Lesson plan: Changing unhealthy eating habits

October 18, 2000
Web posted at: 5:10 PM EDT (2110 GMT)

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Objectives

Students will:

• Identify the elements of a balanced diet.
• Compile a daily diet and exercise log to assess their lifestyles and improve them if applicable.
• Recognize and explain the importance of proper nutrition practices.
• Give examples of childhood and adult diseases.

Standards

McREL Standards
Health Standard 6

High school students understand how nutrients and energy needs vary in relation to gender, activity level and stage of life cycle.

Materials

CNNfyi article, "Unhealthy lifestyle exacts heavy toll from teens"
Internet access (optional)

Suggested time

One class period

Procedures

1. Discuss with students their overall eating and exercise habits. Ask if they eat three to four vegetables daily and two to three servings of fruit. Also ask if they get cardiovascular (running, jumping, aerobics, basketball, etc) activity regularly. Have students read the CNNfyi.com article "Unhealthy lifestyle exacts heavy toll from teens," then ask the following:

• Why is it important to eat properly during adolescence? According to Dr. Holly Schachner, what diseases are becoming more visible among teens? What explanation does she give for this increase?
• What are some childhood diseases? In your opinion, what difference, other than the age, accounts for differences in childhood and adult diseases? What are some possible reasons that people -- teens in particular -- eat poorly? What lifestyle issues do you believe contribute to this phenomenon?

Accommodation

Logistical/mathematical: Have students log their diets and activities onto a daily chart to assure themselves that they are eating a variety of healthy meals as well as getting proper exercise.

Assessment

Direct students to online and media resources to find recipes that offer a variety of healthy nutritional options. If time permits, have them bring food using those recipes or, if possible, allow them to cook some of these recipes in class. Have students present ways to "sneak" exercise into their daily routines (i.e., climbing stairs instead of taking the elevator.)

American Academy of Pediatrics
American Diabetes Association
CDC: Diabetes Public Health Resource
Center for Nutrition Policy Promotion
American Heart Association

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