SANTA PAULA : Seminar Teaches Children About Fitness and Food

Although she is only 11, Laura Cable worries about nutrition and fitness.

That’s why the sixth-grader at Isbell School in Santa Paula chose to spend three hours a week attending a seminar on food labels, food composition and exercising.

“I think it’s really important that you lose weight by eating health foods and exercising rather than dieting,” said Laura, who confesses to loving chocolate. “And I’m really excited about learning the difference between fat and low-fat foods, and what is good and not good for you.”

Laura is one of about 50 youngsters age 10 to 14 attending a six-month seminar that meets twice a week at Isbell School.

Financed by a $50,000 grant from the California Adolescent Nutrition and Fitness Program, the course teaches youngsters how to prepare balanced meals and how to exercise.

“Recent studies show that it’s really important to teach children at an early age about nutrition,” said Socorro Lopez, program coordinator.

During the first phase of the program, the youngsters had a complete fitness analysis--including measurement of their height, weight and body fat--as well as a survey of their eating habits.

“Like any other kids, they all love candy,” Lopez said. “However, after our second class, they asked me to bring broccoli and fat-free sour cream for an after-class snack.”

But the program offers more than food.

After every class, the group spends 30 minutes learning how to dance la quebradita-- a traditional Mexican dance.

And the dance is what has brought some of the youths to the program.

“I think learning about food is great, but I really want to learn how to dance,” said Faustino Rodriguez, 11. “It’s just a lot of fun.”

Although the program is aimed at youngsters, Lopez said she will offer four seminars on nutrition and fitness to parents within the next month.

Lopez said the program is designed to accommodate about 100 youngsters. Those who want to participate should contact Lopez at 652-6573.