Your body needs healthy fuel to perform, grow, and ward off illness and disease. Good nutrition positively and directly impacts your ability to do well in school. You have the cognitive energy to learn and achieve when your nutritional needs are met. You will be better prepared to learn, more likely to attend school, and more apt to take advantage of learning opportunities.

The winning recipe for a healthy lifestyle includes a combination of good nutrition and physical activity. Your body needs a variety of nutrient-rich foods to grow and prevent illness. It also needs to move and exercise every day.

Key things you need to know about leading a healthy lifestyle are:

• Eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables and whole-grain products.

• Control portion sizes and never "supersize."

• Get active for at least 60 minutes five times a week for ages 6-18.

• Avoid tobacco and illegal drugs altogether.

Well-nourished students have higher test scores, increased school attendance, improved concentration, and improved classroom behavior. Physically fit students sleep better and can handle the physical and emotional challenges they encounter during the day.