Course Description

Materials Fee: $ 15 Class Fee: $198 Non-Refundable Deposit: $50 Plus 4 monthly payments of: $37 (Compare at $57 per month) Max/Min Students: 10/5 Curriculum: incl Homework:  Yes Hours per week:  1-2 Ages: 12 & up   Nutrition for Life This class is designed to help students recognize the importance of nutrition and how it affects their academics, sports performance, healthy, personal appearance, and mood. The class will approach nutrition as a whole, touching on important aspects of food composition, including the bodies' nutritional needs, and how it reacts with the foods we consume on a daily basis. Topics will include: the six categories of nutrients, an in depth study of each nutrient and its role in our bodies, the digestion system, the importance of water, carbohydrates and sleep and why our bodies need them, the differences between refined/processed foods and unrefined/pure foods, eating for optimum performance in the classroom and in sports-related activities, understanding nutritional labels beyond the calorie count, the pros and cons of energy drinks, protein bars, coffee (caffeine) and supplements, fast food dining, and balanced meal planning, etc. We will utilize the last few weeks of the semester to discuss our global food system. The class will include field trips to various farmers' markets, local farms, and a hands-on demonstration on cheese-making. By semester's end, students will have the necessary information to make informed, educated decisions on the foods they consume and how they affect their everyday lives. Class Time: 1 1/2 hour.  This is a 14 week class. Classes for Grades 6 - 8 and 9 - 12. Biography:  Vivian holds a degree in English/Elementary Education from the University of Texas at Arlington. After earning her degree in 1996, she decided to put her teaching career on hold, in order to stay at home to raise her two children, Katy and Jack. During this time, her concern for her family's health and nutrition began her journey into a study of food and nutrition. In 2006, Vivian and her husband, John, started a home delivery service of organic and natural foods to help people obtain healthy food conveniently. Vivian soon developed a passion for educating young children and teens about their nutritional habits and how those habits could have a profound impact on their future. Vivian temporarily closed the home delivery service, realizing that a foundation of nutritional awareness must be established early. Her goal is to help youth understand the value of providing the body with the correct nourishment to help improve body, soul, and mind, and adopting that knowledge for a lifetime of health.