Promoting the consumption of fruits and vegetables could alter the unhealthy eating effects of teenagers. In 2010, the Illinois State Board of Education launched the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. This program makes fresh fruits and vegetables available for free throughout the school day.
"This program not only increases children's access to fresh fruits and vegetables but also teaches them why it's important to eat healthy foods and exercise," said State Superintendent of Education Christopher A. Koch. "Incorporating healthy food choices with nutrition education during the school days makes it more likely that students will develop good eating habits.
The underlying principle of the program is that a person's diet is something that can be changed, and by promoting fresh fruits and vegetables, the school district hopes to do just that.
Encourage participation in sports. A 2004 study by Louisiana State University established the link between low childhood body mass index and participation in sports. Those children who actively participated in sports had, on average, lower body mass indexes. The study specifically looked at the effect of football on childhood health. Although the study was limited to football, the result is not. Any sport that involves active movement burns calories and will make children healthier.
Exchange sodas for water at school. A key suggestion in the Surgeon General's plan to prevent obesity in young children was to limit the consumption of soda and increase the consumption of water. Water helps you feel full, thus curbing the consumption of snacks. Water also speeds up metabolism by speeding up kidney production. By removing sodas and high sugar juices and promoting the consumption of water, children will consume less snacks and will burn more fat.
Assign Non-Technologically dependent homework. Obesity among children is linked to an overabundance of television and computer use. Homework that is dependent upon technology only increases a child's love for and addiction to technology. Expecting children to use technology to complete homework and then put down the remote and go play outside is not always realistic. Though technology is an effective educational tool, it is not necessary for all assignments, and for the sake of promoting activity amongst youth, it should not be.