School Cafeteria Or Homemade Lunch- What Should Your Child Have?
Figures show that school cafeterias provide about 28 million lunches every day. For all of you who don’t pack a healthy meal for your kid, this must be a relief. It would probably make you think, “What is good for 28 million kids is surely good for my kid as well.” Then you should also know that many agencies report that nearly 1 in 3 kids in America are considered obese. Let’s run through how the food in your children’s school cafeteria is affecting their health and lives.
The numbers are clear
Did you know that a recent study of 1003 Michigan Junior High students found, that children eating school meals were more likely to be obese? Studies suggest that healthy eating habits in schools can reduce up to 25% of adolescent obesity in America. During the last decade, food in school cafeteria has been the subject of many researches by government organizations. They all point to one single thing– a massive reform is needed.
The cafeterias will run if the kids keep buying.
The school cafeteria depends on the funds that kids have to spend. As they try to keep up with the tastes of the students, it is hard to maintain adequate dietary balances. From subway sandwiches to cheeseburgers and from Panda Express rice bowls to slices of pizza from famous pizza outlets– the schools will do their bit to keep the money coming in. According to a recent study, the most important factor for the students in choosing food from the cafeteria was taste (93.7%) and getting the bang for their buck (71.7%). Probably not the best way to go when you think of your child’s health. Agree?
Pack a healthy meal and encourage healthy eating habits
When you pack a healthy homemade meal– whether it is your kids’ favorite ham or cheese toast sandwich and a few pieces of fruit or a veggie pasta bowl, you sow the seeds to healthy eating practices for life! It sends a clear message across to the kids– eating healthy is important.
Benefits of eating homemade lunches
When you pack a homemade lunch for your child, who is in control of what the kids eat? You. Who decides what nutritional benefits your kids derive from their meals? You. Who decides whether your kid is exposed to factors that cause obesity or not? You. Who decides if your kids eat their veggies or not? You. Who decides the kind of eating habits your kids will cultivate? You. Carbs, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals– you are in control of all these. Wouldn’t you like to be in control of the well-being of your child?
Some tips
We all have busy routines, don’t we? It is difficult to find time to pack up a lunch that your kid will like. Is there a way out? Yes, we shout aloud– YES!
– Prepare a meal the night before. This is our numero uno tip. Believe us; it is much easier than running around in the early hours of the day.
– Ask your kids “What would you like as a quick snack?” or “What are your favorite foods?” or “Which veggies do you like?” Listen to their answers and prepare your meals accordingly.
– We reckon that you keep your meal ideas simple. Don’t go overboard with packing their lunch boxes with too many veggies or things that they don’t like. Make it fun– the whole idea is to keep it interesting, yet healthy.
The eating habits during the growing years of your child will dominate their lifestyle and physical fitness levels later in life. We suggest that you put a plan into action. Sit down with your kid and talk about it. Ask them about their preferences and choices. Pack a nice, delicious and healthy homemade meal and give that little extra boost to your child’s health.
