Educational Media Reviews Online

In a very organized yet entertaining way, this film takes on the task of convincing teens to eat healthy food. Teens appear as the narrators, as well as the interviewees who admit to their unhealthy eating choices, giving viewers of the target audience kids of their own age to whom they can relate. Through graphics with cartoonlike drawings, the MyPlate government guide to eating (http://www.choosemyplate.gov/), and advice from a registered dietitian, the essentials of healthy food and good dietary choices become clear.

The film progresses through the top five mistakes: not enough vegetables and fruits, not enough whole grains and lean protein, too much sodium, too much sugar, and too much fat, with practical advice on how to fix these food mistakes through easy ways to substitute healthy foods for unhealthy.

Visuals and sound are professional. Graphics are clear and not too wordy. There is diversity in the narrators and the students who were interviewed. The ending wraps up the points that were made throughout.

A Teacher’s Resource Manual is included on the disk; it lists learning objectives and National Health Education Standards for grades 6 to 8 and 9 to 12, as well as activities, suggestions for class debates, pre- and post-tests, a quiz, fact sheets, and resources for further reading.

Ideal for a junior high or high school health class, this film would also be a good addition for public libraries for teens or families who want more information about avoiding unhealthy food and adding more healthy food to their diets.