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The Science Behind It

Nutrition

The eating habits kids build now become the habits they keep as adults, and right now, most kids are missing key nutrients.

The 30 Second Version

  • Childhood obesity has risen 216% since 1980, even though total calories eaten hasn't changed much, only where those calories come from.
  • Kids who eat more whole foods and less processed food have fewer school absences, higher self confidence, and better academic performance.
  • We teach food quality and nutrient density, not just calorie counting, because most kids are missing key vitamins and minerals.
216%
Increase in childhood obesity rates since 1980, according to the CDC
61%
Of American teens are deficient in Vitamin D
50%
Of American kids don't get enough Magnesium

Why It Matters

Healthy nutrition is a cornerstone of our program and essential for children's overall health, self confidence, and performance in school. The eating habits children adopt become the habits they maintain as adolescents and adults, so instilling knowledge, good habits, and a positive relationship with food at an early age is crucial. Studies show that children who are overweight or obese are more likely to experience lower self esteem and poor body image, which can lead to lower social skills and less participation in school activities. Obesity is also linked to more missed school days, while diets built around whole foods are linked to fewer absences, higher confidence, and better academic performance.

Kids who eat more whole foods and fewer processed foods have significantly fewer school absences, higher confidence, and better academic performance.

What The Research Shows

Interestingly, total caloric intake among children has remained relatively stable over the last several decades. What has shifted is where those calories come from, away from whole foods and toward ultra processed foods high in sugar, preservatives, and artificial dyes. As many as 61% of American kids are deficient in Vitamin D, an important hormone precursor essential for calcium synthesis and healthy metabolic function. As many as 43% are deficient in Calcium and 50% in Magnesium, minerals essential for virtually every metabolic process in the body.

Our Approach

We empower kids in our program with knowledge about healthy nutrition, then support them with practical exposure to healthy foods so they have a real experience to anchor their understanding. We go beyond calorie counting to emphasize food quality and nutrient density, because that's where the real impact on physical health, mental health, and cognitive performance is found.

View Sources
  1. Paxton, S. J., & Eisenberg, M. E. (2012). Body dissatisfaction in adolescent males and females. In Handbook of Adolescent Health Risk Behaviors.
  2. Datar, A., Sturm, R., & Magnabosco, J. L. (2004). Childhood overweight and academic performance. Obesity Research.
  3. Datar, A., Nicosia, N., & Shier, V. (2014). Parent perceptions of school wellness policies and their impact on children's weight related behaviors.
  4. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. (2021). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  5. Patel, A. I., Bogart, L. M., Elliott, M. N., Lamb, S., Uyeda, K. E., Hawes-Dawson, J., & Klein, D. J. (2010). Increasing the availability and consumption of healthier food and beverages for children in the classroom setting. Journal of School Health.

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