Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move!

By: Nikki Nies

The Let’s Move campaign aims to solving the challenge of childhood obesity within a generation, so that children born today will grow up healthier and able to pursue their dreams

This ambitious, yet relevant campaign started by First Lady Michelle Obama in 2010 has provided health professionals aid in not only helping curb the obesity epidemic, but shed light on the ever increasing need for a balance of diet and exercise.  Let’s Move is a great tool for parents and children alike.

Her campaign has entered schools, where children often buy their lunch and/or breakfast.  From recommendations by the Institute of Medicine, schools have new nutritional guidelines to follow:

• More whole grains, fruits, and vegetables; low-fat milk dairy products; and less sodium and fat.
• The right portion. Menus are planned for grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 and will demonstrate to your child the right size portions.
• Additional funding will be made available to schools that meet the new standards. Schools will be reimbursed an additional 6 cents for each lunch they serve in accordance with the new standards.

Michelle Obama has also challenged 6,000 schools to incorporate salad bars into cafeteria options.  By providing children the option of a salad bar it has been shown that it increases acceptance and comfort in choosing fruits and vegetables.

Many food markets also participant in food service programs, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), WIC, Double Dollar and senior benefits program.  Check your local community center for more information.

A previous wedishnutrition posts that explains the USDA’s revamped MyPyramid, which is now called MyPlate and adheres to more updated guidelines and explains the more user friendly attributes.

The President’s Challenge is a great to join a network of healthy individuals  making an effort to work out at least 30 minutes daily at letsmove.org.  There’s also a Let’s Move Blog, which shares some Michelle Obama’s favorite recipes and creative suggestions.

On Let’s Move’s website, becoming involved in this health wave is so easy.  Individuals can take a pledge, find others in surrounding area that are Let’s Move participants, and/or Join the Partnership for a Healthier America.

Sources:

http://ncbm.org/2011/02/lets-move-cities-and-towns/