Snack Attack
Lunchroom offerings may be sabotaging your child's eating habits.
If they sell it, kids will buy it. Studies show a direct link between the availability of junk food at school and a higher calorie and fat intake by kids during school hours. Check out the nutritional content of snack bar, a la carte, and vending machine selections at your child's school. Then, join forces with other parents to work with school officials on giving your kids' cafeteria a healthy overhaul.
A recent survey found that candy, chips, and sugary baked goods made up 80% of all foods sold in school vending machines. Although the the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates what's on the standard school lunch menu, it does not review what's available from snack bars, school stores, and vending machines on campus. Studies suggest that both the amount of junk food available at school, and the number of hours a school sells such snacks, influences student intake. An occasional sugary or deep-fried snack may be okay, but making it part of your child's daily routine can be dangerous to his long-term health.
For younger children, start at home by establishing good eating habits at your own table. Teach them the benefits of eating healthfully, and always try to lead by example. As kids get older, encourage them to make good choices at lunchtime, and to eat from the main lunch menu instead of the snack machines. Offer to pack them a bag lunch as a smart alternative, and work together to come up with a creative menu for the week that will satisfy both you and your child.
