MSU Extension encourages eating healthy diets

By TOM STANKARD

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Bessemer - To teach children how to eat healthier, Megan Martell, Michigan State University Extension program instructor, educated sixth grade students at Washington Elementary School Tuesday about how to choose healthier food and drink options.

At their last meeting, Martell said students learned how to interpret the nutrition information label on food packaging.

While holding a bag of candy, she said ingredients on the label are listed according to how much of an ingredient is in the food item.

She said the most common ingredients in candy are sugar and corn syrup and candy is usually not a source of vitamins or nutrients.

"Candy is a once in a while treat," Martell said.

Martell asked the students how they make their food choices.

Students said from using three of their five senses -smell, taste and sight. Students said they also choose their diet based on what they like.

"If I remember that I like this and that it's good. I will want more of it," Martell said.

Martell said advertising has a "big" effect on the food and drink choices people make. She asked them why businesses advertise.

"To get more people to buy their food and make more money," a student said.

Every company has a target audience, Martell said. She asked what is advertised towards children. They said candy and sugary cereals.

Martell said companies reach their target audience by advertising on television, online, on radio and in newspapers and magazines. She also said companies are making mobile apps and games to advertise.

Making good food choices starts at the grocery store, Martell said. She said children should ask their parents or guardians to get them fruits and vegetables, rather than junk food.

When eating at fast food restaurants, Martell advised to find out how many calories they're going to eat. If a restaurant doesn't have the information readily available, she said they can usually find out online.

When in doubt, she encouraged the students not to order the larger size options and said there are often healthier food choices than burgers, fries and ice cream.

For homework, Martell told the students to make their own trail mix and explain why it is healthy.