FAQ
Click a question to display the answer
A:
Healthy Eating for Life is a part of Bright from the Start's Nutrition and Physical Activity Education Initiative. In collaboration with our partners our goal is to promote healthy eating and physical activity among children, (birth to five years old) their families and caregivers. This website was developed to be a resource for families, caregivers and child care professionals that cater to this age group.
A:
Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (Bright from the Start) is the state agency responsible for meeting the child care and early education needs of Georgia's children and their families. Bright from the Start oversees a wide range of programs, focued primarily on children ages birth to school age. The Child and Adult Care Food Program is one of the many programs Bright from the Start oversees.
A:
Bright from the Start’s mission is to deliver exemplary early care and education programs that produces that improves the quality of early learning experiences, increase school readiness, and improve overall school performance. Bright from the Start realizes that in order for it to fulfill its mission of preparing children for success at all levels, it must address and promote healthy eating and increase physical activity in the early care and education system.
A:
Bright from the Start has the responsibility to oversee child care and educational services for Georgia’s children between birth and five years old and to administer nutrition programs (i.e. Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)) for children and adults in day care settings. Therefore, Bright from the Start interacts with more than 10,000 child care facilities in Georgia and more than 5,000 of these facilities participate in the CACFP. The latter number indicates the extent to which Bright from the Start can communicate with and provide training to caregivers and other organizations that can influence and actively promote healthy eating habits and increased physical activity among young children.
A:
By targeting young children ages birth to five, Bright from the Start will be able to encourage healthy eating and physical activity among children as they begin to develop their eating and activity habits during critical stages of development. We are attempting to instill healthy habits regarding nutrition and physical activity at an early age before unhealthy habits are developed.
A:
A healthy diet improves physical well-being, growth and development, readiness to learn and decreases risk of diseases. Regular physical activity promotes psychological well-being and long-term health benefits
A:
Learning proper nutrition is just as important as any other subject such as grammar and math. What is eaten or not eaten can affect a person’s health, growth, and ability to learn. Nutrition education teaches children about making healthy food choices, a skill they will use for the rest of their lives. Physical education is also important, it teaches children how to improve physical fitness, provides the skills needed to participate in physical activities, and emphasizes the connection between physical health and general well-being.
A:
Healthy eating is about three things-variety, balance, and moderation.
- A variety of foods from the five food groups should be eaten in order to get all the nutrients your body requires to be healthy.
- Food choices should be balanced during the day to receive sufficient amounts of each type of food in each of the five food groups.
- Food should be eaten in moderation. Eat appropriate amounts of food without excessive fat, sugar, and salt.
A:
Snacking itself is not unhealthy, it is what you eat when snacking that determines whether it is unhealthy or not. Children need food to prevent hunger and provide them with essential nutrients throughout the day. Although three meals a day provide the bulk of nutrients children need to function optimally, snacking makes it easier to meet those needs. Most people usually view snacking as unhealthy, because snacks advertised in our society are usually high calorie, low-nutrient foods instead of nutritious foods. However, these views are slowly changing due to our society’s recent campaigns on eating healthy. Many food manufacturers are now developing and advertising healthier snacks. Children can be taught how to eat healthy while snacking by teaching them that healthy snacks consist of at least one of the five food groups. For example, an apple, carrots sticks, or cheese and whole grain crackers are all healthy snacks.
A:
Whole grain foods are foods that contain all parts of the grain—the outer layer and two inner parts. If all parts of the grain are present in foods, then they are referred to as whole grain foods. Grains contain B vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and protein. Refined grain foods do not contain all parts of the grain; also, these foods usually do not contain the majority of nutrients found in whole grain foods unless it is enriched with the nutrients. Common whole grain foods include brown rice, oatmeal, whole wheat, and wild rice.
A:
Children of all ages can be involved in several different activities depending on their age and level of development. Although children follow the same developmental pattern, they develop at different rates and as a result, their motor skills vary widely. Also, keep in mind that some activities may appeal to some, and not others. For this reason, it is important to plan activities that correspond with a child’s capabilities and interests.
Activities that children are involved in should strengthen their endurance, enhance their flexibility, and build strength. For a list of
activities and descriptions, view
Kids in Action booklet.
A:
Breastmilk is the ideal choice for infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding babies until their first birthday. Breast milk is encouraged because its composition changes over time to meet the changing needs of a growing infant. It also provides immunological protection against common early childhood infections and appears to provide protection against other conditions and allergies beyond infancy. When breastfeeding is not possible, commercial iron-fortified infant formula can be used. Although breast milk is best for the baby, iron fortified formula provides babies with all the nutrients they need to grow. Soy-based and protein hydrosylate formulas can also be used for when a child has allergies, a special medical condition, or when advised by a doctor or medical specialist.
A:
Low-fat and fat-free milk provide the same amount of calcium, vitamin D, potassium and protein as whole and 2% milk, but have less saturated fat. Saturated fat is an unhealthy, solid fat that we should try to limit. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend low-fat (1%) or fat-free (skim) milk for children and adults 2 years of age and older. However, whole milk is still recommended for 1 year old children. Both low-fat and fat-free milk are creditable under the Child and Adult Care Food Program.
A:
Whole grains provide more fiber, vitamins and minerals that refined grain foods. At least half of your daily intake of grains should come from whole grain foods. Examples of whole grains include whole wheat breads, oatmeal, whole grain cereal, whole grain pasta, and brown or wild rice. To determine whether or not a food is a whole grain, you can check the Ingredients List, located on the side or back of the food package. Whole grain foods will list the word "whole", followed by the name of a grain, as the first ingredient. For example:
"Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, water, salt, yeast"
A:
Healthy eating doesn’t have to be expensive. Healthy, budget-friendly foods include:
- Grains/Bread: Whole wheat bread and pasta, brown rice, and oats
- Fruits and Vegetables: Look for fresh, in-season or frozen produce. Fresh apples, bananas, broccoli, carrots, and celery are inexpensive year round
- Meat/Meat Alternates: Beans, lentils, ground turkey, skinless chicken legs or thighs, eggs, tuna canned in water, peanut butter, and low-fat yogurt
- Milk: Low-fat and fat-free milk are healthier options for children 2 years and older, and cost the same as whole and 2% milk
Items like sugary cereals, cookies, snack cakes, toaster pastries, muffins, French toast sticks, and processed meats like chicken nuggets and corn dogs are less healthy, and more expensive than the budget-friendly foods listed above.
A:
Dried beans are less expensive and provide less sodium (salt) than canned, but dried beans need to be soaked before cooking. Sort through dried beans and discard any shriveled beans or foreign materials (like small pebbles). Rinse well and drain. There are two methods for soaking:
- Overnight Soak: Pour beans in a large pot with enough water to cover beans. Refrigerate overnight. Drain and proceed with recipe.
- Quick Soak: Pour beans in a large stock pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Simmer 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover the pot and soak for about 1 hour. Drain and proceed with recipe.
You can view “Preparing Dried Beans and Peas” videos from the National Food Service Management Institute: www.nfsmi.org/ResourceOverview.aspx?ID=292
A:
Structured physical activity is teacher-led activity aimed at developing specific muscles or achieving certain milestones. Structured activity is important because children need help developing skills that lay the foundation for future activities. Examples of structured activity include organized sports like kickball, music and movement activities that include planned actions, obstacle courses, Simon Says, or other teacher-led activities.
A:
The National Association for Sports and Physical Education sets national guidelines for physical activity and physical education. Guidelines include the following:
- Infants: Caregivers should place infants in settings that encourage and stimulate movement experiences and active play for short periods of time several times a day.
- Toddlers: Toddlers should participate in 30 minutes of structured physical activity, and 60 minutes of unstructured physical activity every day.
- Preschoolers: Preschoolers should participate in 60 minutes of structured physical activity, and 60 minutes of unstructured physical activity every day.
The complete guidelines are available at: http://www.aahperd.org/naspe/standards/nationalGuidelines/ActiveStart.cfm
A:
Nutrition and physical education can be incorporated into science, art, music, language arts, large group, small group, outdoor play, and dramatic play activities:
- Cooking activities: children learn math skills like measuring and fractions, and develop fine motor skills while stirring, scooping or kneading
- Gardening activities: children learn about science when they watch their seeds grow into plants
- Center time: a variety of healthy foods in the home living center, and healthy food pictures in the art center help promote good nutrition
- Reading books: children can read, or listen to their teacher read, books with positive nutrition and physical activity messages
- Meal time: meal time provides a wonderful opportunity to discuss healthy foods and their color, shape, texture and flavor
Free nutrition and physical activity lessons are available:
A:
You can access nutrition and physical activity training and other resources from your Child Care Resource and Referral Agency (
http://www.gaccrra.org) or County Extension Office (http://www.caes.uga.edu/extension/office.cfm). You can also borrow nutrition and physical activity books from your local library.
The following websites offer free information and materials to help promote good nutrition and physical activity for young children: