Spinning Wheel Questions and Answers
What are the 3 main macronutrients found in food?
The three main macronutrients are carbohydrates, fats and protein
Why is fiber important for digestive health?
It helps regulate bowel movements and helping prevent constipation and also supports a healthy gut microbiome
Name one source of plant protein
All plants contain protein! Some plants that are good sources of protein include beans, lentils, chickpeas, quinoa, nuts, seeds, tofu, tempeh, edamame, chia seeds.
What does the term “Organic” mean?
In order for the label “Organic” to be allowed on foods the following must be true:
Produce can be called organic if it’s certified to have grown on soil that had no prohibited substances applied for three years prior to harvest. Prohibited substances include most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
For organic meat, regulations require that animals are raised in living conditions accommodating their natural behaviors (like the ability to graze on pasture), fed 100% organic feed and forage, and not administered antibiotics or hormones.
When it comes to processed, multi-ingredient foods, the USDA has additional regulations - prohibit organically processed foods from containing artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors and require that their ingredients are organic, with some minor exceptions. For example, processed organic foods may contain some approved non-agricultural ingredients, like enzymes in yogurt, pectin in fruit jams, or baking soda in baked goods.
When packaged products indicate they are “made with organic [specific ingredient or food group],” this means they contain at least 70% organically produced ingredients. The remaining non-organic ingredients are produced without using prohibited practices (genetic engineering, for example) but can include substances that would not otherwise be allowed in 100% organic products. “Made with organic” products will not bear the USDA organic seal, but, as with all other organic products, must still identify the USDA-accredited certifier.
As with all organic foods, none of it is grown or handled using genetically modified organisms, which the organic standards expressly prohibit.
source USDA website. Visit for more details.
Name one thing that happens in the brain during sleep.
Sleep is critical to our function and survival!
There are many things that happen during sleep that allows our brain to function better during wakefulness. This includes processing and consolidation of memories and learning, waste products are cleared out.
There are also many things that happen during sleep elsewhere in our body as well, including repair and regeneration of cells, growth and healing, immune system strengthening, muscle recovery and growth.
Release of hormones that aid in growth and repair, regulation of stress hormones, appetite-regulating hormones are regulated.
During sleep our heart rate and blood pressure also drops and so decreases the stress on our cardiovascular system.
Blood sugar levels are also regulated and can minimize our risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases.
Name one app or service that helps monitor kids’ online activity.
There are many built in capabilities as well as third party monitoring apps/services to help keep your kids safer on line and to guide their media usage. These are a few different options. Click on the name to go directly to their website to learn more.
Bark – Monitors social media, text messages, emails, search and more for signs of cyberbullying, inappropriate content, or threats. Also helps manage screen time, block websites and apps and track location. Also has watch and phone devices as well as app offerings.
Qustodio – filters content and apps, monitors activity, sets time limits, schedules screen free time, tracks calls and texts, location services and has emergency alerts
Net Nanny – Monitors digital habits and protects from harmful content, can limit screen time, supports safe web browsing, reports and visibility of online searches, apps and real-time alerts on dangerous/negative exposures.
Norton Family – Provides web filtering, location tracking, and time supervision.
Family Link (Google) – Allows parents to set app limits, bedtime restrictions, protect privacy, tracking capability, notifications and alerts, and monitor kids' activity on Android and Chromebook devices.
Apple Screen Time – Built into iOS devices, helps track usage, set limits, and restrict content.
Microsoft Family Safety – Offers screen time limits, app blocking, and activity reports for Windows and Xbox.
What is the difference between a whole grain and a refined grain?
image source: https://chefiq.com/blogs/blog/the-whole-story-on-whole-grains
A whole grains contain all three parts of the grain kernel - bran, germ and endosperm. When the grain is refined, this process involves removing the bran and the germ which removes much of the fiber and nutrient content such as iron and B vitamins
How does deep breathing help us calm down?
Deep breathing stimulates the vagus nerve which is the main nerve in our parasympathetic nervous system and signals our body to shift from the “fight or flight” mode to the “rest and digest” mode. This results in slower heart rate, lower blood pressure, increased oxygen to our digestive organs and brain and muscle relaxation.
Free play is incredibly important for a child’s growth and development. There are many different ways this happens; here are just a few. It boosts physical health which is an obvious benefit, it encourages cognitive skills such as problem solving, imagination and critical thinking. It can also support communication, cooperation and teamwork skills. It has been shown to help reduce stress and provide positive feelings and experiences.
Why is play important for kids?
Name one example of a mind-body practice.
Here are just a few examples:
Deep breathing, Progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, yoga, tai-chi, qigong, art therapy, dance, acupuncture, reiki, healing tough, Emotional freedom technique (EFT/tapping), biofeedback, hypnotherapy