Question

Scenario A: Cas is an 11th-grade student, who is outgoing and easy to get along with. She enjoys online gaming and often stays up late at night playing games. Her mother works, so Cas has to prepare dinner for herself most evenings. She eats a lot of easy-to-prepare food, snacks, and fast food. Recently, Cas has learned that nutrition and wellness have short- and long-term positive effects. She would like to have some healthier habits. Write one paragraph to Cas, outlining some steps she can take to lead a healthier life. Here are a few questions to help guide your thinking. What are some easy dietary swaps that Cas could make? How would you encourage Cas to use MyPlate? What other easy and practical changes could you suggest that Cas make, for example, in terms of physical activity?

Answer 1

To lead a healthier life, Cas can make easy dietary swaps, use MyPlate as a guide, and incorporate more physical activity into her routine. Other practical changes like getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and seeking support can also contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

Step-by-step explanation:

1. Easy dietary swaps: Cas can make some easy swaps in her diet to make it healthier. For example, she can switch from eating easy-to-prepare processed snacks to snacking on fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Instead of ordering fast food, she can cook simple and nutritious meals at home, using whole foods like lean proteins, whole grains, and vegetables.

2. Using MyPlate: I would encourage Cas to use MyPlate as a guide for her meals. MyPlate is a visual representation of a balanced meal, with fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy. Cas can aim to include foods from each category in her meals to ensure she's getting a variety of nutrients.

3. Physical activity: In addition to making changes in her diet, Cas can also incorporate more physical activity into her routine. This can be as simple as taking a walk or bike ride in her free time or finding an online workout routine that she enjoys. Regular physical activity has numerous health benefits and can help Cas maintain a healthy lifestyle.

4. Other practical changes: Cas can also make other practical changes to lead a healthier life. For example, she can prioritize getting enough sleep each night, as sleep is important for overall health. She can also make sure to stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day. Lastly, Cas can seek support from friends, family, or even online communities who are also focused on living a healthier lifestyle.