Eating Right

Childhood obesity is a growing concern for many American families. On the school front it’s also a concern. Less time in the gym to make time for testing, limited recess or taking away recess as a punishment for students limit their physical activity during the day. Allowing children to play is not only a part of growing up, learning social skills and forming relationships, it’s also an energy outlet that allows them to pursue physical activities and interests that are limited by the classroom space. Even though recess and physical activity have changed, lunches have not.

A common lunch includes gushers, fruit rollups, snack pack puddings, chips, fruit snacks or candies. Even if the students are provided a healthy sandwich or fruit these options are compromised by the other lunch box elements. One way to start a child’s day out right is to start with a healthy lunch packed from home. Try replacing sugary snacks with fruits, yogurts and other healthy options that will provide students with energy but remain healthy and meet their dietary needs.

This article on BBC talks about the effects of healthy v. unhealthy lunches on children and even provides an example menu for a week of what are good options to put in your child’s lunch.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8454692.stm

In preparation for student teaching, my roommate and I were talking about what kinds of things we were going to buy in bulk to take with us in our lunches. Obviously, it’s not economical or logical to buy some things in bulk such as fresh fruits or yogurts that are perishable and can go bad. But other healthy options such as natural granola bars, whole grain breads and natural peanut butter are all options that we are looking into. Also, finding snacks that have lower calories and are healthier such as low sodium baked chips or 100 calorie pack snacks are good options.