In the past and even still in some schools today, cafeterias have had a tendency to serve meals containing high amounts of sodium, fat, and calories as opposed to a more nutritious meal. As a result, children have been put at risk for developing heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and other serious health issues. In addition to this, teenagers will face nutrient deficiency, poor academic performance, and obesity during high school. In fact, over the past forty years, the obesity rate in children and adolescents has nearly tripled (National Conference of State Legislatures). At this rate, it is expected that over 95 percent of all americans will be overweight or obese within two decades. While there is no single solution
…show more content…
Other options that students tend to lean toward are high in fat and increase caloric intake, thus increasing the risk of obesity. These unhealthy foods lack the essential nutrients to energize students and fuel their cognitive potential. Children go to school to learn, and yet they are not able to reach their full potential due to the food that they are consuming in the cafeteria. The nation must realize that these very people are inevitably going to become the future of America. Their health and education must be made a priority over all costs.
In a 2008 study conducted by the Institute of Medicine it was found that “almost 80 percent of children consumed more saturated fat than was recommended, and sodium intake was excessive in all age groups. Children ate more than 500 excess calories from solid fats and added sugars per day” (Baidal). In response to these alarming numbers, Congress passed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 which set standards for school nutrition (Baidal). The purpose of this was to encourage kids to eat more whole grain, fruits, and vegetables while decreasing their intake of high fat …show more content…
First, it must be taken into consideration that most students are completely unaware of what they are putting into their bodies. A required course that focuses solely on nutrition should be implemented into the educational system in order to further educate students and to encourage them to make healthier choices. Teachers should teach students the importance of eating fruits and vegetables, while educating them on other key components, like serving sizes. However, along with this nutritional curriculum, schools must follow through and abide by the material that is being taught. Vending machines that offer unhealthy snacks and sodas should be removed from campuses and replaced with healthier options like water, baked chips, fruit snacks, and low-fat crackers for
Other options that students tend to lean toward are high in fat and increase caloric intake, thus increasing the risk of obesity. These unhealthy foods lack the essential nutrients to energize students and fuel their cognitive potential. Children go to school to learn, and yet they are not able to reach their full potential due to the food that they are consuming in the cafeteria. The nation must realize that these very people are inevitably going to become the future of America. Their health and education must be made a priority over all costs.
In a 2008 study conducted by the Institute of Medicine it was found that “almost 80 percent of children consumed more saturated fat than was recommended, and sodium intake was excessive in all age groups. Children ate more than 500 excess calories from solid fats and added sugars per day” (Baidal). In response to these alarming numbers, Congress passed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 which set standards for school nutrition (Baidal). The purpose of this was to encourage kids to eat more whole grain, fruits, and vegetables while decreasing their intake of high fat …show more content…
First, it must be taken into consideration that most students are completely unaware of what they are putting into their bodies. A required course that focuses solely on nutrition should be implemented into the educational system in order to further educate students and to encourage them to make healthier choices. Teachers should teach students the importance of eating fruits and vegetables, while educating them on other key components, like serving sizes. However, along with this nutritional curriculum, schools must follow through and abide by the material that is being taught. Vending machines that offer unhealthy snacks and sodas should be removed from campuses and replaced with healthier options like water, baked chips, fruit snacks, and low-fat crackers for