By Anna Shlachter, MS, RD, LDN
October 26th, 2011
Some of the CPS schools are preparing to implement an important part of the school day that has been abandoned, recess (activity). Although I am happy to hear about this, at the same time it is a mere 20 minutes for the entire 7.5 hour school day. I do feel this is a step in the right direction, but of course more could be done. Think of how you would feel if you only got a 20 minute break during a daylong workshop!
What can a child do in 20 minutes? A LOT!! I have been to seminars recently where they have been discussing recess before lunch. I am not sure when CPS is considering their 20 minute break, but I think they would appreciate better attention spans , better behavior and expected less plate waste.
CPS is taking this seriously with many roadblocks including space, equipment, getting children to be active during the time and more. The first year may be challenging, but I believe it will overall improve the school environment. I am happy they are being creative with small spaces and equipment. Kids will play if you give them the ability (more so time and approval to be active).
One thing I was very pleased to see is that parents had an impact on this decision. They felt unruly children were a result of silent lunches and no recess. The parents and community organizations like Community Organizing and Family Issues started advocating for recess in 2004. It is great to see parents taking a role in the health and education of their children

*Photo Credit: Playworks
Tags: children, exercise, Fitness
By Anna Shlachter, MS, RD, LDN
July 22nd, 2011

Family meals seem to be becoming more popular again; however they have a new face. Many families are sitting together, but not at home. They are dining out in restaurants. New measures are being taken to help the consumers make better choices. “Kids LiveWell” was released this past week by the National Restaurant Association (NRA). It is a new nationwide initiative that provides parents and children with a growing selection of healthful menu options when dining out.
Registered Dietitians assisted the restaurants in creating the choices for the kids menu and the restaurants are offering and promoting a variety of items that meet the qualifications. The qualifying criteria are based on leading health organizations’ scientific recommendations, including the 2010 USDA Dietary Guidelines.
Kids LiveWell Nutrition Criteria for Full Kids’ Meals (entrée, side option and beverage):
- 600 calories or less
- ≤ 35% of calories from total fat
- ≤ 10% of calories from saturated fat
- < 0.5 grams trans fat (artificial trans fat only)
- ≤ 35% of calories from total sugars (added and naturally occurring)
- ≤ 770 mg of sodium
- 2 or more food groups (see below)
Kids LiveWell Nutrition Criteria for Side Items:
- 200 calories or less
- ≤ 35% of calories from total fat
- ≤ 10% of calories from saturated fat
- < 0.5 grams trans fat (artificial trans fat only)
- ≤ 35% of calories from total sugars (added and naturally occurring)
- ≤ 250 mg of sodium
- 1 food group (see below)
Entrees must include two sources & sides must include one source of the following:
- Fruit: > ½ cup = 1 star (includes 100% juice)
- Vegetable: > ½ cup = 1 star
- Whole grains: contains whole grains = 1 star
- Lean protein (skinless white meat poultry, fish/seafood, beef, pork, tofu, beans, egg whites/substitute): > 2 ounces meat, 1 egg equivalent, 1 oz nuts/seeds/dry bean/peas = 1 star (lean as defined by USDA)
- Lower-fat dairy (1% or skim milk and dairy): > ½ cup = 1 star (while not considered low-fat, 2% milk is allowed if included in the meal and the meal still fits the full meal criteria)
Healthy Dining Finder has listed the “Inaugural Leaders” and new restaurants are going to be added weekly. There are a variety of options for children. Admittedly, it would have been nice if more eggs were included. Packed full of nutrients and affordable, eggs would be a great option for restaurants and parents. Upon review, I only noted one restaurant had a regular egg option at breakfast. The majority had egg white or substitute as related to the criteria of lean protein. It is possible that a restaurant could include an egg if they were able to meet other criteria, but it could be difficult based on the food selection that a particular restaurant may have.
I personally see some benefits to this program. Often the caloric content of adult meals is underestimated, as are kids meals. I think this awareness is a step in the right direction. However from my previous experiences in working with families, I know that it often does not work for one person in the family to eat differently that the rest. Will this help others in the family choose healthier choices? If the adults or older teens are eating the high calorie, high fat options; what does this say to the child? Perhaps more adults will utilize the Healthy Dining Finder website, not just for their kids but for themselves.
Tags: children, eggs, Kids LiveWell, National Restaurant Association, nutrition