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Last week, my third-grader?s gym teacher taught his class about the perils of processed foods while he was eating an iced brownie. I?m glad that nutrition is being taught at school, but it made me wonder about the calibre of the information that?s being delivered.
The incident reminded me that most nutrition knowledge ultimately has to come from parents. Not sure if you?re on the right track or teaching the correct information" Maybe you haven?t taught your kids much about healthy eating" That?s OK. Start by giving your kids the following five lessons on nutrition and healthy eating.
Lesson 1: The difference between whole foods and processed foods

It may seem obvious to adults, but kids may not realize that there?s a difference between farm-grown whole foods and factory-made processed foods. As a refresher, whole foods grow in nature and are minimally altered when we eat them. Some examples are vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, beans, meat and dairy products. Processed foods, on the other hand, are the result of taking these ingredients and adding salt, sugar, artificial colours and flavours and preservatives to create different foods, such as deli meat, cookies, pop, chicken nuggets and chips. Altering these once-whole foods affects their nutritional quality and makes them less healthy.
When you?re grocery shopping with your kids, show them the difference and explain that whole foods are better for their whole bodies.
Lesson 2: Cooking...