Success Story - Making Healthy Meal Choices Among Incarcerated Teens

Making Healthy Meal Choices Among Incarcerated Teens

Planning Unit: Dietetics and Human Nutrition

Major Program: Mastering Food Choices

Outcome: Initial Outcome

About 20 percent of children between 12 and 19 years old are classified as obese (NIDDK, 2016). Studies show that obesity increases in teens that are incarcerated over three fold, and even more for teens on psychotropic drugs (Journal of Correctional Health, 2006). According to the United States Department of Agriculture, small changes in diet and physical activity habits may help youth reach and stay a healthy weight. Making the right meal choices can be accomplished with simple principles and small diet changes. Following this premise, eight girls living in an alternative high school facility, along with their full-time instructors, participated in a hour long meal time for ten weeks. The time together was designed to promote discussion and increase knowledge of making health food choices. Topics included self-care, table etiquette, tasting new foods, how to make good choices and healthful eating. A preliminary survey found that none of the students had been exposed to MyPlate or the concept of making healthy food choices. Since most meals were served to them with few choices, all students had never really thought beyond fast food or highly processed food. At the end of the ten weeks, 100% of the students were more aware of the healthy choices that were available to them in their school. 100% indicated they would try to enjoy eating with their peers instead of being disruptive. 100% were fully and positively engaged in the weekly meals. 63% indicated they would try to follow MyPlate appearances when making their food choices. 35% tried salads and baked items over fried foods. Instructors indicated they would encourage students to make more healthful food choices, serving as positive role models. Additional education and followup with incarcerated youth will be important in helping teens make better food choices to decrease the probability of increased obesity.

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