Alberta Parents – check out the Healthy U 5&1 Experiment!

05/20/2013

The Alberta Government is committed to ensuring that our kids stay active and eat healthy! The 2013 Healthy U Experiment is designed for kids aged 6-12

 Here are the reasons that we think your family should sign up:

• 1. The 21 days of experiments are fun, interactive and easy
• 2. We need to get our kids into the kitchen and helping with meal preparation to give them a strong understanding of food & nutrition
• 3. The more involved kids are in the prep, the more likely they are to actually try (and like!) the food when it is served
• 4. The experiments even include a shopping list (some items even have coupons!) – which is so handy!
• 5.  You have a chance to win a $1,000 Sobey’s Gift Card or four bikes with helmets from Canadian Tire! (value approximately $1,500)

Firstly – what is the 5&1 Experiment? Watch the Video Here:

Healthy U is an initiative of the Government of Alberta that supports and encourages Albertans to lead healthier lifestyles by providing information and resources on healthy eating and active living.

In 2012, the Healthy U campaign encouraged parents and caregivers of children 0-5 to be Health Champions for their kids. The Healthy U Jr. Chef app was developed to provide parents with simple, convenient recipes and a meal planner; and kids with interactive games to help teach them basic food preparation skills. In 2013, Healthy U continues its work to support families with the 5&1 Experiment.  The experiment teaches children 6-12 the importance of getting at least five servings of vegetables and fruit and at least one hour of physical activity each day. How? By helping them discover for themselves just how fun and easy healthy eating and active living can be.

With the 5&1 Experiment, your kids will develop new healthy habits by tasting new nutritious foods and discovering fun new ways to exercise.

Why Participate in the Healthy U 5&1 Experiment?

Kids 6-12 need at least five servings of vegetables and fruit and at least one hour of physical activity each day. Developing these healthy habits will help your kids improve their fitness and self-confidence, maintain a healthy weight and do better in school.

Kids love science experiments and the idea that an unexpected reaction can lead to a fun new discovery. The 5&1 Experiment is comprised of 42 online experiments that make healthy food and activity cool things for kids to discover. You and your kids can complete two fun, easy experiments a day over 21 days (the length of time that can help you develop a new habit) or if you’d prefer, you can pick and choose experiments to try on your own schedule. It’s very flexible.

Many of the 5&1 experiments take only 15 minutes. Adding them to your routine will help your kids reach their daily recommendations for healthy eating and physical activity. Every bit counts. So sign up today! Not only is signing up great for your families health – you can also win some amazing prizes!  All you need to do is sign up online to participate in the Healthy U 5&1 Experiment, and you will be automatically entered for a chance to win a $1,000 Sobey’s Gift Card or four bikes with helmets from Canadian Tire (value approximately $1,500). View the contest rules here.

How to Participate in the Healthy U 5&1 Experiment

Parents and caregivers of young children are an important ingredient in the Healthy U 5&1 Experiment. All 42 experiments were developed to be simple and low cost, but depending on the age of your children and the nature of the experiment, may still require your supervision. Some experiments, for example, require that food be chopped or the use of the oven or stovetop. Other experiments require your kids to “buddy up” and explore their neighbourhood. Review each experiment and see where you have a role to play, either as supervisor, participant or supporter.

Learn more. Download a sample experiment kit.

Check out the 5&1 Shopping and Supply Lists – some items are even attached to coupons!

Week 1 Shopping List

Week 2 Shopping List

Week 3 Shopping List

Sign Up Now!

Healthy U Sponsors

Useful Resources

Healthy U – Healthy Eating

http://healthyalberta.com/healthyeating.htm

Healthy U – Active Living

http://healthyalberta.com/activeliving.htm

Healthy U – Resources

http://healthyalberta.com/resources-for-everyone.htm

Canada’s Food Guide – Basic Facts

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/basics-base/index-eng.php

Canadian Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines Handbook

http://www.csep.ca/english/view.asp?x=804

Get more information about Healthy U:

If you have comments or questions about Healthy U, our classroom learning materials, or our campaigns and initiatives, please email us at healthy.u@gov.ab.ca