Preventing Obesity by Design

As parents and working professionals, we understand how difficult it is giving your child a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet while encouraging them they participate in enough physical activity to keep their heart healthy. In a world of fast food drive-thru and on-the-go meals, we understand how quick it is to stop at McDonald’s on the way home or cooking a quick meal from a box, but the outstanding number of carbohydrates, saturated fats, and sodium is enough to push a child’s health into obesity.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, “The percentage of children with obesity in the United States has more than tripled since the 1970s.” Although there are various factors contributing to the increasing number of obesity including genetic, metabolism, environmental, social psychology, and individual psychology, the main rationale behind these numbers is food choice and fitness; therefore, Primary Beginnings in Raleigh has integrated a “Preventing Obesity by Design” (POD) program to incorporate more energetic and interactive ways to get our students eating healthier and enjoying more physical activity.

What is Preventing Obesity by Design (POD) Program?

Developed by Natural Learning Initiative and empowered by North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC with partnerships with Shape NC program and North Carolina Partnership for Children, POD is aimed to reversing the rising trend of childhood obesity. POD is a specialized, collaborative program that implements strategically planned physical activity and dietary plans designed for students to start good healthy eating and exercise habits.  The lesson plans are easy to follow and adaptive for any family, so the students can bring them home to enjoy with family and incorporate into their daily routine.

Healthy Nutrition

Starting the day on the right foot is more than a common phrase, but an overall philosophy for nutrition. Through nutrition rich snacks, Primary Beginning teachers compose foods that are high in fiber, low in sodium, and adding a variety of fruits and vegetable.

Energenic Physical Activity

Alongside a healthy nutrition, POD also incorporates physical activity for a well-rounded program. Primary Beginning teachers work together to design a catalog of diverse physical activities that incorporate robust, fun, and full body movement that is healthy for the heart.

Primary Beginnings is a locally owned, operated child care center in Raleigh. Our staff is certified to help your child meet his or her dietary and outside activity goals through the POD program. To learn more about the Preventing Obesity through Design program or any other program provided, please call our North Hills location at 919.785.0303 and Spring Forest location at (919) 790-6888.