Saudi Gazette A new ‘nutritional awareness' campaign has been adopted by some schools in Al-Baha. The campaign targets students, teachers and parents, its aim is to revive the society's consumption of traditional Saudi staples which are full of rich, healthy nutrients. Fast food has invaded the Kingdom's traditional cuisine in not only lunches and dinners, but also breakfast; an important meal which is now comprised of junk food like fries, burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, soda, and so on, instead of a nutritious diet. In order to re-inculcate healthy eating habits amongst children, Abu Jafar Al-Madani School (AJAMS) in Al-Baha is serving dates and milk to their students every morning. “As a part of our nutritional program we serve our students dates and milk every morning in a relaxing and entertaining atmosphere. Fun games or an interesting story usually accompany the healthy snack for the younger grades, to help make this habit more desirable. Our school is cooperating with the Ministry of Health, Directorate of Education, and parents to bring dates and milk back into the daily life of Saudi families,” said the Principal, Yahya Bin Ali Jamili. Teachers in AJAMS encourage students to drink milk every day and consume dairy products on a regular basis for their calcium content. Milk, laban, yogurt, cheese, breakfast cream, labneh, and eggs are excellent sources of calcium which is greatly needed for normal growth, bone development, normal heart beat, and good dental health. Educational pamphlets about the benefits of milk and dates were also distributed. Eating dates has many health advantages because dates are rich in essential minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and manganese. The American Cancer Society recommends an intake of 20 to 35 grams of fiber a day. Studies show that fiber in the diet can protect against cancer, lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and prevent constipation. “When we first launched the campaign, our teachers and administrators got together and we all shared dates and milk to set an example for our students. We also encourage students and their parents on the importance of a breakfast. We always remind students to eat a complete breakfast before coming to school so that they can maintain high energy levels and perform better at school. The dates and milk are meant to be a healthy snack and should not take the place of a healthy breakfast in the home,” said Jamili. Eating dates every morning is a part of the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that some Muslims have forgotten. It was reported in the book The Prophetic Medicine that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The one who eats seven dates in the morning will be protected that day from poison and envy.” Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Indeed in dates there is a cure.” __
