6 Week Fuel Up Youth Program Curriculum
WEEK 1: INTRODUCTION TO HEALTHY EATING
Session 1: Basics of Nutrition
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Brief introduction to macronutrients and their importance.
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Discussion on the importance of balanced meals.
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Activity: "Nutrient Match-Up" - Match foods to their respective macronutrients.
Session 2: Reading Food Labels
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Explanation of key components of nutrition labels.
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Practice reading labels on common food items.
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Activity: Identify which food has the most sugar/fiber/protein, etc.
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WEEK 2: BUILDING A BALANCED DIET
Session 3: Importance of Fruits and Vegetables
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Discussion on the benefits of fruits and vegetables and how to make them taste good.
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Quick game: "Name That Fruit or Vegetable" - Identify fruits and veggies by sight.
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Take home challenge: Try to include at least one fruit or vegetable in every meal.
Session 4: Healthy Protein Sources
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Introduction to protein and its role in the body.
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Examples of healthy protein sources.
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Activity: Recipe creation - Create easy protein-packed snack ideas like yogurt with nuts or turkey slices with cheese.
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WEEK 3: UNDERSTANDING CARBOHYDRATES AND FATS
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Session 5: Exploring Carbohydrates
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Overview of carbohydrates and their importance as a source of energy, especially for athletes.
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Discuss the difference between simple and complex carbs.
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Activity: Identify foods that are high in carbohydrates.
Session 6: Healthy Fats
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Explanation of different types of fats and their health benefits.
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Examples of foods rich in healthy fats.
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Group snack prep: Each person will create their own greek yogurt parfait with healthy toppings (fruits, nuts, seeds, etc).
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WEEK 4: MAKING HEALTHY CHOICES​
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Session 7: Eating Out Mindfully
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Tips for making healthier choices when eating out.
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Discussion on portion control.
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Role Play Activity: Practice ordering a balanced meal at a hypothetical restaurant.
Session 8: Smart Snacking
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Importance of choosing nutritious snacks and learning which ingredients to avoid.
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Quick snack swap activity: Identify healthier alternatives to common snacks.
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Recipe idea: Prepare a list of simple, healthy snacks together like fruit skewers or veggie sticks with hummus.
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WEEK 5: MEAL PLANNING AND PERFORMANCE NUTRITION
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Session 9: Meal Planning Basics
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Introduction to meal planning and its benefits.
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Tips for planning balanced meals.
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Activity: Plan a day's worth of meals and snacks together.
Session 10: Proper Fueling for Young Athletes
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Introduction to pre and post workout nutrition.
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Discuss the importance of proper hydration and strategies.
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Activity: Create a pre and post workout meal plan.
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WEEK 6: REVIEW AND CELEBRATION
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Session 11: Reviewing What We've Learned
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Recap of key nutrition concepts covered throughout the course.
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Q&A session: Address any remaining questions or concerns.
Session 12: Graduation Celebration
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Certificate ceremony: Present certificates of completion.
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Healthy snack celebration: Enjoy a nutritious snack buffet together.
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Goal-setting activity: Discuss personal nutrition goals for the future.