Healthy Home Cooking

Childhood obesity has emerged as an increasingly ubiquitous problem across our country, which has led to major health concerns. Obesity is strongly associated with the development of multiple health problems, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Although the government has recently modified its traditional food pyramid to give a more flexible approach to healthy eating, many children and young adults, particularly in poorer urban areas, continue to make unhealthy food choices.

The lessons in this unit will provide students with the knowledge and skills to make healthy eating decisions. Students will learn to analyze nutrition information provided on food labels, which is especially critical since many of the given daily values may not be appropriate for them to follow. Students will also learn the importance of selecting nutrient-dense foods, rather than energy-dense foods, and they will discuss how to build a daily menu from the five core food groups. Students will be able to explain the association between unhealthy eating and elevated risk for Type II diabetes. They will also understand techniques for eating healthy on a low budget. At the culmination of the unit, students will be able to develop and prepare recipes for healthy, affordable meals.