Welcome to the 2013-2014 school year. We have lots of fun and educational things planned this year, so 

stay tuned...........

EATING HEALTHY

What kinds of foods should my family eat? How much of each food group is best?  There is no one single answer to these questions, but by using the Daily Food Plan, at www.choosemyplate.org  you can find an answer that is personalized for you.

FOOD TIP: For fresh fruit salads, mix apples, bananas, or pears with acidic fruits like oranges, pineapple, or lemon juice to keep them from turning brown.

TIPS FOR EATING HEALTHY!

Packing a Healthy Lunch…

Packing a healthy lunch for your children is a great way to provide them with the nutrients they need to power through the school day. Unfortunately, lunch boxes are often filled with packaged ‘convenience’ foods like full-calorie soda, chips, and cookies. This can add up to a lot of excess fat, sugar, sodium and calories that may contribute to long-term health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. These extra calories may also make kids sluggish or cranky in the afternoons.

For a Healthy Lunch box, try to include:

One serving of vegetables or salad and one serving of fruit (fresh, canned or dried can all count).

One serving of a low-fat or fat-free milk or dairy item such as a low-fat cheese stick, a yogurt cup, or some cottage cheese.

One serving of meat, chicken, fish, eggs, peanut butter, beans or another protein source.

A healthy drink such as water or 100% juice.

Ideas for Healthy Sandwiches

Swap the white bread for whole wheat varieties for added boosts of fiber. Whole wheat bread can also be more filling.

If your kids are bored with the traditional sandwich, try whole wheat pita or flatbread/tortilla wraps that you can quickly turn into sandwich swirls.

Switch from bologna, salami, pastrami or corned beef, and other fatty luncheon meats to low-fat alternatives such as lean turkey or chicken breast.

Sneak veggies like lettuce, cucumbers, or shredded cabbage in between slices of lean turkey or ham on a sandwich or in a wrap.

Use peanut butter in moderation: 2 tablespoons (about the size of a ping pong ball) provides about 190 calories and 16 grams of fatⁱⁱ.

Try using a thinner layer of peanut butter and substituting jelly with banana or thin apple slices for a healthier spin on an old favorite.

Skip high-fat mayonnaise. Consider a small serving of reduced fat mayonnaise or skip it entirely and try using something with more flavor and fewer calories like mustard instead.

This information is provided by the American Heart Association

Welcome to "P.E....EveryBODY needs it!" I am a physical education instructor - teaching PreK through 5th grades at Waccamaw Elementary. As a physical education teacher, I believe it is not only my job to educate students about the benefits of P.E., but also to educate parents, colleagues, and community members. Thus, I created this weblog with the parents of my students in mind, but anyone that is interested in the social, emotional and physical wellness of children is invited to visit. I hope you find the blogs useful, interesting or just plain fun! Feel free to ask questions, or leave a comment.