Pre-lunchtime recess: better nutrition
Classically at school, recess is usually after lunchtime. However, a study conducted in the United States shows that a small recess before lunchcan significantly increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables by 50% or even more.
In addition, the researchers also observed a decrease in food waste on the plate.
A simple measure to promote a balanced diet for children
A study published in the journal Preventive Medicine(1), and carried out by the Cornell Food & Brand Lab at Cornell University, shows that a small recess before lunch promotes a better food choice, especiallymore balanced.
The researchers conducted this trial in seven different schools in Utah, and analyzed 22,939 children’s lunches. The findings reveal a 54% increase in fruit and vegetable consumption, when recess is scheduled before lunch. In addition, scientists have also noticed in children already consuming a serving of fruits and vegetables, an increase in it of about 45%.
« Parents know that in practice, recess often takes place after lunch, at least for a number of classes, and that many children are invited to go to lunch immediately at the end of morning classes. Children are often in a hurry to finish their meal fast enough to go play.” says David Just, a professor at Cornell University and co-author of the study. This results in wasted fruits and vegetables.
Good eating habits and prevention are essential
In the United States, there is a National School Lunch Program that suggests that children consume at least one serving of fruits and vegetables in their school meal. The main objective of this initiative is to improve children’s balanced diet, while instillinggood eating habits from an early age. The researchers noted, however, that in reality, many of these fruits and vegetables are not eaten by children and end up in food waste.
This study proves that a simple relatively inexpensive measure, except in reorganization, would improve the nutritional balance of children. It is indeed recognized that in addition to good eating habits, the feeling of satiety plays a very important role on school performance and improves attention and concentration throughout the day.
In conclusion, this research shows that recess before lunch significantly promotes a balanced choice, thus ensuring positive effects on long-term health. In addition, this measure would also reduce food waste, which is not negligible at present.
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.