Horry County works to help families make healthier food choices

Unhealthly Foods (Added: February 03, 2012)

The USDA announced new guidelines for school lunches. (more)

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Schools and families work to fight childhood obesity

By: Brie Jackson | SCNow
Published: January 30, 2012
Updated: January 30, 2012 - 6:00 AM

MYRTLE BEACH, SC - Changes are coming to school lunches nationwide. The USDA announced new, healthier guidelines for school lunches. Some critics said the new guidelines still don't do enough to combat childhood obesity. Educators said it's important for students to develop better eating habits. A new program in Horry County aims to educate families about healthy dietary habits.

Students are seeing a change in food choices as schools add more high fiber and low sodium meals to the lunch menu. While the switch to healthier options in the lunchroom teaches schoolkids the basics of nutrition, experts said the true test may come at the dinner table.

"It is important to reinforce healthy principles at home because that is where the child learns from what parents are doing" said Natalie Martinez, dietician at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center.

Martinez is part of the "Setting healthy intiatives through nutrition education" or S.H.I.N.E program. The course kicks off in March and teaches families about nutrition. It's a pediatric education program geared toward families with children ages 7 throuigh 10. Martinez said families are encouraged to choose high fiber foods like fruit, vegetables and whole grains.

"If you are going to make a sandwich try to use whole grains instead of wheat and incorporate vegetables" said Martinez.

When it comes to portions, Martinez said visual tools come in handy. She said people can use the palm of their hand as a standard for a healthy sized hamburger patty.

The S.H.I.N.E program kicks off in March. It takes place at Health Finders at Coastal Grand Mall on Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Registration is required. For more infromation call 843 - 692 - 4444.