- Author: Chelsey LeeAnn Slattery
- Author: Shannon Pierson
Today I had the pleasure of partnering with the Marysville Joint Unified School District (MJUSD) to offer a Nutrition 101 course to all of MJUSD's Nutrition Services employees which includes over 100 individuals consisting of food service managers, front line staff, and MJUSD's Nutrition Services district office staff members.
For more information on MJUSD Nutrition Services, CLICK HERE.
Today's Nutrition 101 course consisted primarily of information from Nutrition 101: A Taste of Food and Fitness Curriculum that was developed by the National Food Service Management Institute (NFSMI). Topics covered in the Nutrition 101 course include; 1) Nutrition is Important to You!, 2) Tools for Guiding Food Choices, 3) Macronutrients: The Energy Nutrients, 4) Micronutrients: Vitamins and Minerals, 5) Special Diets, 6) Putting it All Together, and 7) Nutrition Issues in the Media. For more information about NFSMI's resource, courses and programs, CLICK HERE.
This fun-filled training started off with an exciting ice breaker which involved the use of small conversation starter tokens [pictured below]. Training participants were assigned to a table upon arrival to the training. For this activity, participants were instructed to each take a couple tokens out of a small bag and then go around the table and share their answers. For example, one individual at my table picked a token out of the bag that stated “favorite vegetable”. When it was her turn to share with the group, she stated that her favorite vegetable was a cucumber. This was such a fun activity and a great way to start some dialogue while also learning some fun facts about each other.
While all of the content of today's training was interesting, relevant, and well received by participants, I am just going to highlight two of the main takeaways from the training. The first being the importance of mindful eating (eating with intention and attention). Shannon Pierson, a Dietetic Intern from CSU Chico shared six strategies with the group to help us mindlessly eat better. These six strategies included:
Six Strategies to Mindlessly Eat Better
1. Think 20% - More or Less
a. Dish out 20% less that you think you might want
- Most people can eat 20% less without noticing a difference (still satisfied)
- If you eat 30% less, you will realize it and still want more
b. Eat 20% more fruits and vegetables
c. Try eating until you are just 80% full
- Most Americans stop eating when they feel full
- In some countries, it is mores common to stop when they no longer feel hungry
2. See All That You Eat
a. See it before you eat it
- Pre-plate your food: Most people eat about 14% less than when you take small amount and go back for a 2nd's or 3rd's
- Put everything on a plate or in a bowl before eating
- Avoid eating out of a package or box
b. See it while you eat it
- You'll eat less if you see what you already ate and/or drank
3. Control Your Tablescape – (simple changes to mindlessly eat 15% less)
a. Mini-size your boxes and bowls
- Repackage your jumbo box into smaller containers or Zipoc bags
- Serve in smaller dishes
- The smaller the dish, the less you take and the less you eat
b. Become and illusionist
- Exchange large plates, bowls, and serving bowls/platter for smaller ones
- Exchange short, wide glasses/cups for tall, slender ones
4. Make Overeating a Hassle, Not a Habit
a. Tips to give you a chance to pause and rethink
- Leave serving dishes in the kitchen or on a side table
- At least 6 feet away
- Place salads and veggies in the middle of a table (“pick me” spot)
- “De-convenience” tempting foods
- Relocate to harder-to reach places
- Reseal packages
- Wrap tempting leftovers in aluminum foil
- Snack only at the table and on a clean plate )”de-convenience the action”)
5. Create Distraction-Free Eating Scripts (patterns)
a. Re-script your eating patterns:
- Try to be the last person to start eating
- Pace yourself with the slowest eater at the table
- Avoid the “just one more helping” temptation by always leaving some food on your plate as if you're still eating
b. Distract yourself before you snack
- Distractions can be good when they prevent us from starting to snack
- Distractions can cause mindless eating when they prevent us from stopping
c. If a distraction can't be avoided, serve yourself a portion before you start
6. Make comfort Foods More Comforting
a. Comfort foods make life enjoyable – learn how to have your cake and eat it too.
- Don't deprive yourself
- Diets fail because the deprive us of food and the lifestyle that we enjoy
- Eat what you love in smaller amounts (mindful eating helps!)
b. Rewire your comfort foods
- Pair healthier foods with positive events
- For example: Smaller bowl of ice-cream with strawberries [1]
The second takeaway that I wanted to highlight is the importance of evaluating nutrition news and popular weight loss plans in the media. With new information about nutrition continuously being published in the media, we are often left wondering, is this really news or is it just nonsense? It can be a real challenge to sort the nutrition gems from the junk and we really want to be prepared to be able to identify those that contain nutrition misconceptions. NFSMI has a great handout titled “Ten Tips for Evaluating Nutrition News” which is great for helping make sense out of nutrition news in the media. This tip sheet can be accessed by clicking HERE.
To summarize, there are ten questions to ask yourself when evaluating nutrition news and popular weight loss plans that are highlighted in the media and those ten questions are:
Ten Questions to Ask Yourself When Evaluating Nutrition News
- Is a quick fix promised? Be wary of any information that promises a quick to fix to a problem. Chances are it does not have sound science behind it.
- Are dire warnings given about a food? Rarely does a single food or product cure or cause an illness. Groups with official sounding names may have a political or economic agenda. Check out the credibility of groups or individuals making dire warnings.
- Does it sound too good to be true? If so, the claims probably are. Many factors determine good health. Family history, long term food and activity habits, and other factors are still unknown.
- Does the report give simple findings from a complex study? Most people would be amazed to see the difference between the research and the media reports. Media outlets want short sound bites of information. Researchers usually write with a tone of caution. They limit their findings or call for more research. Headline writers frequently do not see the scientific reports.
- Is a single study used for new advice? Good science requires more than one study to find the same results. After several studies support a finding, new recommendations may be issued. Be cautious of a single study that appears to turn nutrition science on its ear.
- Do credible health organizations agree? When questionable information is publicized, leading health organizations will issue a response. They may state concerns with a study's findings or recommendations. Continue to follow a story in the days after a report. Check with leading health groups. There may be more to the story.
- Is a list of good and bad foods issued? Be skeptical of lists of foods to eat and foods to avoid totally, especially when there seems to be neither rhyme nor reason to the lists.
- Is a product being sold? If a new product is promoted as a cure all to a problem, be cautious. The people behind the information have profit motivation. Be skeptical about new diet books for the same reason. Look at the credentials of the person associated with the product or the book.
- How well was the study conducted? It can be difficult for consumers to determine if a study is valid. Testimonials, one person's story, are not considered solid science. In a testimonial, someone says, “I did this and this happened.” The two events may not be cause and effect. They may be coincidence. Good science is peer reviewed and repeated by other scientists.
- Does the study take results from one group and apply it to others? A study of one group of individuals cannot be applied to another group in the population. The differences between children and adults, women and men, and between subgroups in the population require separate studies. [2,3]
Lastly, I wanted to share another fun activity that was incorporated into today's training as a team building activity. This activity was called Nutrition Cranium. This was yet another great addition to the training that encouraged teamwork. During this activity, table groups participated as teams and individuals had opportunities to sketch, sculpt, act and play.
During Round 1, each table received a small container of PlayDoh and one team member was provided with the instructions to sculpt MyPlate. The only clue that was given to the other team members was “Healthy Choices”. You can see the MyPlate that was sculpted at my table below.
For more information about MyPlate, CLICK HERE.
Overall today was a fun, information filled day and I couldn't be happier to be a partner in health with MJUSD Nutrition Services!
References
- Wansink, Brian. Mindless eating: Why we eat more than we think. Bantam, 2007.
- Nutrition 101: A Taste of Food and Fitness. National Food Service Management Institute. The University of Mississippi, 2018. http://www.theicn.org/ResourceOverview.aspx?ID=90
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Ten Red Flags for Junk Science 2013 Media Guide, January 2013 www.eatright.org 2012-13_Media_Guide-web-jan2013.pdf
- Author: Chelsey LeeAnn Slattery
- Author: Jona Pressman
- Author: Suzanne Lawry-Hall
- Author: Katie Hickok
This fun Walk to School event started off as a one-time event in October of 2016 to promote safe walks to school during National Walk to School Week. Cross walks were painted all along Las Plumas Avenue and signs were posted to indicate them. Two years later, UC CalFresh is so happy to be a part of this monthly event that promotes movement and a safe walkable community! Classes compete for the coveted golden shoe. Points are earned by the number of laps students run or walk and bonus points if they walked to school, ate breakfast, or had a parent participate.
Each month, students, staff, and family members at Oakdale Heights Elementary in Oroville continue to celebrate National Walk to School Day with school-wide participation in Walk to School events. These events are filled with music, dance, smiles, and movement. An estimated 300 youth and adults participate regularly in the monthly events which promote community engagement and physical activity, and support the Safe Routes to School initiative.
For more information about Safe Routes to School, CLICK HERE.
One unintended consequence of the Walk to School events was that school food service staff reported a decline in school breakfast participation by students on mornings when Walk to School events occurred. To mitigate this issue, UC CalFresh Butte Cluster responded by partnering with the school food service staff to incentivize participation in the school breakfast program by awarding points to walkers who ate breakfast in the cafeteria the morning of the event. As a result of these efforts, more students ate breakfast and food service staff reported an improvement in their breakfast participation rates. Points were awarded for classroom participation in the Walk to School event. Over 100 points were awarded to the classroom that had the highest number of participating students in Walk to School who also ate breakfast in the cafeteria. UC CalFresh Butte Cluster, Butte County Public Health, and Butte County Public Works have a history of collaboration and support for monthly Walk to School events at Oakdale Heights Elementary. Participation by students and families has increased over time and has become a consistently scheduled signature event at Oakdale Heights Elementary School. The California Highway Patrol and El Medio Fire Department also support and attend the monthly event providing education and community outreach to students, families and school faculty and staff.
If your school is interested in obtaining more information to begin implementing this great monthly event, contact Rita Palmer rpalmer@ucanr.edu.
Oakdale Heights next Walk to School Event is scheduled to take place on Friday, April 13th.
- Author: Chelsey LeeAnn Slattery
Today I had the opportunity to partner with Elizabeth Smith from Kidding Around Yoga to offer a fun-filled workshop at the Community Memorial Museum of Sutter County on healthy eating and active living for families and caregivers with children ages 0-5.
COKING WITH KIDS IS FUN!
We discussed how cooking with kids is not only fun, but also reinforces concepts like math skills, comprehension, real life science, self-esteem, communication, and life skills.
For more information on cooking with kids, CLICK HERE.
YOGA PROMOTES HEALTHY EATING HABITS!
We also discussed how yoga promotes healthy eating habits, self-care, and alleviates boredom, which we all know that boredom often leads to snacking.1
For more information about Kidding Around Yoga, CLICK HERE.
FAMILY MEALS
Over the past 20 years, the frequency of family meals has significantly declined even though research has shown that children who share family dinners three or more times per week are less likely to be overweight and more likely to perform better in school, eat healthier foods, and have better relationships with their parents.2 With family dinners on the decline and more than 50% of Americans reporting that their family today has fewer family meals than when they were growing up, perhaps it's time to emphasize the importance of family dinners. Thus, educating families on the importance of healthy eating and eating meals together as a family is a priority for the Butte Cluster's UC CalFresh Nutrition Education Program and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program.
10 REASONS TO COOK & EAT TOGETHER AS A FAMILY
1. FAMILY DINNERS IMPROVE FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS: Families who eat together develop strong parent-child bonds. Children are more likely to talk and share things with their parents during dinner. Eating together also provides a daily time for the whole family to be together.
2. FAMILY DINNERS LEAD TO HEALTHIER FOOD CHOICES: Eating family dinners is associated with healthy dietary food patterns. Families who eat meals at least three times a week benefit nutritionally compared to peers who do not share as many meals as a family.3
3. EATING AS A FAMILY LEADS TO BETTER GRADES: Studies have shown that there is a significant link between family dinners and academic achievement.
4. FAMILY DINNERS ARE A CHANCE TO EXPLORE NEW FOODS: Family meals have proven to be a perfect opportunity for parents to expose children to new and different foods and expand their tastes.
5. FAMILY DINNERS LEAD TO GREATER OVERALL HAPPINESS: Research has shown that when children eat with their parents regularly, they are more likely to be emotionally strong and gave better mental health.4
6. HOMEMADE MEALS PROMOTE PORTION CONTROL: Eating together as a family at home gives you a chance to teach your child about healthy, balanced meals. Preparing meals together can also help your child learn how to cook in a healthy manner.
7. FAMILY DINNERS EQUAL HEALTHY KIDS: When families eat together, children are less likely to be overweight or obese.2
8. FAMILY DINNERS RELIEVE STRESS: If you have a demanding job, finding time to eat with your family may actually leave you feeling less stressed.
9. EATING AT HOME CAN SAVE MONEY: According to the national Consumer Expenditure Survey (2007) from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average household spent $3,465 on meals at home and $2,668 on meals away from home. Per meal, that's about $8 per meal outside of the home, and only about $4.50 per meal made at home.
10. FAMILY DINNERS LEAD TO DECREASED DRUG USE IN TEENS: A report by CASA found that compared to teens who have frequent family dinners (5 to 7 per week), those who have infrequent dinners (less than 3 per week) are more than twice as likely to say that they expect to try drugs in the future.
For more information on the benefits of eating together as a family, CLICK HERE.
References
1. Moynihan, Andrew B., et al. "Eaten up by boredom: consuming food to escape awareness of the bored self." Frontiers in psychology 6 (2015): 369.
2. Hammons, Amber J., and Barbara H. Fiese. "Is frequency of shared family meals related to the nutritional health of children and adolescents?." Pediatrics 127.6 (2011): e1565-e1574.
3. Videon, Tami M., and Carolyn K. Manning. "Influences on adolescent eating patterns: the importance of family meals." Journal of adolescent health 32.5 (2003): 365-373.
4. Eisenberg, Marla E., et al. "Correlations between family meals and psychosocial well-being among adolescents." Archives of pediatrics & adolescent medicine 158.8 (2004): 792-796.
- Author: Chelsey LeeAnn Slattery
Barry Elementary School is a small (K-8th grade) school with just under 600 students located in Sutter County. In September of 2017, Butte Cluster's UC CalFresh Nutrition Education Program partnered with Ms. Donovan, Barry School's Garden Lead and Elementary School Counselor to submit a grant proposal for the Lowes Tool Box for Education Grant. The grant was successfully awarded in January of 2018. This grant will assist Barry Elementary School in relocating their school's learning garden to a new location on the school campus. It will also make it possible for students in Sutter County, many of which are low-income, to touch worms, smell fresh herbs, taste new foods, and see the beauty of growing healthy foods in their own community.
Over the past three school years, Barry Elementary School has partnered with the UC CalFresh Nutrition Education Program and the Center for Nutrition in Schools at UC Davis to incorporate the Shaping Healthy Choices Program (SHCP) into the school environment. The SHCP is a multi-component, school- based intervention that was developed to improve children's health. This program integrates activities within four components, all working together to sustain positive health outcomes: 1) Garden enhanced nutrition education and promotion 2) Family and community partnership 3). Foods available on the school campus, and 4). School wellness policies. For more information on the SHCP, CLICK HERE.
Barry Elementary School has recently established a Garden Committee which consists of several community partners including, UC CalFresh, Lowes, UC Master Gardeners, Yuba-Sutter Young Farmers and Ranchers, and the Sutter-Yuba 4-H Youth Development Program. Together these partners plan to work together to relocate the school's learning garden and Barry Elementary School plans to continue to integrate a multi-component, school-based intervention with the goal of making policy, systems and environmental changes on their school campus.
Barry Elementary School's After School Program, The Hive recently put their gardening skills to the test by pulling together recycled materials to create a pallet garden for the Yuba-Sutter Home and Garden Show. For more information on building a pallet garden, CLICK HERE.
Barry Elementary School is looking forward to having the opportunity to incorporate learning in the school garden and provide students with opportunities to interact with nature on a personal level to promote positive behavior changes and enhance student learning.
- Author: Chelsey LeeAnn Slattery
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) is a federally funded grant program that supports evidence-based nutrition education and obesity prevention interventions and projects for persons eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through complementary direct education, multi-level interventions, and community and public health approaches to improve nutrition. Two key federal partners are the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). FNS determines national policies and procedures, provides program monitoring and administrative oversight, facilitates resource sharing, and delivers technical assistance. NIFA facilitates communication among federal, state, and local partners, and provides programmatic leadership to cooperative extension/land-grant university program implementers for effective nutrition education and obesity prevention interventions through the land-grant system in conjunction with other implementing agencies and organizations. A third federal partner, USDA's Economic Research Service, supports nutrition education through its research and evaluation studies.
The UC CalFresh Nutrition Education Program of Butte, Glenn, Colusa, Sutter, and Yuba counties (Butte Cluster hereinafter) is SNAP-Ed funded and collaborates with school-based partners, students, teacher extenders, UC Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Development Programs to provide comprehensive, research-based nutrition, garden and physical activity programming to low-income communities. Recognizing that nutrition and physical activity behaviors are dependent on many factors including individual knowledge and skills and social determinants including access to resources, opportunities and regional and institutional policies, UC CalFresh works with partners to identify and address barriers to health and wellness. UC CalFresh Butte Cluster utilizes integrated approaches which leverage community resources including agriculture to facilitate the creation of healthier communities by educating and encouraging community members to: 1) make informed nutrition and physical activity decisions; 2) maximize their food resources; 3) eat and enjoy a variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables.
In the Butte Cluster, our UC CalFresh Nutrition Education Program staff members are advocates of making behavior and lifestyle changes that will contribute to a lifetime of healthy eating and active living for individuals living in the communities that we serve. To see some of the highlights from our 2016-2017 fiscal year, please refer to the document below.
