Upland Hills Health Educates 2nd Graders on the Value of Eating Right

Getting children to eat healthy and eat vegetables is not an easy task for any one. Recently, Upland Hills Health Registered Dietitian Jaime Austin and Dr. Jodi McGraw traveled to Ridgeway Elementary School with a few tricks up their sleeves to show Mrs. Venden’s 2nd grade class that eating right can be fun and still include the foods they love.

The students enjoyed a meal of chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, fruit salad, and chocolate chip cookies. After lunch, the students were shown a variety of different vegetables, and learned about their nutritional value. Most of the class had never tried the vegetables and didn’t have the desire to.

The secret Austin and McGraw were holding was that the kid-friendly lunch prepared by Upland Hills Health Nutrition Services was full of hidden vegetables such as butternut squash, pureed broccoli, and chickpeas. After the revelation, the majority of students still agreed that the food was delicious and wanted a second helping.

By introducing healthy, kid- friendly foods at an early age, parents can show that eating healthy can be fun and delicious. Early education on the importance of eating right leads to healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

For more information on the importance of good nutrition for all ages contact Jaime Austin at Upland Hills Health Clinical Nutrition at 930- 8000 extension 3750.