Archive for the ‘nutrition series’ Category

From: New Jersey Council on Physical Fitness and Sports – August 2015

BACK TO SCHOOL

Like it or not, the end of summer is coming and it will soon be time to head back to school. As a classroom teacher, I see many students not starting the school year as well as they could which can have social and academic consequences later in the year. A good start in the classroom starts at the breakfast table. Here are my recommendations so students will perform their best each school day!

Choose Complex Carbohydrates (Carbs)

Carbohydrates are the main food source of fuel for the body and the brain. Inadequate carbohydrate intake may decrease mental acuity, memory and the ability to think logically and can lead to feelings of overall lethargy and fatigue. Complex carbs, like whole-grain foods, retain their nutrients including the vitamins needed for energy metabolism. Fiber helps ‘fill you up’ and decreases the risk of hunger cravings during the middle of your school day because it digests more slowly.

To understand this concept, think about building a fire. You could use lots of paper and magazines to get the flames very high and large quickly; however, this fire won’t burn for very long before becoming ashes. Fueling your fire with newspapers and magazines is essentially the same as eating a breakfast high in sugar resulting in a quick sugar rush and while you feel focused and attentive at the start, by the end of the 2nd class of the day, unfocused and yawning once the lights dim, the power point goes on in History, resulting in a C grade on the report card!

Instead, fuel your fire with pieces of wood that have a much longer burn and keep burning throughout a much longer period of time. Complex carbohydrates help energize students throughout the morning periods into the afternoon keeping them focused, alert and attentive – not burnt by the time the 2nd class ends with 3 more classes before ‘refueling’ at lunch period.

Keep it simple and make eating breakfast every day routine!

Create a breakfast with staying power using protein and carbohydrate combos. Breakfast is an ideal way to energize so there will be no sleeping in class.

Here are a few winning options for the most important meal of the day – BREAKFAST!

-Whole Grain Cold Cereal (i.e., Cheerios, Total, Wheaties, Kix) with fruit

-Hot Oatmeal with a banana & berries

-Eggs or Peanut Butter on Whole Grain Toast

Article by: Gian Paul Gonzalez, History School Teacher
Member, New Jersey Council on Physical Fitness and Sports

G3 Health and Nutrition Series
Offered at the Kennedy Center, Willingboro

Those of you following G3 Health and Fitness have learned that we keep pretty busy. G3 has to stay busy to battle childhood obesity. 
With one in four children in the Philadelphia area classified as obese,  G3 Health and Fitness hopes to have everyone in Willingboro and the surrounding areas capture the G-Factor: Get Moving, Get knowledge and Get Healthy and Strong.  If it isn’t the exhilarating, fast-paced Zumba class geared for children, then it is developing informative health tips for their parents!    

Beginning Tuesday October 11th, 2011 G3 Health and Fitness, in conjunction with the Willingboro Recreation and Parks Department, will launch a six week Health and Nutrition Series for parents, as well as a  Zumba class twice a week for children

The G3 Health and Nutrition Series is taught by professionals – Doctors, Nurse Practitioners, Dentists and Nutritionists.  It is free of charge, although donations are always welcome.  Seminars are from 6-6.45pm on Tuesdays.

October 11     – Halting Hypertension
October 18     – Controlling Diabetes
October 25     – Necessity of Nutrition
November 1   – Battling Obesity
November 8   – Sexual Health
November 15 – Dental Health and Your Family  

G3’s Zumba for Kids is all about an effective, easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired fitness dance party specially choreographed for children.  It focuses on increasing their self-confidence, boosting metabolism and enhancing coordination….all wrapped up in music they love like Hip-Hop, Reggae, Cumbia and more.  G3 Zumba for Kids class runs from October 11 to November 17th on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm.  The cost for Residents is $30/6 wks, Non-Residents: $37/6 wks. 

So why not sign your child up for the Zumba for Kids class and stop on into a free seminar?  Learn a little something to help yourself and your family while your child is off dancing and having fun!

Registration for the Health and Nutrition seminars are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome.  To register contact the Willingboro Recreation and Parks Department (609) 877.5700. 

For more information about G3 Health and Fitness contact us at 
g3healthandfitness@gmail.com or www.G3HealthandFitness.org.

.

.

.

Annie Mazur

.