COORDINATED SCHOOL HEALTH

Nutrition decisions can be helped by applying similar ideas from the world of finance.  Balance and affordability are important because sooner or later there is an accounting.  For a person to maintain his or her current weight level, calories in must balance calories out.  For a person to lose weight, calories used must exceed calories taken in. 

Once again there are general principles but individual differences.  In the area of finances, I may be able to afford certain items that Bill Gates would buy, but Mr. Gates can afford a long list of items that I can not.   There is no sense in comparing myself to him or trying to keep up with him.  Food choices are really no different.  Part of this process involves knowing how your body responds to different types of food and different eating patterns. 

Many times my food choices are based on the financial principle by asking the simple question, “What can I truly afford?”  I’ve reached an understanding that maintaining good health and a healthy weight is a balance between my energy needs, eating nutrient rich foods, yet not feeling as though I have to totally eliminate foods that I consume primarily for the taste benefit.   

There are still those times when I limit portion size or extend the time between eating my favorite foods (desserts in particular), in my attempts to keep a healthy balance.  As long as I am willing to change habits as my body’s needs change, it is easier to maintain that balance.  Over the years, growth has stopped and activity levels have decreased which means I don’t need to eat as much since my body doesn’t require as much.  When I was a college athlete, I needed to consume far more than I need to now.  Maintaining a balanced life style between eating and activity allows me to continue to afford those “cupcakes” when they are made available.   

Remember there should be more to food choices than constantly making the attempt to have a “party in the mouth” in relation to the taste sensation.  This does not mean though, that we can not continue to “party” at times as long as principle of affordability is practiced consistently.  A consistent practice actually allows for much freedom.             

Ken Brooks, Williamson County Schools Health and Wellness Coordinator