In a time when the watchdogs of the health of our nation’s children decry the obese, junk food junkies that increasingly inhabit our classrooms, today I saw hope for the future.
A young lady named Lily, a student in my 3rd period Algebra 1 Honors class, stated in front of her peers yesterday that she intended to keep her weight down and eat healthy snacks. She even questioned why I had a jar of cookies and a container of candy on my shelf as rewards for students when I espouse a healthy lifestyle for myself and my family. “Good question,” I replied, “because it violates my conscience every day.” I told her and the rest of the class that if they could find something that I could keep on my shelf that was both healthy and affordable on a large scale basis–I have about 140 students–I would stock it.
That’s my challenge this week–to find a nutritious reward snack for my students. In the meantime, I told Lily that, if she brought a healthy food item with her to class, she could eat it at the beginning of class with no complaint from me. True to her principles, she showed up today with a ripe banana and enjoyed her mid-morning snack at the start of the period.
Lily, my hat’s off to you! You have inspired me to renew my search for healthful, affordable classroom treats.
Readers, any ideas?
Thanks, Patty, for sharing your tips for keeping from being hungry during the morning. I’ll share your suggestions with Lily on Monday. 🙂
Thanks, Ryan. I’ll look for them at DeLand Bakery and Natural Foods, and I’ll see how much they are. If at all reasonable, I will put them on my shelf as reward treats!
I have found that a shake that I make for breakfast holds me from being hungry. If I need something more while cleaning up the kitchen I have sunflower seeds. That fiber indeed helps. Ingredients in my shake: 8 Ounces 1 & milk
8 strawberries frozen
1 scoop whey
1/2 Bananna when I have them on hand
Sweetner (xyspelling?)
I quit eating so many carbs…muffins toasted, or bread with honey is one of my great weaknesses. I always have pears, apples and fresh fruit on hand. That seems to satisfy the sweet tooth I have.
I think the bananna is great because its filling.
Kashi has cookies too! They’re a bit more expensive than the less healthy ones, but there’s a few varieties that I like just as much as the unhealthy ones!