The expressions “no news is good news” and “absence makes the heart grow founder”, or the interest become more pronounced; might all apply at this point.
Still looking for that eager youthful blogger that wants to keep GPS out there and current, because we are currently out there and working hard and teaching up a storm! And because blogging and FB is hard for me…
First to catch up with our programming; we started with the Delta’s Academy Shabazz – Middle School girls at Madrona K-8.
Focusing on Health and Nutrition our 5 sessions together touched on healthy growing bodies; what’s on a nutrition label and what’s in processed foods and sugar drinks; can heart disease be reversed and steps to take to keep a healthy weight or return to one if you are overweight or obese. We tasted together, discussing and visualizing portion size. We cooked together (because the garden was still in winter mode) and because stretching your boundaries and opening your mind to new things and tastes is part of our mission; every girl ended up learning that they actually liked things that they had thought they disliked (or of course had never tasted).
We will be working with the Delta’s next year and we’re really looking forward to it! On our last lesson (that included healthy pizza making and a yoga session) we talked about the importance of not skipping meals and eating healthy snacks….this made an impact. Here’s what the program director had to say:
“Dear Shabazz Moms and Dads…your daughters need your help! They are not eating lunch (86%) and now after our sessions with Green Plate Special and listening to a nutritionist and Ms. Laura, the girls are concerned about skipping an important meal and the long term ramifications it can have on their developing bodies.
These sessions with Green Plate Special have been some of the best we have done because the learning is immediate, yet has long term benefits.
The girls gave me permission to share this information with you because they now want to pack a lunch to bring to school and need you to grocery shop with that intent. All of the girls shared how they loved bringing their lunches to school when they were in kdg to 4th grade- and then after that, it just wasn’t cool!
They are determined to make it cool again…
Based on our new learning- we want to stay away from processed foods…and the girls can read the nutrition labels. This may rule out Lunchables and Capri Suns(read the label), but rule in string cheese, rice crackers, bananas, grapes, nuts, dried fruits, apples etc….
They also want to commit to drinking more water- so investing in a water bottle is a good start to help them.
Your daughter has set 2 goals to change an eating habit that we will continue to check in to support. They want to make sure their bodies are getting enough folic acid or Vitamin M through natural foods.
They prepared great tasting pizza with lots of veggies and good meat toppings yesterday. Some even took home a dough ball (yes, they made their own dough) and can make more pizza or biscuits. They have the recipe…look it over and make pizza for the family ! “
