Science Teacher Proves Healthy for Students

I teach science at Los Angeles High School. Three years ago as part of a health unit, I assigned the students the following three-week regimen: Every day drink 64 ounces of water, eat five fruits and vegetables, get eight hours of sleep. Each week exercise for three hours. Keep a daily journal, recording your diet, weight and how you feel: energy level, stomach, strength and attitude. Results were mixed. The regimen was kept sporadically by most. The most interesting comment was from a sophomore who recorded weight loss, being able to run faster and that he felt much better. His concluding statement: “I will miss this diet.”

This year three of my students chose this regimen as their science project. They were not enthusiastic about the regimen the first week. “It took some getting used to,” they reported. But after the first week they noted weight loss and more energy. One girl reported that if you eat five fruits and vegetables, and drink that much water, you don’t have much room for junk food and soda. The three reported that they intend to stay on the diet. I was delighted.

Richard Redman

Altadena