Nutrition Among Virginia Middle School Students: Results From The Virginia Youth Survey – 2015

Healthy eating contributes to growth and development of children and adolescents. Choosing nutritious foods helps prevent high cholesterol and high blood pressure, and helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend healthy eating patterns, rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products. The guidelines recommend limiting added sugar, sodium, and saturated and trans fats. Poor eating patterns can affect health, cognitive development and school performance. Healthy students are better learners. Eating breakfast is associated with improved memory, reduced absenteeism, and improved mood. The CDC recommends that schools implement policies and programs that support healthy food environments, and provide students with learning opportunities that encourage healthy nutrition.