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Healthy Eating

All adults in the school setting can influence students' food choices by role modelling positive eating habits.

If a student sees educators eating healthy foods and beverages and enjoying them, they are more likely to eat healthy foods and beverages themselves. When educators speak about restricting food(s), skipping meals or dieting to lose weight, this sends the wrong message to students, from a person they look up to.

Ways to model healthy eating for your students:

Drink milk or water while teaching.
Eat breakfast and lunch.
Eat nutritious foods and snacks while you are at school.

Healthy eating should be taught within the context of a healthy school using the Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum. The best way to teach students about healthy eating (also known as balanced eating) is to focus on the importance of food to give us energy to learn, play, grow and keep our bodies functioning. Balanced eating also includes eating when you are hungry and stopping when you are full. Eating regular meals and snacks throughout the day is normal and healthy for children.

Teaching about calories and nutrients

The revised curriculum expresses the importance of paying more attention to nutrients than to calories. When teaching, provide a basic description that calories are the energy that comes from food and avoid activities that involve counting calories. It is more beneficial to focus on the importance of different nutrients and how they can be obtained through a variety of foods, and the different ways this nutrients help to fuel our bodies.

Talking about "bad foods" or "junk foods"

To create a more positive message, it is best to avoid classifying foods, even terms like “healthy” and “unhealthy”, or “everyday foods” and “sometimes” foods, can become synonymous with “good” and “bad”.

While it is true that certain foods are more nutritious than others, that doesn’t mean that they are better than foods that are less nutritious, it simply means that they have more nutrients and serve a different purpose. There are many ways that food can promote health and fuel our bodies. Some foods provide us with energy, pleasure, or have cultural significance, and sometimes it is simply the social aspect of eating that allows food to contribute to our well-being.

By speaking neutrally about all foods and teaching about balanced eating using Canada's Food Guide, you can teach students that all foods can be enjoyed.

What should I do if I have concerns about the types of foods in a student's lunch?

It is important not to single out children for the food in their lunches or snacks. As an educator, you shouldn't make comments on what students are eating. According to the Ministry of Education, students have variable amounts of control over the food they eat at home, and the food they bring to school. Educators need to consider these realities and be aware of issues such as poverty, food allergies or sensitivities and cultural practices.

Rewarding students with food

Rewards given in the classroom can be an effective way to encourage positive behaviour; however, role models should not reward students with food or withhold food as punishment. Using foods to reward students has many negative consequences that go far beyond the short-term benefits of positive behaviour and can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food. It is best to reward students with non-food items such as pencils, erasers or stickers. Rewarding students with things such as outdoor playtime offers the benefit of a healthier lifestyle by teaching students that physical activity is enjoyable and part of a healthy lifestyle.

Low cost alternatives to foods as rewards:

Stickers
Stamps on student's hand
Pencils or pencil toppers
Jump ropes
Enter draw for paperback book
Colourful erasers
Key chain
Book mark
Crayons
Water bottle
Puzzle
Trip to treasure box (non-food items)

No cost alternatives to foods as rewards:

Verbal praise
Reduced or no homework
First in line
Walk break from class
Extra reading time
Extra art, music or physical education
Going to the library to select a book
Reading the school announcements
Choosing the theme for a school bulletin board
Writing on the chalk or white board
Help educator (e.g. distribute handouts, errands to the main office, etc.)

Curriculum resources

To order any of the following curriculum resources, please contact the Resource Centre.

Elementary School Resources

DVDs
Resource	Resource number	Curriculum links
Buzz in a Bottle: The Dangers of Caffeine-Spiked Energy Drinks (2010) This DVD and teacher manual addresses the health risks of consuming energy drinks and the dangers of mixing them with alcohol. It will also help students decipher the numerous ingredients found in energy drinks including caffeine, taurine, and others (17 min.).	D93	Gr. 7 C2.1(HE) Gr. 8 C2.1(HE)
SuperSize Me, Educationally Enhanced Version DVD (2003) Filmmaker Morgan Spurlock unravels the American obesity epidemic by interviewing experts nationwide and by subjecting himself to a "McDonald's only" diet for thirty days straight. This film dives into corporate responsibility, nutritional education, and how a nation is eating itself to death. The educationally enhanced DVD includes instructional content for teachers (100 min.).	D2	Gr. 6 C2.1(HE) Gr. 7 C2.1, C3.1(HE) Gr. 8 C2.1(HE)

Kits and online resources
Resource	Resource number	Curriculum links
Healthy Eating Module-Educator Kit, Grade 1 (2015) This module helps students identify that eating well and being active are important for health. Students explore the concept of hunger and full, and identify hunger/full cues. Students think about portion size in relation to body signals for hunger and fullness (e.g., listen to your body to know if you are a little hungry, really hungry, or full). A food literacy activity is included in the kit, with information provided on suggested snacks.	14761	Gr. 1 C1.1, C1.2, C2.2 (HE)
Healthy Eating Module-Educator Kit, Grade 2 (2015) This module helps students identify the four food groups in Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide. Students identify and classify foods found in each of the four food groups as well as foods not found in Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide. Using interactive activities, students plan a lunch incorporating the four food groups. A food literacy activity is included in the kit, with information provided on suggested snacks.	14762	Gr. 2 C2.1, C2.2 (HE)
Healthy Eating Module-Educator Kit, Grade 3 (2015) This module helps students to identify local and cultural foods. Students explore the concept of food origins and environmental impact. A food literacy activity is included in the kit, with information provided on suggested snacks.	14763	Gr. 3 C2.1, C3.1 (HE)
Healthy Eating Module-Educator Kit, Grade 4 (2015) This module will help students to identify six major nutrients in food, the role they play in the body and to identify food sources of these nutrients. A food literacy activity is included in the kit, with information provided on suggested snacks.	14764	Gr. 4 C1.1 (HE)
Healthy Eating Module-Educator Kit, Grade 5 (2015) This module will help students develop an understanding of the influence of media on food choices and provide an introduction to food label reading. A food literacy activity is included in the kit, with information provided on suggested snacks.	14765	Gr. 5 C2.1, C3.1 (HE)
Healthy Eating Module-Educator Kit, Grade 6 (2015) This module will help students recognize hunger and fullness cues, identify what factors influence feelings of hunger and fullness, and how to make healthy food choices when planning snacks and meals. A food literacy activity is included in the kit, with information provided on suggested snacks.	14766	Gr. 6 C2.2, C3.1 (HE)
Healthy Eating Module-Educator Kit, Grade 7 (2015) This module will help students identify personal and external factors that affect a person's food choices. Student's will plan a meal based on different personal and external factors, such as budget or cultural practices. A food literacy activity is included in the kit, with information provided on suggested snacks.	14676	Gr. 7 C3.1 (HE)
Healthy Eating Module-Educator Kit, Grade 8 (2015) This module will help students evaluate personal food choices on the basis of a variety of criteria, including serving size, nutrient content, energy value, and ingredients (e.g., fats, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals, calories, additives, and allergens), preparation method, and other factors that can affect health and well-being. A food literacy activity is included in the kit, with information provided on suggested snacks.	14768	Gr. 8 C1.1, C2.1, C3.1
Nature's Fast Food Billboard (2015) The Nature's Fast Food billboard is a visually impactful, large, full colour poster (size 3.5' x 3'). Plan a school-wide special event that gets your school eating more vegetables and fruit! Set up a table, canteen, or vegetable and fruit stand. Offer a variety of vegetable and fruit samples.	B44	Healthy Eating Grades 1 to 8
Busy Bodies (2007) Easy-to-use activity cards promote physical activity and healthy eating for children ages 3 to 5. Children can engage in these activities in a classroom, school gym or in the great outdoors. French and English versions are available.	12170	JK, SK
Power to Play (2007) This kit makes teaching healthy eating and physical activity fun! It includes a teacher manual, CD/DVD, curriculum and learning expectations booklet, food cards, picture activities, and a poster.	14546	JK, SK Gr. 1 A1.1, A2.1, A2.2, C1.1, C2.1(HE) Gr. 2 A1.1, A1.3, A2.1, C2.1, C2.2(HE) Gr. 3 A1.1, A1.3, A2.1, C3.1(HE)
Canada's Food Guide Food Clings K to Gr. 3 (Primary)(2009) This kit provides an age-appropriate activity to teach Canada's Food Guide in the classroom.	14579	JK, SK Gr. 1 C1.1, C2.1(HE) Gr. 2 C2.1, C2.2(HE)
Food Model Cards Food photographs on 5" x 7" cards with food name on back. Includes single food items, mixed dishes, and multicultural foods.	14155	Healthy Eating Grades 1 to 8
Funtastic Food Find Poster (1995) Interactive poster - helps children learn about Canada's Food Guide, identify foods, classify foods, and identify elements of a nutritious meal. Similar to "Where's Waldo?" Produced by the Dairy Farmers of Canada. (French and English available)	14146	Gr. 1 C2.1(HE) Gr. 2 C2.1, C2.2(HE)
At My Best At My Best is a free comprehensive curriculum supported toolkit for children, to promote and develop their overall wellness. It addresses physical activity, healthy eating, and emotional well-being. It aims to support children's optimal physical and emotional development, by inspiring and motivating them to make healthier choices today, and to develop lifelong healthy habits. Developed by Physical & Health Education Canada, with support from AstraZeneca Canada.	Available online	Gr.1 C1.1, C2.1, C2.2 (HE), A1.1, A1.2, A1.3, A2.1, A2.2, B1.1, B1.2, B1.3, B1.4, B2.1, B2.2 (PA) Gr.2 C1.2, C2.2 (HE), A1.1, A1.2, A1.3, A2.1, A2.4, A3.1, B1.1, B1.2, B1.3, B1.4, B1.5, B2.1, B2.2 (PA) Gr.3 C1.1 (HE), A1.1, A1.2, A1.3, A2.1, A2.3, A3.1, B1.1, B1.2, B1.3, B1.4, B2.1, B2.2 (PA)
At My Best 4-5-6 At My Best is a free comprehensive curriculum supported toolkit for children to promote and develop their overall wellness. It includes physical activity, healthy eating and emotional well-being. It aims to support children's optimal physical and emotional development by inspiring and motivating them to make healthier choices today, and develop lifelong healthy habits. Developed by Physical & Health Education Canada, with support from AstraZeneca Canada.	Available online	Gr.4 Gr.5 Gr.6
Power to Explore (2009) This resource is a cross-curricular healthy living program that gives students the power to explore their personal food and activity choices.	14615	Gr. 4 A2.4, C2.1(HE) Gr. 5 A2.4, C2.1(HE) Gr. 6 A2.4, C2.1, C3.1(HE)
Discover Healthy Eating (PDF) (2009) This resource supports educators in teaching healthy eating, based on Canada's Food Guide, and how it relates to growth and development. (English and French)	1296	Gr. 1 C1.1, C2.1(HE) Gr. 2 C2.1, C2.2(HE) Gr. 3 C1.1, C2.1, C3.1(HE) Gr. 4 C1.1, C2.1, C3.1(HE) Gr. 5 C2.1, C3.1(HE) Gr. 6 C2.1, C2.2, C3.1(HE) Gr. 7 C2.1, C2.3 (SUA) C3.1(HE) Gr. 8 C1.1, C2.1, C3.1(HE)
Sip Smart! Sip Smart! ^TMOntario is a licensed classroom educational program developed by the BC Pediatric Society and the Heart and Stroke Foundation. It helps teach children in grades 3 to 7 about sugary drinks, how to make healthy drink choices, and the negative health effects associated with sugary drink consumption. Teachers can use Sip Smart! ^TM Ontario lessons to meet expectations in the Ontario Ministry of Educations's Health and Physical Education Curriculum. Available online: brightbites.ca	Available online	Gr. 3 C1.1, C2.1, C3.1 (HE) Gr. 4 C1.1, C2.1, C3.1 (HE) Gr. 5 C1.1, C2.1. C3.1 (HE) Gr. 6 C1.1, C2.1, C3.1(HE) Gr. 7 C1.1, C2.1, C3.1(HE)
Bright Bites BrightBites is a non-profit project that promotes a healthy school nutrition environment by encouraging small, fun steps towards positive change in the form of easy badges. Entire schools or individual classes/groups can sign up as teams. By earning badges, teams rise up in the BrightBites Hall of Fame and receive recognition on social media. Teachers and other school leaders can use free BrightBites resources to guide their teams every step of the way. BrightBites is a fun, modern way to boost student well-being -- one bite at a time	Available online	Gr. 1 C1.1, C2.1 (HE) Gr. 2 C2.2 (HE) Gr. 3 C1.1 (HE) Gr. 4 C2.1, C3.1 (HE) Gr. 5 C1.1, C2.1, C3.1 (HE) Gr. 6 C1.1, C2.1, C3.1 (HE) Gr. 7 C 1.1, C2.1, C3.1 (HE) Gr. 8 C2.1, C3.1 (HE)
Canada's Food Guide Food Clings Gr. 4 to 6 (Junior) (2009) This kit provides an age-appropriate activity to teach Canada's Food Guide in the classroom.	14580	Gr. 4 C2.1(HE) Gr. 5 C3.1(HE) Gr. 6 C2.1, C3.1(HE)
Co-Co's AdverSmarts: An Interactive Unit on Food Marketing on the Web This interactive unit from Canada's Centre for Digital and Media Literacy is designed to help students recognize food marketing techniques on commercial websites. It is recommended that educators preview the unit. Some students may need assistance with some of the language and concepts. Opportunities for students to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills.	Available online	Gr. 5 C3.1(HE)
Chews Wisely (2009) This program is based on a tour of the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum and prepares students for making informed food choices, including reading food labels.	Available online	Gr.5 C2.1, C3.1(HE)
Supermarket Savvy: Great Grocery Store Adventure (2009) This amusing and educational 15 minute, Supermarket Savvy Video lets you experience grocery shopping in a new way. Go on a grocery store tour with a registered dietitian and learn about decoding nutrition labels, tips on low-cost food options, and foods from around the world.	Available online	Gr. 5 C2.1 C3.1 Gr. 7 C2.1, C3.1 Gr. 8 C2.1
Power 2B Me Power 2B Me is an innovative cross-curricular healthy eating program for Ontario Teachers.	14707	Gr.7 C2.1, C3.1 (HE) Gr.8 C1.1, C2.1, C3.1 (HE)
Canada's Food Guide Food Clings Gr. 7 and 8 (Intermediate) (2009) This kit provides an age-appropriate activity to teach Canada's Food Guide in the classroom.	14581	Gr. 7 C3.1(HE) Gr. 8 C2.1(HE)

Secondary School Resources

DVDs
Resource	Resource number	Curriculum links
Buzz in a Bottle: The Dangers of Caffeine - Spiked Energy Drinks (2010) This DVD and teacher manual addresses the health risks of consuming energy drinks and the dangers of mixing them with alcohol. It will also help students decipher the numerous ingredients found in energy drinks including caffeine, taurine, and others (17 min.).	D93	Gr. 9 C3.1(HE) Gr. 10 C2.1, C2.2(HE) Gr. 11 C3.1(HE)
Obesity in a bottle: Understanding Liquid Calories and Nutrition (2006) This educational video addresses the growing obesity problem and how beverages are a factor. Warning: This video is based on American guidelines regarding sugar content and food guide recommendations (21 min.). Accompanied by a class set of Canada's Food Guides.	D61	Gr. 9 C2.1, C3.1(HE) Gr. 10 C2.1, C2.2(HE) Gr. 11 C1.1, C3.1(HE)
Diet Confidential (documentary) (2006) This video exposes how food companies try to keep up with, and cash in on, the latest, hottest diets and why they don't work (45 min.).	D21	Gr. 9 C2.1, C3.1(HE) Gr. 10 C2.2(HE) Gr. 11 C3.1(HE)
Food and Obesity: What we eat (2005) 'The National' documentary explores how we think about food, the influence of media, and the effect on our society (30 min.).	D64	Gr. 9 C2.1, C3.1(HE) Gr. 10 C2.1, C2.2, C3.1(HE) Gr. 11 C1.1, C3.1(HE) Gr. 12 C2.1, C3.1(HE)
Super Size Me, Educationally Enhanced Version DVD (2003) Super Size Me, Original Version DVD (Contains some sexual content and coarse language) (2003) Filmmaker Morgan Spurlock unravels the American obesity epidemic by interviewing experts nationwide and by subjecting himself to a "McDonald's only" diet for thirty days straight. This film dives into corporate responsibility, nutritional education, and how a nation is eating itself to death. The educationally enhanced DVD includes instructional content for teachers (100 min.).	D2 D3	Gr. 9 C2.1, C3.1(HE) Gr. 10 C2.1, C2.2(HE) Gr. 11 C1.1, C3.1(HE) Gr. 12 C2.1, C3.1(HE)

Kits and online resources
Resource	Resource number	Curriculum links
Bright Bites BrightBites is a non-profit project that promotes a healthy school nutrition environment by encouraging small, fun steps towards positive change in the form of easy badges. Entire schools or individual classes/groups can sign up as teams. By earning badges, teams rise up in the BrightBites Hall of Fame and receive recognition on social media. Teachers and other school leaders can use free BrightBites resources to guide their teams every step of the way. BrightBites is a fun, modern way to boost student well-being -- one bite at a time	Available online	Gr. 9 C2.1, C3.1 (HE) Gr.10 C2.1, C3.1 (HE) Gr. 11 C2.1, C3.1 (HE) Gr.12 C2.1, C3.1 (HE)
Nature's Fast Food Billboard (2015) The Nature's Fast Food billboard is a visually impactful, large, full colour poster (size 3.5' x 3'). Plan a school-wide special event that gets your school eating more vegetables and fruit! Set up a table, canteen, or vegetable and fruit stand. Offer a variety of vegetable and fruit samples.	B44	Healthy Eating - all grades
Supermarket Savvy: Great Grocery Store Adventure (2009) This amusing and educational 15 minute, Supermarket Savvy Video lets you experience grocery shopping in a new way. Go on a grocery store tour with a registered dietitian and learn about decoding nutrition labels, tips on low-cost food options, and foods from around the world.	Available online	Gr. 9 C1.1, C2.1(HE) Gr. 10 C2.1, C2.2(HE) Gr. 11 C1.1 (HE) Gr. 12 C2.1, C3.1(HE)
Food Model Cards Food photographs on 5" x 7 " cards with food name on back. Includes single food items and mixed dishes. Also includes multicultural foods.	14155	Use this resource with another kit or lesson

Additional resources

Healthy Eating useful links: