Nutrition expert and former college athlete Sam Rodgers joins the Wellness for Educators podcast to share practical strategies for maintaining health amid the demanding responsibilities of teaching. Sam reveals how his nutrition background led him to create "Dear Dad," a blog that frames wellness conversations as heartfelt letters to overcome the defensiveness many people feel when discussing their eating habits.
The conversation delves into the powerful 80-20 principle of health—how food choices make up 80% of our wellness outcomes while exercise contributes 20%. Sam explains why this makes intuitive sense: we eat multiple times daily, making those decisions compound quickly, while exercise benefits accumulate more gradually. Rather than viewing movement as merely weight management, Sam encourages finding joy in physical activity for its mental clarity benefits, describing his running shoes as "one of the most important tools" in his professional arsenal.
For educators facing the constant temptation of break room treats and holiday gatherings, Sam offers actionable advice: bring your own healthy snacks, adopt a personal rule to only eat homemade treats (skipping processed store-bought items), and fundamentally shift your mindset to recognize heavily processed foods as marketing products rather than actual nourishment. He addresses the challenge of fitting exercise into packed schedules by sharing his own morning routine and suggesting practical alternatives like lunchtime walks and utilizing school fitness facilities.
As we approach the holiday season, Sam provides wisdom about maintaining balance without deprivation. His most profound insight may be recognizing how our culture has extended "holiday-style eating" into a year-round phenomenon—by reserving indulgences for truly special occasions, we can enjoy celebrations guilt-free while maintaining healthy patterns in between. The episode concludes with Sam's powerful reminder that teachers who prioritize their wellness bring more enthusiasm and effectiveness to the classroom, simultaneously modeling healthy behaviors for students who desperately need positive examples in our food-abundant society.
What wellness strategy will you implement this week to enhance both your health and your teaching? Listen now to discover practical approaches that serve both you and your students.
https://deardadhealth.substack.com/
Dear Dad Blog
Thanks for listening!
