Habit and Health Strategist & Coach
Speaker & Trainer
Certified Integrated Nutrition Health Coach (by IIN U.S.A.)
Certified NLP Practitioner & Coach (NFNLP)
Certified Trainer by HRDF (Malaysia)
It is no mystery that what people eat (& drink) has an effect on their overall health, their physical and mental wellbeing.
Of course, nutrition has the same impact on students; from their academic performance to their behavior in the classroom, as well as their achievements in sports activities.
In today's world, words such as Teenage Obesity, Eating Disorders, Diabetes, are very commonly used, daily, unfortunately.
Parents may control their children's food (& drinks) intake within their immediate environment, but how much do they actually know about the school food? And how much influence do they have over the food choices as in regards to the quality, and quantity served?
The food services/caterers may have their in-house dieticians, but those do not work for, nor usually, do they report to, the school!
The seeds for any eating habits are planted at a very early age, at home, by the family, but also at school! Good eating Habits should be maintained in both primary environments of a child, their home and their school!
Good Habits with Paloma builds the bridge between all food consuming stakeholders of the school; the students, parents, teachers, staff, and those on the opposite side, the foodservice/caterer/in-house chef.
Good Habits with Paloma sets standards in the interest of the school, representing the above-mentioned stakeholders' needs, advocating sustainability and affordability of healthy food (& drinks) supply within the school setting, and in particular, stand a fight against obesity AND malnutrition!
Let's get YOUR school to meet excellence in THIS sphere.
Everything served at school should have nutritional value!
School Food Program
Our Brochure
DID YOU KNOW...
Among people of all ages, 2015 data indicated the following:*
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An estimated 23.1 million people—or 7.2% of the U.S. population—had diagnosed diabetes
This total included 93,000 children and adolescents younger than age 20 years (0.24% of the total U.S. population younger than age 20
years).*
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That too often students are suspected to suffer from ADHD and are, therefore "labeled" as such, but the signs are, in reality, "just" a result of their food intake?
*Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (USA)
THE BENEFITS of healthy food - within the school setting
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Increased learning capacity
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Higher grades in test scores
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Better athletic performances
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Lifetime positive impact on students’ awareness of healthier food
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Lower cost of meeting special needs requirements
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Reduction of hyperactivity
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Less behavioral challenges
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Reduction in absenteeism (teachers/students/staff)
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Better sleep (results in balanced behavior & better learning)
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Improved dental health
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Reduction of obesity amongst all members of the schools’ communities
... and the list goes on...
OUR Pilot Project @ AISM
(Australian International School Malaysia)
Australian figures:
..."One in two adults and more than one in five children in NSW are overweight or obese. Excess weight is associated with a wide range of chronic health conditions including Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and some cancers."...
..."An estimated 28% of children and adolescents in Australia are overweight or obese. In certain groups such Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the number of children with obesity appears to be even higher.
Obesity presents numerous problems for children and teenagers. It takes a toll on both physical and mental health. As obese children also tend to be obese in later life, it is important for parents to set the right example for their children from an early age.
Also, being overweight and remaining so increases the chance of developing a range of medical conditions. For example, the rate of type 2 diabetes is continuing to rise in children and adolescents. Other problems occurring at a higher rate in overweight children include sleep apnoea, heat intolerance, breathlessness on exertion, tiredness and flat feet. Being overweight can also make a child more vulnerable to decreased self-esteem and eating unhealthily to attempt to control weight."...
Sources: Department of Health (Australia's Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines), eatforhealth.gov.au (Australian Dietary Guidelines), Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (Australia's Health 2018)
EVERYONE SHOULD BE HEARD!
When it comes to implementing food (and beverage) changes at an International School, it should be organised in a way that all relevant parties are addressed.
Such changes, based on the shocking numbers in the above section, can only be those that, clearly contribute to the improvement of the HEALTH ASPECT of the food (or beverage) available; it can never be about adding, for example, more sugar-based treats to the selection.
At AISM, Good Habits with Paloma has created regular "FOOD CIRCLES", meetings with specific target groups to understand their concerns, hear their suggestions, and clarify queries, etc.
Food Circle
Parents
Mainly for Junior/Primary School parents who in most cases are the decision-makers for the food intake of their young kids
Food Circle
Students
Only for Middle and Senior/Secondary School students as they usually decide by themselves what to eat
Food CirclE
Food Allergies & Intolerances
Dedicated to students, and parents of young students, who suffer from food allergies and/or food intolerances
Food CirclE
Academic Staff
Teachers and other academic staff members usually also eat at school and are members of the community
Food Circle
Non-Academic Staff
Many school staff members also eat at school and equally count as community members
What People say about my work
MS. Kim Bradley, PDHPE & CCA Coordinator & Parent @ AISM:
Angela has been instrumental in implementing positive changes into our school community. She initiated a 'Food Circle' for parents, that enabled them to provide feedback on the food served at our school canteen. This 'Food Circle' has also been a great opportunity to support and educate parents about the importance of fresh and nutritious foods.
Mrs. Mac, Head of Health Services @ AISM:
Angela has initiated the Food Circle at our school and has made a significant difference to our canteen. Since, we have seen a vast improvement in the food that is served at the canteen. Food Circle is engaging the school community to think about what they eat and put into their bodies. We are truly making progress in the food we eat at the canteen. It's the Circle that brings us together to make a difference.
Mr. Tim Waley, Principal @ AISM
2018 & 2019:
Angela has been instrumental in implementing positive changes into our school community. She initiated a 'Food Circle' for parents, that enabled them to provide feedback on the food served at our school canteen. This 'Food Circle' has also been a great opportunity to support and educate parents about the importance of fresh and nutritious foods.