The National Nutrition week is a special day observed every September in India to raise awareness on the importance of nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. This week here at Geetanjali International School Mandur Bangalore is celebrated with great pomp as we believe that the strongest foundation is to have a healthy body which will lead to a sharp mind which will fuel a happy childhood. Together with our students, teachers and parents, we learn and practise the principles of good nutrition, it is fun and engaging!
Nutrition Week is important because of the food and drink choices that young learners make.
Childhood is the most important time for developing the habits for life. Children’s nutrition affects their emotional and immune health and their growth for tomorrow. At the best international curriculum school in Mandur, we are well aware that academic achievement and physical health go hand in hand. A well nourished child will be more focused in class, more active when playing and more prepared for a focused International curriculum.
It is a time when we celebrate with colour. Colourful Classrooms- How We Celebrate
Our campus comes alive during Nutrition Week:
- Healthy Plate Workshops – younger students create a “healthy plate” using cut-outs of fruits, vegetables, protein, and grains, learning about the food groups and portion balance;
- Creativity and nutrition meet colourful platters and bowls at Fruit and Salad Decoration Contests.
- Guest Talks with Nutrition Experts – dietitians will discuss energy levels, diet myths and fad diets.
- Awareness Posters and Skits – older students spread messages about not drinking sugary drinks and not eating too much sugar.
- Healthy Tiffin Box Challenge – parents and students work together to provide a healthy nutritious lunch box that is appealing.
Explain the Balanced Diet Plate.
We teach the children to see their meal as a simple plate of colour and not a complicated chart to remember:
- Fill one half of the plate with fresh fruits and vegetables for vitamins, minerals and fibre.
- 1/4 of the plate whole grains such as brown rice, millets, and whole wheat for sustained energy
- A quarter for proteins (lentils, eggs, milk and lean meats) for growth and repair.
- A small amount – healthy fats, such as nuts and seeds, and lots of water to stay hydrated!
With the simple visual repeated on posters and at lunchtime reminders, students come to understand that no one food group should be over-prioritized and the key to good health is to eat a variety of foods.
How the school promotes a healthy lifestyle.
Nutrition is just one of the factors. We encourage healthy lifestyle habits at Geetanjali International School Mandur Bangalore by:
- Daily physical activity– PE classes, sports periods, yoga builds strength, flexibility and stamina
- Mindful eating habits – avoiding distractions, eating slowly and paying attention to hunger cues
- Refreshments– vending machines, water stations and frequent reminders throughout campus.Cleaning up – easy access clean-up stations, reminders throughout campus.
- The curriculum connections are that nutrition and wellness are integrated into the Science and Life Skills classes.
- Positive role modelling – teachers and staff participate in wellness activities with the students
This daily reinforcement helps to ingrain healthy eating and active living habits, not just one-off activities.
This is the information that students will need to recall later.
- Balanced meals promote learning and energy.
- Protein, vegetables, fruits, grains and healthy fats – it’s all important.
- It is important to carefully read packaged food labels.
- Whole foods are healthiest for everyday meals.
- Fasting is not a healthy habit.
- The nutritional requirements vary from person to person according to their age, activity and health status.
- It is easier to adopt healthy habits if you do them regularly.
We are an international curriculum school of the best – we believe these simple lessons are forming mindful, health-conscious individuals for life.
Working towards a Healthier Future Together
National Nutrition week is an opportunity for us to take stock of our day-to-day choices in our school community. It’s not only about a week of activities; it’s about sowing seeds of awareness that become habits and become lifelong habits that students will take with them into adulthood.
Be sure to follow our social media profiles and website, as we have more highlights from this year’s celebrations to come, and find out what makes us the trusted partner in a family’s holistic education.