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Did you know that thirty percent of Maryland children ages 10 to 17 are overweight or obese? I read all about this in an article published by the Center For Science in the Public Interest called, Junk Food Marketing Prevalent In Montgomery County Schools. I am actually not surprised because our children are surrounded by unhealthy food choices and mass marketing. When you walk down a hallway — you used to see the student’s work on the walls — now you see vending machines and posters for different snack foods.

I have to admit, when I started Ashley Tutors, I brought my students candy. There is nothing wrong with an award for doing awesome on a test or a great effort, but now I am finding healthier food ideas instead of candy. Finally, the schools are also implementing some healthier options such as a black bean burger, soy chicken nuggets, and soy milk. Montgomery County is to be commended for that — it is a great first step. But, when given the choice between carrots or a cookie, most children would choose the cookie. What if we stopped giving students so many choices and instead taught them healthy eating habits?

Healthy candy is not all we do at Ashley Tutors to help curb the obesity rate. We know another contributing factor to our obese adolescents is that they are much less active. I hear about students spending all afternoon sitting in front of the computer or playing video games rather than playing sports and moving their bodies. Our tutoring combines instruction and kinesthetic learning — which is learning and moving the body at the same time. Check out or web site at www.ashleytutors.com to learn more about kinesthetic learning.

I am always looking for new and fun healthy eating tips or treats — if you have any, please let us know!