Any weight room junkie knows the difference between a tricep and a bicep, but could they name every level of the food pyramid?

St. Paul Academy and Summit School freshmen participating in the Fitness for Life class know this important knowledge. With the addition of a healthy eating and body image program to the usually fitness-heavy class, these students are learning the importance of eating healthy and taking care of their bodies.

Fitness for Life teacher Kaitlyn Frenchick explained that the unit will cover basic nutrition and eating disorders. “I discuss what you should have in every meal, roughly how many calories you should have every day, and just understanding what a balanced diet and good eating habits are,” Frenchick said.

Frenchick introduced the unit by asking the students to name examples of food in the basic food groups. Students shouted out their answers, and added more information that they already knew about calories and balanced meals.

The unit will later cover the topic of eating disorders, something that is very important and relevant to high school students. Frenchick explained that she will explain the main types of eating disorders and how a student can get help for themselves or a friend.

In a class that is designed to give students a break from their busy school schedules, touching on the causes of eating disorders is appropriate. “The added stress of just the pressure of school work and even pressure of trying the best that they can be at their sport can be hard on kids,” Frenchick said.