Weight loss vs muscle gain

[Veronica]

I know you're tongue in cheek.

NPR had a report the other day about how obesity rates went down at schools when there was a focus on exercise and nutrition. But there was no mention of how their test scores were.

I'll continue to focus on setting a good example for my students. That's about all I can do. I was thrilled that a few of my kids actually cut back on their soda intake after just a few casual conversations with me. It amazed them that I always had water with my lunch - not a soda.

Veronica

[Crankin]

You know, when I think about it, my mom also bucked the trends of processed foods of the fifties and sixties. While I can't say we never had bad stuff, my mom made everything from scratch, and we sat down to dinner every night, even when my dad traveled (which was a lot). In the summer we always went to Mr. Valenti's farm stand to get our produce, often right before dinner. In fact, I remember Mr. Valenti driving the station wagon that took me to day camp (I guess he needed to make some extra cash). My parents also took me to different kinds of restaurants. Hence, I eat almost anything.
I hate it when people ask how I can cook a good meal after working all day. It isn't that hard. I make all of the fast recipes from Cooking Light or Food and Wine and plan the menu for 3-4 meals each week when we go shopping. I did the same thing when my kids were growing up and now they both like to cook/shop for food. Some of my friends actually fed their kids dinner in the car, as they were being schlepped to various activities .

[Trek420]

I know you're tongue in cheek.

whew

NPR had a report the other day about how obesity rates went down at schools when there was a focus on exercise and nutrition. But there was no mention of how their test scores were.

Yes, and since I hear that school funding is based on scores that matters more than kids health sometimes.

Perhaps schools with an "edible schoolyard", working with local 4H clubs, community garden, volunteers, parents etc may be able to combine lessons in science, biology, even math, history etc with experiencing and even cooking with "real food".

I'll continue to focus on setting a good example for my students. That's about all I can do. I was thrilled that a few of my kids actually cut back on their soda intake after just a few casual conversations with me. It amazed them that I always had water with my lunch - not a soda.

To some extent that's the best we all can do. Ride our bikes, be fabulous, maybe be an example to someone.