Download 1. Introduce the STAR decision making model

The Stoplight Guide to Healthy Eating
Skill: Decision-making
Content: Making healthy food choices
Method: Stoplight Guide to Healthy Eating
1. Introduce the STAR decision making model
Stop
Step back from the situation. Give yourself time to think.
Think
What are my other options? What is my decision?
Act
Do what you decided to do.
Review
What happened? How else could it have been handled? Can you live
with the consequences?
2. Apply STAR to food choices using Stoplight Guide
3. Introduce GO, SLOW, WHOA Foods
GO foods are foods that are the lowest in fat and added sugar. They also have a lot of
vitamins and minerals that help keep our body healthy. You can eat GO foods almost
anytime. Give an example of GO foods.
Examples of GO foods include fresh, frozen or canned fruits canned in juice and
vegetables without added fat and sauces. (the kids planted onions, tomatoes, beans,
and raspberries)
SLOW foods are food that are higher in fat, added sugar and calories compared to GO
foods.
WHOA foods are the highest in fat and added sugar. They have a lot of calories but not a lot
of vitamins or minerals. It’s ok to have WHOA foods on special occasions in small portions.
4. Post the stop light signs. Distribute pictures of GO, SLOW, and WHOA foods to each
student. Instruct them to place the food under the correct sign. Review the answers as a
large group. Reapply the STAR decision-making model.
Sources
 Ways to Enhance Children’s Activity and Nutrition. Retrieved from:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
 Dolgoff, Joanna (2010). Red light, green light, eat right: The food solution that lets kids
be kids. Rodale, Inc. New York, New York.