Video: Healthy Eating Habits

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WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI)- Just a few years ago, Mississippi was the fattest state in the country.

Now, the Magnolia State ranks third.

Many believe teaching healthy eating habits early can save lives.
Eating healthy. It’s something to teach children but sometimes they want the opposite of healthy.

“They want junk food, I mean as adults we do too,” Jacqueline Gray said.

East Side Elementary Principal Jacqueline Gray wants her students to know how to live a healthy lifestyle.

The school are receiving national recognition for their efforts. East side was one of two schools in the state to win the Bronze National Healthy Schools Award.

“If we start them young, teach them how to eat healthy teach them how to to exercise and take care of themselves,” she said. “You can still at this age say, It’s really good, try it, so we try to encourage them to try it

Kids like junk food and it’s cheaper than healthier options.

“Healthy food does cost more, but to me it’s worth it. I feel it’s helping you grow and be strong and healthy,” Sandra Ware said.

Eastside Cafeteria Manager Sandra Ware said it’s surprising how much students enjoy the new menu.

“They really like their vegetables, they’re picking them up. Mater of fact, we have some that will pick their vegetables over their meat, which is surprising, but they do it,” Ware said.

Gray also makes sure students exercise by taking two P.E. Classes a week.

“If we give them a good foundation, they know what healthy eating is, why you need to exercise, and then they grow up they’ll be healthy, that’s our goal,” Gray said.
Eastside Elementary also received the “Lets Move” award earlier this year for having an outstanding healthy learning environment for students..