Vol. 3, Issue 3 November 2013

Upcoming Events (add school events here) Event 1 Event 2 Event 3

Energy BalanceWhat is Energy Balance?According to The National Heart, Lunch and Blood Institute (NHLBI), energy is another word for “calories”. Energy is consumed through eating and drinking and energy is burned through physical activity. Energy balance is energy in (calories consumed) vs. energy out (calories burned).

If energy in vs. energy out stays the same over time = weight stays the same

More energy in vs. energy out = weight gain

More energy out vs. energy in = weight loss

The NHLBI states that having energy balance overtime will help keep individuals at a healthy weight for the long term. Children also need energy balance, and this happens when the amount of “energy in” and “energy out” support natural growth without promoting excess weight gain.

WE CAN: Ways to Enhance Children’s Activity and Nutrition. Balance Food and Activity. Retrieved from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/wecan/healthy-weight-basics/balance.htm

Healthful HolidaysWhat better way to kick-off the holiday season than with a family fitness challenge? Participate in the Thanksgiving Log Challenge over your Thanksgiving holiday break with your family to stay active.

Some ideas to keep active include:

1. After Thanksgiving dinner, continue your family time with a walk around your block.

2. Take a “Time Out” from TV and play a family game outside-football, tag or catch.

3. Enjoy the autumn colors by going outside to play in the leaves. When you are done playing, offer to rake/bag the leaves.

4. Looking to stay inside? Play a board or video game that keeps you active and moving. If you don’t have a game, try charades or dance to your favorite music.

5. In preparation for your guests, stay active by vacuuming or dusting. Remember, all movement counts.

Log the activities and place on the refrigerator to determine which family member does the most physical activity.

*Remember, children and adolescents need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

Healthy Zone School Program Sponsors

Did You Know?The average American will consume more than 4500 calories and 229 grams of fat on Thanksgiving Day!-Calorie Control Council

Go, Slow, Whoa!GO, SLOW, and WHOA foods are an easy way for the whole family to learn which foods are nutrient dense (GO) and which are calorie dense (WHOA). Children and adults should look for foods that are low in calories and high in nutrients to maintain energy balance.

GO Foods: Can eat almost anytime and are high in nutrients, low in calories, fat and sugar. SLOW Foods: Can eat sometimes, or less often. Key word: Moderation. Foods are higher in fat, added sugar/calories. WOAH Foods: Eat only once in a while--Foods high in calories, fat, added sugar and low in nutrients.

FitKids Healthy for Life. Go, Slow and Whoa Foods. Retrieved from: http://www.kspsfitkids.org/Eat/MindfulEating/SlowFoods