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Louisiana Action for Healthy Kids - Team Nutrition

Healthy Eating

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The two US Dietary Guidelines, "Aim for a Healthy Weight" and "Be Physically Active Each Day," go hand in hand. A healthy weight can not be achieved without addressing both issues. Information on this page focuses on healthy eating.


Dietary Guidelines and the Food Guide Pyramid

The U.S. Dietary Guidelines were created to provide consumers with strategies to eat healthfully based on scientific research. One of the Guidelines is to "Let the Pyramid Guide Your Food Choices."


U.S. Dietary Guidelines
Food Guide Pyramid
Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children


School Lunch

School Lunch Nutritional Requirements
Time for Lunch
USDA Team Nutrition


Portions

This site provides a quiz comparing current portions to portions 20 years ago:
Portion Distortion


Fundraising

Pennington Biomedical Research Center - Approved Vending List for Schools
Creative Fundraising Activities
Creative Financing and Fun Fundraising


Snacks

Most of us think of snack and party foods as those that are traditionally high in sugar and fat, but low in nutrients. However, well-planned parties and snacks, served during school, can be part of a healthful diet for children. The two resources linked below provide healthy snack tips:

Parents' Top Ten Snack Tips

A to Z Snack List
The USDA AfterSchool Snack Program website offers some snack ideas for kitchens with traditional and limited facilities:
USDA Cycle Menus


Party Ideas

Provide healthful food and beverage choices and non-food related activities for classroom parties.

Host a Healthful Party to Celebrate the Holidays!
Treat Yourself to Good Nutrition


Bribing with Food

Using food as a reward or punishment is not recommended.

Classroom Rewards Go Beyond the Gold Star
Alternatives to Using Food as a Reward  PDF


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