's motd Monday Aug 29, 2011

[Guest guest]

WHAT'S FOR LUNCH?

Monday, 29 August 2011

A new school year is starting up all

over the country. Yep, the kids are returning to the

classroom to learn. And that means they're returning to

their school cafeterias...to eat! And what

will those students be eating this school year?

Well, as you know, our country has been

going through some major budgetary challenges lately.

There are budget cuts everywhere and I know that means

some school food budgets are being cut, too. Over the

years I've traveled the country, I've visited hundreds

of schools. And when I do, I always like to take a peak

to see what they're serving our students in those school cafeterias. And I have to

tell you, sometimes it's really sad what I find.

Oh, I spot hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza and of course,

every school cafeteria's favorite, tater tots. (Hey, is

this a school cafeteria or some fast food joint?) But

wait, I'm not finished. Do you have any idea how many

rows of chocolate-chip cookies I see in those lunch

rooms? And let's not even talk about the vending

machines loaded with chips, candy bars and packs of hard

candies. And we wonder why so many of our kids are

overweight or obese!

I've heard there are some exceptions to these rules but

only at a handful of mostly private schools. But what

about the public campuses where the majority of

America's children attend school? They're being offered

high fat, high sugar and high calorie foods that make

them tired and uninterested in learning. Hey, these

kids are our country's future and, God knows, they

deserve and need better!

Lately, there have been lots of

celebrities and other VIPs who want to see our public

schools serving healthier meals to our students. And

yes, count me among that group. But with the financial

shape our country is in these days, sadly, I'd say it's

not going to happen in the very near future. That's why

you must take the responsibility for making sure

your kids are getting a healthy lunch at school

everyday.

You don't want your kids going to school to gain

weight. You want them going to school to get smart!

And making sure they get a healthy lunch everyday is not

only the smart thing to do but it'll help them learn

better, too. That's why you must take a few

minutes in the morning to pack your children's lunches. And here are some healthy suggestions.

If you're making them a sandwich, be sure to use

whole-wheat bread. Avoid highly processed luncheon

meats and opt for lean cuts of meat or chicken. And

don't forget the lettuce and tomato.

Every body, young or old, needs 4-5 servings

of fruits and vegetables a day. Cut up some fresh

broccoli, carrots, cauliflower or celery sticks for your

kids. Include a low-fat packet of their favorite salad

dressing to use as a dip. (They'll be more likely to

eat their veggies if you do.) Be sure to include a

piece or two of fresh fruit like an apple, banana or an

orange. If your child learns to eat this way, their

weight is less likely to go up and their grades

are more likely to go up. Yep, feed

them well and they will learn well!

And oh yeah, talk to your kids and teach

them why it's so important for them to eat healthy

foods. I'm very sad to say that very few schools teach

their students about proper nutrition these days. So

that leaves it up to you parents and grandparents to

help educate every child in America about eating right

and taking good care of those miraculous bodies of

theirs.

And don't forget, one of the best ways to

teach your kids about good nutrition is by setting the

right example for them. So it would be a great idea to

pack the same kind of lunch you pack your kids to take

with you to work. Pretty good idea, huh?

Love,