She knew that before Monday's statewide launch of the Utah Wellness Week program educating children about diet and exercise at her school, in fact.
But the 45-minute school assembly of advice from grown-up health experts, sandwiched by a rousing dance exercise with Weber State University cheerleaders and the University of Utah's "Swoop" mascot, might persuade her to give spinach another try, she said.
"Maybe," Clark said. "But I wouldn't even like it with chocolate."
With 21.5 percent of Utah children tipping the scale toward an unhealthy weight, according to the most recent data from the Utah Department of Health, the creators of Utah Wellness Week for children hope a little fun, mixed with a little technology and some help from Utah's first lady, will deliver a serious message: nutrition and exercise matter.
The state Board of Education passed a resolution three years ago encouraging all Utah schools to support and provide healthy nutrition and physical activity at all grade levels. Many Utah schools have banned or limited soda vending on their premises. Still, it's what goes on outside schools that worries educators most. In an age of oversize portions, busy parents who often cannot provide nutritious meals, and children who choose computer games over monkey bars, health experts worry about losing the battle against childhood obesity.
Beside warnings, however, the approach at Monday's assembly, part of National Child Health Day, was encouragement. "We know you're smart enough to choose good foods," said Tad Henderson, director of the Children's Wellness Foundation.
Speaking to an assembly that included her 9-year-old daughter Gracie, Utah's first lady, Mary Kay Huntsman, shared a family dining tradition stretching all the way back to her husband Jon Jr.'s grandmother, Ruby Hight: Fill your plate with all five colors. "It's a fun game to play," she said. "The brighter the better."
Couple that with 30 minutes of exercise per day, Huntsman said. "I promise you you'll feel great and do better."
* Teach by example. If you enjoy nutritious foods and an active lifestyle, your children are more likely to follow.
* Schedule physical activity into your child's schedule. Activities that involve the whole family are sometimes the easiest way to find time for exercise.
* Limit television and video games to less than two hours per day. Also, a "wired" bedroom with television or computer means your child is likely to spend more time in front of a screen.
* Make sure your children eat a breakfast of fruit, oatmeal, toast or eggs as opposed to sugary cereals. Also, limit beverages at meals to milk and water.
* Healthy meals take planning. Make a list of nutritious foods, then buy them.
* Make sure the entire family eats together, with the television turned off. Families that share meals tend to weigh less, with children eating more fruits and vegetables.
Source: Utah Department of Health
