Fitness and Healthy Living for the New Year

January is a month of renewal. With New Year's resolution goals in hand, chances are that health or wellness are one of those goals that you have planned for.

Did you know that kids should have at least 60 minutes of play/exercise each day? It also wouldn't hurt adults to make that number a goal as well. It is simple to add more exercise in your day. You can park in a far off spot in the lot or take the stairs instead of an elevator. You could walk or bike to work or school, if you live close enough. You could also get more active at the gym, active play with the family, walks around the block or power walking at the mall. It doesn't have to cost money and if you do it with a partner or your family, it will be a lot of fun!

Eating better is a simple goal to attain. Start by drinking more water. Water is the key to beautiful skin and healthy organ function. If you drink a glass before each meal, you won't be as  hungry and will tend to eat less. Another thing to consider is trying to eat whole, fresh foods. The fresher the food, the less preservatives and unhealthy ingredients are put into your body. You can start by using the "My Plate" model. This is a great graphic to remember when loading up your plate for a meal. 

If you want more information about health and wellness you can check it out at:

choosemyplate.gov or dairymax.org   

Health and wellness are the best gifts that we can give to ourselves and our families. Start small and set some goals with a friend. You will be glad that you did.

You Are What You Eat

Food art is always a fun option to get kids interested in healthy treats. If they create it, they are more likely to eat it.

Summer brings us a bounty of fresh fruit and veggies, so there is easy access during that time of the year.

During Winter, you can still find healthy options. So try to jazz up your holidays with some fun and healthy treats too!

In the last few weeks, I have received two pictures of kids making healthy choices. Both friends chose the options on their own, much to their parents amazement. So here's to healthy food choices and raising healthy kids!

With nutrition and healthy eating in mind, take a look at this video that our farm hands have created. It was inspired by Hip Hop Public Health and the Partnership for a Healthier America.

        We Love Vegetables by Moss Haven Farm

                         



We're Cooking Up A Storm

Julia Child is known for being one of the first American Chefs to bring healthy meals, presented in beautiful ways to the table in our own homes. Some of her recipes are complicated, but all of her recipes start with fresh ingredients. Fresh foods are the best foods and our kids are learning that first hand in their classrooms throughout the school. Food levels the playing field. Students of all ability levels become a team when they cook and collaborate to prepare the perfect dish. It also pulls together all curriculum strands, so don't fear..., there is learning going on here! Bon Appetite!

One of our classes had a salsa/guacamole competition. They took it very seriously, with a lot of fun and cooperation.

Farm fresh wraps were served right on the farm during a visit by these 3rd graders. There is nothing like fresh picked greens.

Our sixth grade class can grow eggplant and they bake a mean eggplant parmesan!

Fresh peppers and spinach quesadillas are a big favorite of all our farm friends! If they grow it, they will eat it!

One of our teachers was thrilled to snip fresh herbs and use them in a meal at home. She even sent a picture of her kitchen masterpiece. 

We Love Salad Bar Day..., Hatching Healthiness In Our Cafe'

Our school farm began when a group of teachers and parents came together with a common goal of creating an outdoor learning environment. It has grown into so much more. In addition to educating kids in core subjects, we continue to look at the many ways that we can help them become healthy and environmentally minded kids.

To get kids to eat healthier, you have to model it and who better to model than the kids themselves. Many students sent in pictures of themselves eating and making salads.

Then, our school district took notice of the many initiatives that we are doing to raise healthy kids and they gifted us with the only salad bar at the elementary level.

Parents volunteer and support the process of students chosing the ingrediants and making their own salads.

Even our teachers look forward to salad bar day!

Our salad bar is a great addition to our campaign of Hatching Healthiness! Thanks so much Rose Ann Martin, Director of RISD Child Nutrition! We LOVE your support! RISD Child Nutrition Website