Dallas School Gets an ‘A’ for Promoting 3E’s

I was happy to learn recently that one Texas school is going the extra mile in embracing the 3E’s of Healthy Living - Exercise, Education and Eating Right.

The team at A+ Academy Charter School in south Dallas is delivering this message straight to their students. This picture of the cafeteria bulletin board is a good example of the commitment of Cafeteria Manager Doreen Gisler and Child Nutrition Director Judy Jones to helping improve the health of the 1,092 students at the school.

It’s great to see nutrition professionals going out of their way to teach Texas children the value of living a healthy lifestyle. I urge all parents, teachers, coaches and other role models to adopt a similar enthusiasm for the health of our next generation.

For Big Changes in 2011, Resolve to Start Small

A brand new year is always a time to reflect on what improvements we want to make in our lives. Most of us have no problem making a list of New Year’s resolutions, but what often trips us up is biting off more than we can chew when we resolve to follow through on those life changes.

This year, instead of attempting to go to the gym five days a week, why not take the stairs each day instead of the elevator and ease your way into the gym. And instead of cutting out all unhealthy snacks, try to drink more water and eat more fresh fruit.

Maybe your goal for 2011 is to help others. Hospitals, libraries, schools and community organizations need volunteers on a regular basis. For just a few hours a week you could really make a difference in the lives of others. Why not just resolve to help out once? Maybe if you have a good experience you will then want to make a more regular commitment.

Whatever your New Year’s resolutions are, just remember that consistent, small changes each day will result in an overall improvement in your life that you can be proud of one year from now.

Happy New Year!

Nutrition Education Outreach Grants Awarded

Guest Blogger: Angela Olige, Assistant Commissioner for Food and Nutrition Division

As childhood obesity becomes a growing public health concern, the need for better health and nutrition education has never been greater. I'm proud to say that need is being better served following TDA's announcement today that $414,000 has been awarded to 112 Texas school campuses and community organizations. The grants will fund better health and nutrition education and outreach as TDA continues to partner with schools and other organizations to promote the 3E's of Healthy Living - Education, Exercise and Eating Right.

To see the complete list of grant recipients, go here.

To read the press release announcing this exciting news, go here.

TDA will accept another round of applications for the Nutrition Outreach Program this fall. To learn more about the Nutrition Outreach Program, visit www.TexasAgriculture.gov. You can also contact the Grants office at (512) 475-1615 or email Grants@TexasAgriculture.gov for more information.

Obesity Awareness Week: The Impact of Environment

The Texas Department of Agriculture's Chief Nutrition Coordinator, Paige Abernathy, will be guest blogging throughout Texas Obesity Awareness Week. Read her blog to find out interesting obesity facts, and tips on losing weight.

The environment you live in can make balancing your energy and diet easier or more difficult.

Things to look for to improve the balance between eating and exercising: sidewalks and streetlights that make walking in your neighborhood safer; grocery stores within walking or biking distance; worksite fitness facilities; restaurants that serve reasonable portion sizes; and schools that limit unhealthy choices. Request and support local policy that creates these types of environments.

For information on the nutrition standards for Texas schools visit the Healthy Living section of www.TexasAgriculture.gov.

Obesity Awareness Week: Energy Imbalance

The Texas Department of Agriculture's Chief Nutrition Coordinator, Paige Abernathy, will be guest blogging throughout Texas Obesity Awareness Week. Read her blog to find out interesting obesity facts, and tips on losing weight.

An energy imbalance is simply consuming more calories than you expend through daily activity. To prevent obesity, you should be more physically active and monitor portions and calories.

If you eat more than usual one day, don’t forget to get in some extra exercise. It’s a balancing act that will pay off in the end. Try to keep your portion size down, and your exercise level up.

For individual nutrition recommendations and tips for the whole family visit www.MyPyramid.gov.