National Nutrition Month

The Power of Eating Healthy: A Big Boost for Your Body and Mind!

Have you ever wondered how food can affect how you feel, play, and think? It’s like putting the right

kind of fuel into a car — if you put in the good stuff, it runs smoothly! Just like that, the food you eat can

help your body and mind work better. But how can you make sure you’re giving your body the best fuel?

Let’s talk about healthy nutrition, especially in the African American community, and why it’s super

important for kids just like you, between 10 and 13 years old, to eat the right foods!

The Connection Between Food and Your Health

Food is way more than just something we eat when we’re hungry. The food you choose every day helps

your body grow strong, gives you energy to play, and even helps you think better in school. Eating the

right foods helps you stay active and fight off illnesses so you can feel your best every day.

In the African American community, eating habits and access to healthy foods have sometimes been

affected by things like limited grocery stores or the habit of choosing quicker, less healthy foods. But it’s

important to know that making better choices can have a huge impact on your health, not just now, but

as you grow older too.

What Does Healthy Nutrition Look Like?

Let’s break it down. Healthy eating isn’t about eating a single perfect meal — it’s about choosing a

variety of foods that help your body. Here are some easy-to-understand guidelines:

1. Eat More Fruits and Vegetables: You’ve probably heard that fruits and veggies are good for you

— and it’s true! They help keep your immune system strong and give you the vitamins and

minerals your body needs. Try to eat colorful fruits like oranges, apples, berries, or mangoes,

and vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and carrots. The more colors, the better!

2. Protein to Grow Strong: Protein is the building block of your muscles and helps your body repair

itself. You can find protein in foods like chicken, fish, beans, nuts, and eggs. Eating lean protein,

like grilled chicken or fish, is a great way to keep your body healthy.

3. Whole Grains are Your Friends: Whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat bread, and oatmeal

give you steady energy throughout the day. They help your body stay full longer, so you won’t

feel as hungry between meals.

4. Healthy Fats: Yes, fat can be healthy! Healthy fats, found in foods like avocado, olive oil, and

nuts, help your brain work better and keep your heart healthy. So, don’t be afraid of foods that

have good fats in them!

5. Stay Hydrated: Water is so important! Your body needs water to stay hydrated and help you

think clearly, stay active, and feel good. Aim for drinking water instead of sugary drinks like

sodas or juice.

Why This Matters, Especially for African American Kids

African American children, like many kids from different communities, often face challenges with eating

healthy. Sometimes, fast food or processed snacks seem like an easier choice. And let’s be real — they

can taste great! But choosing healthy foods is important because it can help prevent problems like

obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, which are more common in the African American community.

Eating healthy foods also helps you stay active, whether it’s playing sports, riding bikes, or just hanging

out with friends. Plus, a balanced diet helps keep your skin, hair, and teeth looking great!

Building Healthy Habits at Home

It’s not just about what you eat when you’re at school or with friends; building healthy habits at home

can make a huge difference too! Here are some simple ways to start:

 Cook with Your Family: Cooking meals together can be a fun way to learn about healthy foods.

You can try making a salad, mixing fruits for a smoothie, or even baking some healthy snacks like

granola bars!

 Make Small Changes: If you usually eat chips for a snack, try switching to something like nuts or

fruits instead. Small changes add up over time!

 Talk About Food Choices: Ask your parents or guardians about what foods you’re eating. Have a

conversation about how certain foods make you feel. Do they give you energy or make you feel

tired?

Let’s Make Healthy Choices Together!

Eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to be perfect. It’s about making good choices most of the time, so

your body gets all the good stuff it needs. By eating fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains, and

drinking plenty of water, you’re doing your body a huge favor!

So, next time you sit down for a meal, think about the fuel you’re giving your body. Choose foods that

help you grow strong, think clearly, and stay active. Together, we can make healthier choices — and we

can have fun while doing it!

Remember: Eating healthy is like giving your body the best gift you can. Take care of it, and it will take

care of you!

Yours in LIFE,

Emmanuel D. Key

Owner – CEO

ZoliCARE Enterprise, LLC

Zolicare.com