Nutritional Themes

Houston Co. School Nutrition

Monthly Nutritional Themes

AUGUST

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COLOR YOUR PLATE GREAT:
You can color your plate great by eating in the Houston County School Nutrition Lunchrooms. We offer a variety of fruits and veggies daily, along side our nutritious main entree.

SEPTEMBER

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TRY FOR 5 OR MORE EVERYDAY:
If someone told you an easy way to reduce you and your family&;#39;s risks of cancer, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, and diabetes while also getting Vitamin C, Vitamin A, fiber and hundreds of cancer figthing photochemicals, would you be interested? It&;#39;s simple! Eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables everyday! You and your family will be able to maintain a healthy weight and receive a wide variety of great health benefits. If your kids are not used to eating fruits and veggies, you should not expect to change them overnight. Build up gradually, make it a habit, and remember that each extra serving is a step in the right direction.

OCTOBER

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GO WHOLE GRAINS!
Do not assume all "brown"breads are whole grain. Sometimes these foods have additives or ingredients, like molasses, to enhance their color and flavor. Avoid grains that contain enriched whole wheat flour . This description sounds healthy, but actually the word Enriched means all the natural fiber and vitamins has been removed and fillers and additives have been added! Look for "good source", "excellent", or "100% whole grain",on the package to ensure a true, healthy whole grain product.

NOVEMBER

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KEEP LOW ON OILS AND STAY LEAN ON PROTEIN
Dried beans are becoming a favorite among school kids. In a growing effort to find a variety of goods rich in protein and low in fat, Houston County School Nutrition is serving more beans. School kids are discovering legumes are protein packed and low in cholesterol. Additionally, the nutrients from protein rich foods increase brain power. So, practice ";KEEP LOW ON OILS AND STAY LEAN ON PROTEIN";, with your family this month.

DECEMBER

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SUGAR IS FINE SOME OF THE TIME
The average American gains 10 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Years! Over the years we have watched sugar consumption rise, partially in response to the growing popularity of soft drinks. Each 12 ounce can contains the equivalent of about 10 teaspoons of refined sugar! Additionally, if the soft drink contains 3 servings of soda, the sugar quickly escalates to 30 teaspoons of sugar consumption! Do not drink your calories this holiday season. Instead enjoy foods that are nutrient dense and provide vitamins and minerals for your body

JANUARY

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MILK IS WHAT YOU NEED 3 SERVINGS A DAY
About twenty years ago teenage boys in the United States drank twice as much milk as soda, now they drink twice as much soda as milk. Teenage girls' consumption has doubled in the past twenty years, reaching an average of 20 ounces per day. The sodas have replaced milk in many Americans diets, which can lead to calcium deficiencies and a greater likelihood of bone fractures. However, this trend does not just lend itself to children and teenagers. Not consuming enough calcuim is a concern forthe whole family! If you are not getting the recommended amount as the parent, chances are your child may not see the value in eating foods high in calcium. Three servings are needed each day of nutrient-rich low fat or fat free dairy foods. With Houston County School Nutrition there are many opportunites for kids to consume 8 ounces of milk, such as breakfast, lunch, and afterschool snack. So join School Nutrition and drink milk because "it is good to the bone!"

FEBRUARY

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EAT WISE AND EXCERCISE
The reports and records are mounting; the charts and graphs are rising. The numbers are in and the figures are larger than ever. The shape and health of the American body is becoming less fit, less lean, and less healthy. All the data returns two underlying factors. Americans eat more and exercise less. We are gainig weight at record rates, and slowing down to a snail's pace. Our computers are downloading at warp speed, and we are uploading in super size portions. Take the month of February to "Eat Wise and Exercise"

MARCH

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FUEL UP FIRST THING IT'S GOOD FOR THE BRAIN
Houston County Nutrition is a firm believer tht breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. Numerous studeies have evaluated the effects of eating breakfast. All studies found that eating breakfast improves your ability to think, remember, learn, and perform. When choosing breakfast items, look for whole grains and low-fat peotein choices. A peanut butter bagel is an excellent choice. Houston County serves a healthy breakfast each school day!

APRIL

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HYDRATE FIRST RATE
Need an affordable solution for great skin, higher engery and alertness, and oveall better health? Water is the answer! Every system in your body depends on water. Water flushes toxins out of vital organs and carries nutrients to your cells. How much water do you need? The more the better! How much excercise, the weather, and health conditions, will determine the specific amount that you need. However, about 64 ounces a day is a good start!

MAY

WITH SNACKS IN MIND LOOK FOR A HEALTHY KIND
Summer is almost here! During those long summer days of loafing around the hours and hanging out by the pool, kids and adults can turn into 24 hour snacking machines! Depriving kids and ourselves of what we really crave is not the answer, but do try and limit the amounts consumed. Additionally, keeping junk food out of the house and keeping fresh fruit prepared in the fridge makes a quick and refreshing snack. Other snack ideas are sugar free popsicles, yogurt, whole grain granola bars, and low fat popcorn. So, with snacks in mind, look for the healthy kind!

High Schools

Middle Schools

Elementary Schools