Children spend about as much time in school as they do with their families. While at home it’s easy for a parent to control the distribution and selection of food. However, when in school, a child cannot be expected to make the rational decision of selecting the foods that are good for them as opposed to the ones that are not. If you place fruits and vegetables on one tray and a slice of pepperoni pizza on the other, which one do you suspect the child will choose? In that sense, it’s imperative that schools emphasize good eating habits as well as follow through with them by supplying their cafeterias with the right balance of nutrition and fun.
flaviama // May 4, 2009 at 12:37 am |
As I understand it, healthier foods may be much more expensive than the unhealthy foods we find in the school cafeterias. I can only assume we do not have healthier choices for students for financial reasons. It would be best, and I would have no opposition, to completely taking out any unhealthy foods from the school lunch menus. We cannot control what children will eat once they leave the schools but providing them healthier choices in school will lead to learning and change their eating habits. We can only hope that these habits will stick so that they contunue them at home.
grlsofn1 // May 4, 2009 at 1:31 am |
I felt this article was very informative. Many children don’t eat right, therefore they have lower grades. However, it is very hard for children to eat correctly because many parents don’t know how to eat correctly. If more parents become better educated about proper eating habits it can lead to the child having better grades. It is very important for children to eat properly. Hopefully if more parents read more articles like this they will become more aware of the issue and improve their own and their childrens eating habits, leading to better grades in the children.
vdreye1 // May 4, 2009 at 2:42 pm |
I totally agree with this article. I have even found that personally when I eat a healthy breakfast before my day and especially before any exam i am more focused and seem to concentrate more. I think that it is extremely important for children and students to eat healthy throughout the day to help them stay on task.
hsiax // May 4, 2009 at 5:31 pm |
I completely agree with this articel and believe that healthy and proper eating does affect how one learns. We all know that breakfast is the most importnant meal of the day and students should not leave home before putting something in their system so that they are energized and focused for the day. I never left home without eating something for breakfast and it seemed to work for me. Children cannot last up until lunch hour without a meal in the morning and I do not see how they can remain focused in class on an empty stomach.
mitchsteinberg // May 4, 2009 at 8:50 pm |
This is something I feel very strongly about. I know from personal experience that when I eat healthy for an extended period of time I just feel better inside and out. I have more energy and more drive to get things done. When eating unhealthy food on the regular I feel sluggish and unmotivated. I feel heavy, and just weighed down. My mood changed because I constantly feel gross, which in turn kills my motivation to do anything. Trying to get school work done when feeling like this is next to impossible, let alone doing quality work. In order for me to get my work done with a quality effort, I need to be on a healthy diet.
brittsalina // May 5, 2009 at 1:35 am |
This is a great article and I agree with many of the above comments. Of course it is important to eat three healthy meals a day and get a good night’s rest. I also agree with snacking throughout the day. I, myself, know although I eat three meals I still need to snack in between meals. I feel like the snacks give me more energy to help keep me going. Simply a granola bar, a small bag of peanuts, or baby carrots can help do the trick! I believe teachers, nurses, and health professionals should also stress the importance of snack time for children.
aek32087 // September 17, 2009 at 1:09 am |
I agree with the information given in this article. Everyone should eat healthier to improve their health and to improve their grades. My mother is an elementary school teacher and she doesn’t allow the students to bring in unhealthy snacks for snack time. My mother has noticed that the students are a lot calmer in the classroom this year because she doesn’t allow them to eat unhealthy snacks. When I was away at college, I noticed that many college students would eat unhealthy foods late at night when they were studying for an exam and writing papers. When doing this, students are harming their health and may not perform as well on tests and homework.
paulina1103 // September 17, 2009 at 3:57 pm |
I found this article very intersting and I have to agree that not only as children we made or are making wrong choice when it comes to food, but children are not the only ones to blame, adults are at fault too. How many of us went for a pop -tart in the morning and how many of us went for some kind of fruit? Most of us did have that unhealthy choice, why probably because we were running late and didn’t have time to stop and think if what actually we intake or perhaps the sweet loaded with sugar pop-tart sounded so delicious. Not having enough time to actually stop and think of what we put in our mouth’s is not the only mania that steal us away from making good choices, stress I believe is another, especially, during finals, state tests and stressful situations. I believe that schools, and homes should provide a lot more healthy choices for children and adults to intake, perhaps more fruit options instead of pop-tarts.
bigberg1 // September 18, 2009 at 12:36 am |
I am also a big supporter of the above article. I have recently found a new dietary lifestyle which includes vegetables and fruit. At age 40 learning to change ones eating habits is very difficult. Today’s fast food, snacks, and drinks are full of both salt and sugars. The new energy drinks are made to increase heart rates for a time and then the person comes to a crash when they are done.
All natural foods such as vegetables and fruits are the natural energy source and are over all better to be consumed by our children. Remember to take the sugar and salts off the tables and keep them in the cabinets. The less you see them, the less you want them
hbloom4 // September 18, 2009 at 3:01 am |
I agree with this article. However, I think what we should aim for is a balance. Introducing a balanced diet at an early age in a child’s life will set them up for success. On the other hand, if we restrict foods from children by saying that they are bad for them then they will crave it more! Growing up my household was junk food free! I loved my fruits, veggies and natural snacks and didn’t know any better. BUT, as soon as I went to my friends house and had a doughnut, chips or even soda I was hooked! All I wanted was what I knew I “shouldn’t” have. It is all about a BALANCE!
tberman1 // September 21, 2009 at 3:26 pm |
I agree with this article as well. I think children who do eat breakfast in the mornings, whether they believe it or not, do better in school. They are more awake, they are energetic, rather than run down and tired. School’s also are realizing this too and have therefore made snacks, like cookies, smaller. I was in a school the other day and I realized that even beverages with a lot of sugar, like Snapple, were making smaller bottles. The children are now getting to choose their sides with lunch at school like veggies or an apple rather than something like french fries. Parents also need to be aware of this and keep nutritious foods in the house in order to teach their children good eating habits. A house full of junk food is not going to give a child much of an option.
jbalsan13 // September 22, 2009 at 2:09 am |
This article sounded like it could be written to some friends and I during finals week in our last few days as undergrads. We spent hours in the Post library vividly trying to finish our senior thesis papers, staying well past midnight drinking coffee just to keep our eyes open!! I find a lot of truth to this article after learning that breakfast is crucial to losing weight. I find that when I eat a good breakfast (not just a granola bar quickly while driving) that I have way more energy during the day and I don’t feel as hungry throughout the day. I’m not so sure that I would take all of the herbs the article talked about or have “smells” around me while studying but I do agree students need a well balanced diet. Having kids in all areas wake up to a nice balanced breakfast so that they can work to their ability during school hours sounds easy but in lower class neighborhoods this might not be an ideal situation. Schools have done a good job @ starting free meal programs but it needs to continue and then some. I heard that in Queens, some schools give free breakfast out even in the summer. Programs such as these are a great start at trying to get kids to eat healthier and more sensible. Although teachers have explained that apples are better than french fries, kids (and adults!) in America today, would much rather the french fries!!!
plopez317 // September 22, 2009 at 2:35 am |
I completely agree and believe this article should be distributed since it would be beneficial to give to parents as well as children in schools. One must be very concerned about what they are consuming, and we all need to learn healthy lifestyles. I come across many adults who have very poor eating habits, and those habits may be transferred to their children if they don’t make some changes. Today, in America, many people are suffering from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other physical issues that have to do with their diet and lack of exercise. If parents begin to practice healthy lifestyles with their children, I think that it will result in awareness and prevention of the unhealthy habits. New marketing methods such as the high demand in the market of organic foodstores, and ideas the government is making to increase tax on soda to decrease obesity will ultimately help the public. We may not see a rapid change, but gradually if we educate and practice healthy lifestyles we will be able to see a difference.
azack329 // September 22, 2009 at 7:44 pm |
I really enjoyed reading this article. A healthy diet is a topic that if often taken for granted. Eating the correct foods before an important test is vital to a student’s education. I found the paragraph on eating breakfast to be very interesting. Looking back at high school, I was usually too tired in the morning to eat breakfast. When I did eat a healthy breakfast before my day and especially before any exam I was much more focused and had a lot more energy. I think that it is extremely important for children and students to eat healthy throughout the day to help them stay to stay focused and energized.
tsaul07 // September 26, 2009 at 6:09 pm |
I definitely agree your eating habits can affect your performance in class. This was a great article that all students should be aware of. We all have been stressed out over one exam or another, pulling all-nighters or grabbing fast food because it is instantly available. Unhealthy eating habits create a quick boost of energy that will make you crash at times when you need to be most productive.
It is crucial to start the day off right with a healthy breakfast. Breakfast gives you the boost of energy to get you started on your day without crashing a few hours later. There are certain foods to help fuel the brain and increase mental activity. Eating foods high in protein and fiber will keep you moving, instead of foods high in sugar which will eventually run you down. What we eat does make a difference in our school performance. The quantity of food, high energy carbohydrates and carbonated sodas will slow you down. Modifying our eating habits to more protein, fruits and vegetables will only increase your mental activity and help you live a productive life.
tamn327 // September 28, 2009 at 4:26 pm |
This is such an important topic that is often overlooked in our society. We want better test scores and our students to rank high nationally amoung other students and yet most districts refuse to put time and money into the cafeteria and the food choices that our students are offered. How can we expect high performance from our students when we don’t supply them with the fuel they need to produce? We will spend almost four dollars a gallon to fuel our SUV’s but will question weather it is worth it to spend the money on a piece of fruit to fuel our minds. As adults, I believe that it begins with us making the decision that we are worth the time and the money needed to take care of ourselves so that we can perform at our highest level. We need to set the example for out students by making healthy choices, eating breakfast, and skipping the snack machine so that they may learn through our examples.
lagerakaris // September 28, 2009 at 8:54 pm |
This is a great article. I take health very seriously especially in children. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and most children have junk for breakfast. You need to have something healthy full of nutrients that will start off your day the right way. Especially when it is midterm and final time. Without the proper intake of healthy food during this time, will definitely have an affect on the way you perform. Junk food makes you irritable, more hungry, unsatisfied, tired. A healthy meal will get your brain power going, and have you studying, concentrated for hours!
manello08 // September 28, 2009 at 10:13 pm |
Working with children has taught me that food has a direct impact on children’s behavior. Over sugary and processed foods make it challenging for children to concentrate and learn to their fullest potential. I have seen how damaging “bad” foods effect children. Parents needs to reconsider children’s eating habits when they attend school.
iteach1 // September 30, 2009 at 6:53 pm |
I greatly support and agree with this article. This article really opened up my mind and how important it is to be concerned about what we eat and how important it is to eat healthy. As a future elementary teacher I want to encourage and give them knowledge about better ways to eat, and also aware the parents to purchase healthy snack for their kids. Teachers communicating information with their students Parents really make a difference and they children will benefit while choosing healthy snacks to eat at a younger age but not only benefit from it in their academic journey and also they will become use to living a healthy life- style and it will carry on to their future. This article really made some important points and helped me control my eating habits as an educator.
jrosbash // October 1, 2009 at 1:41 pm |
From reading this article, it reminded me of my middle and high-school days of when I would eat a healthy breakfast, it would tend to provide me with more energy thus helping me to be more focused. The days that I would skip breakfast, I remember being noticeably more tired and thus less enthusiastic toward school. As for lunch, I completly agree with the notion that students would be better off bringing their own lunch to school as opposed to eating what is offered through the school. This way you can ensure that the meal is nutritious. Snack machines were and continue to this day to pose a problem for students as it’s so easily accessible to eat unhealthy foods. I agree with the article in that a snack machine treat is truly a “quick fix.” Students need to select and monitor their food intake wisely and realize that simply consuming healthy foods does not guarantee success!
jacklynbreit // October 3, 2009 at 4:10 am |
This article is wonderful. So many people do not know that eating healthier does effect your energy and functioning skills. I remember as a high school student I always would be running for that easy fix in the morning and I should have made some more healthier options at home. Looking back I remember wondering why I was soo sluggish after only one or two classes. I have been eating A LOT better since college and noticed a dramatic energy increase. I feel that since I left high school that lunch food options have also gotten better. Students these days are much more away of how to eat better, but it still doesn’t stop them from different quick fix options when they are running late for one of their many practices or classes.
debbieali // October 4, 2009 at 4:45 pm |
Breakfast is considered as the most important meal of the day. Our bodies need nourishment to start the day off right. Children need to eat before school if they want to get any work done. If they don’t, they won’t be able to concentrate of the day ahead. The same thing applies to adults. They need to eat to complete their taks for the day.
Schools are teaching the children how to eat right in health and phys ed however many students lack the resources at home to actually fulfill the food pyramid requirements. Many eat lunch at school and have nothing else to eat until the nest day. There’s so much food waste in this country. We should take care of our citizens who are living in poverty and go hungry everyday before we think about helping out other countries. Children are the future of this country and we need to take care of them now, not later.
alyssatesoriero // October 5, 2009 at 12:34 am |
I really enjoyed reading this article because I have always agreed that breakfast is an extremely important meal of the day. It is so important to eat in the morning, in order to have energy throughout the day. I think people forget and don’t realize how essential eating a balanced breakfast can be. Also, I found the food choices they suggested to eat throughout the day to be really interesting. Students need to realize that bringing snacks instead of buying them in vending machines is a better decision for the mind and body.
clovaton // October 18, 2009 at 7:34 pm |
This is a great article. Kids usually don’t make good decision for themselves. I think schools should be more strict and remove all vending machines from their buildings and teach their students about nutrition and good eating habits. They should also offer healthier foods in their cafeterias. A good and consistent plan between parents and schools will help students to eat properly and reduce the high obesity rate that we have now and give as a result healthy and proactive kids.
nicolem1126 // November 16, 2009 at 6:03 pm |
I definitely believe that diet plays a role in a student’s academic performance. The food we eat effects the body in different ways and I think that any advantage a student can have is an important one take. I know for myself that if I am hungry I lose concentration because I’m spending my time thinking about what I am going to eat once I get out of class. Obviously eating right won’t get you A’s, but I think that it can help students stay focused during the school day and give them a better chance of high academic achievement. Implementing good decision making practices when it comes to food choices may overflow into other aspects of students lives and allow them to make good choices in other arenas as well.
dmcarlin16 // December 14, 2009 at 8:42 pm |
This is not breaking news, we already knew this. The problem is we just forget from time to time. In a society where convenience seems to take more of a priority tahn anything, nutrition can sometimes suffer because of it. Prepackaged meals and snacks lack what our bodies need and this is what we feed our kids becuase its easier than packing them healthy lunches we make ourselves.
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