1. Posted by Jag on Sun, Aug 12, 2007, 4:38 pm PDT

Apsolutely loved the article. Especially since it mentions Juice Plus. --- Jag

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2. Posted by Laurie on Mon, Aug 13, 2007, 2:09 pm PDT

I raised three vegetarian daughters, in school systems that considered "pizza Thursday" and pb&j on white as vegetarian alternatives on the hot lunch menu. In other words, I've filled lots of lunch boxes. We'd use crackers and cheese or crackers and hummus as an alternative to a sandwich, always had to have a raw fruit or vegetable, and water bottle or two, depending on whether there was practice after school. Rice balls are like sushi, but you roll the rice like a small snowball, and quarter the nori before wetting your hands and covering the rice, another great alternative, and sometimes send burritos instead of a traditional sandwich. Big problem is the reduced time given for lunch in public schools, kids have to shovel a little in and then head out the door to recess or back to class. That's a NCLB problem, can't be fixed in a blog...

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3. Posted by Junette on Wed, Aug 15, 2007, 12:52 pm PDT

Great article! Thank you for helping us make better choices!

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4. Posted by meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! on Thu, Aug 23, 2007, 6:52 am PDT

thanks Laurie, i'm a vegetarian too and you gave me some really great ideas for lunch!!! thanks!!!

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5. Posted by KT on Tue, Sep 04, 2007, 4:07 pm PDT

GREAT Article. We always have believed in eating healthy. However, mentioning Juice Plus ?? That is nothing more than dehydrated produce - certainly not a substitue nor a safety net for the real thing!

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6. Posted by polyphonicthought on Sat, Feb 09, 2008, 2:10 pm PST

as a high school student that packs her own lunch - thanks to my school trying to extend lunch time to an hour, which means about 300-400 students in one cafeteria with horrid lunch lines; and a mediocre salad bar - I really appreciate this article. Thanks for the info.

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7. Posted by ivone w on Thu, Jul 10, 2008, 9:57 am PDT

As Laurie had mentioned, those rice balls are great, if you like you can add some tuna inside for an extra protein. The oriental rice that is a little bit more sticky is the best .My kids love this way!

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8. Posted by efmilton on Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 7:18 am PST

#6: Due to tree nuts allergy...PB&J sandwiches, etc.

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9. Posted by schweiger12 on Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 7:34 am PST

on the subject of school lunches. why is it that convicts eat better foods than our students. being a high school student i've see a fair share of these so called "healthy foods' i mean get a grip ppl since when is pizza healthy??

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10. Posted by thenetlooker on Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 8:00 am PST

I guess it's time to add cheese sandwich to the No list too

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11. Posted by jcbbb5 on Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 8:13 am PST

Sorry but I think this article is way over the top! This may apply to some, but you have to consider your Families health history, activity level, and metabolism. For my Family which happens to be extremely athletic, slim, and active. There is no reason for my kids to be put on a diet! If you have obesity and health issues than this article was right on point. Both my Husband and I were College scholarship athletes and our kids are in athletics. Depending on how many calories you burn per day, fat is necessary. I never had a coach tell me or my Husband when we were in sports from Middle school to College to watch your diet, if anything it was to eat has much as you can to support the strenuous work outs you’re putting your body through. That is why I say this article does not apply to all. Also If you don't serve kids food they have a desire to eat they won't eat it and to me that is worse! If my kids don't like something I'm not going to keep forcing them to eat it. When I’m at work for lunch I eat what I have a desire to eat not what someone is telling me to eat! So you should ask your kids what they like and if they like Sandwiches and a bag of chips then give it to them. I want my kids to be full and satisfied and have the energy they need to get through a day comfortably! There are kids in this world who only wish they had what we eat!

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12. Posted by lsu90girl on Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 8:13 am PST

Great article! I'm planning to try some of these kid-friendly ideas right away. I let my Kindergartener eat at school, but he comes home ravenous - a sure sign that he didn't eat well. And you're right, Laurie - how can kids be expected to eat a satisfying lunch in 20 minutes,especially when it takes 5 or 10 just to get through the line? When I sub, I usually have to throw half my lunch away because I run out of time to eat it.

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13. Posted by greeneyedgirl8002 on Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 8:15 am PST

After a long day in school, my kids come home famished. Instead of the opportunity to raid the fridge or food cupboard for anything in sight, I try to prepare after school snacks that can be part of a healthy diet. I find the key to healthy after-school snacks is to keep plenty available, so my kids are eating a variety of natural snack foods. A nutritious snackgives my kids the "pick-me-up" they need to concentrate on homework, after school sports and household chores. Good snacks like fresh fruits refuel a child and give them important nutrients. Poor snacks add extra sugar, saturated fats, and sodium to your their body. And if portions aren't controlled, these snacks can ruin their appetite for our healthy family dinner later. After school snacks should be healthful, easy to serve, and not too big since dinner is only two or three hours away. Here are some after school snack tips to make sure your child gets nourished but still has room for a healthy dinner: • The after school snacks should contain some protein like peanut butter, lean meats, or cheese. • Add crispy raw vegetables and dip. Most of the snacks served to children should be fruits and vegetables, since most kids do not eat the recommended five to thirteen servings of fruits and vegetables each day • Serve with water, milk or soy milk with your after-school snacks. Avoid sugar sweetened soft drinks. To protect children’s bones and hearts, make sure all dairy foods served are low-fat or fat-free. • Avoid anything sugary like candy, and cookies. They typically do not have any nutritional value and are full of empty calories. • Stay away from junky foods like greasy chips and cheese puffs. • Whole grain crackers are fine, but stay away from white starchy breads and crackers. Whole grain foods or high fiber snacks will keep them feeling fuller for longer. • Fresh fruits are also good after school snacks. • Keep the portions light. This is just a small pick-me-up before afternoon studies or playtime, not a whole meal. Sometimes I take my kids along to the grocery store and spend some time reading the nutrition facts labels and comparing products. We pay attention to the amounts of protein, fiber, calcium, and other important nutrients, and don't miss the chance to talk about portion sizes. Together, we choose snacks that are low in sugar, fat, and salt. I believe that being involved in the process makes it more likely that my child will learn to make healthy food choices, now and in the future. www.bodybyjake.com

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14. Posted by First L on Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 8:18 am PST

I work with middle school children at a title one school. This means that a significant amount of the student population is on free lunch. Yes, their diets are not ideal, but sometimes they can only afford to eat what the cafeteria serves up. And, when parents make their kids lunch, those cold-cuts that have been blasted not only come in large amounts, but its affordable. That helps when you have more than one child. I don't mean to lecture anyone, but this healthy food is not exactly cheap. We as parents and teachers need to figure out a way to make this stuff available as options

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15. Posted by sstew13 on Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 8:24 am PST

Agreed with jcbbb5" This doesn't apply to everyone, Since when is a sandwich less healthy then a slice of pizza. If your kid isn't overweight or obese then there is no reason to put them on a diet like this. If your child is having weight issues then this article is exactly right.

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16. Posted by Betty A on Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 8:38 am PST

School lunches haven't changed much since my kids were in school many years ago. I used to give my kids pop corn or popsicles made from real fruit juice as their after school snack or apples,grapes or bananas

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17. Posted by cassieandsamclarke on Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 8:46 am PST

if someone would have told my mom this when i was a kid i wouldnt be so darn fat

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18. Posted by whitel30 on Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 8:56 am PST

My kids come home every day and tell me that what is being served at the school is not necessarily a healthy lunch.Bosco sticks, pizza,chicken nuggets! And my growing middle schooler says that the portions are never enough. This is boy who is very active with a slim build. Where is the balance when you do pay for lunches? Does the school not know that a diet beverage is not healthy for your kidneys? Our school removed most the soda machines but left diet soda along with the water and juice to be dispensed.

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19. Posted by realst1 on Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 9:04 am PST

The amount of salt and high fructose corn syrup in our foods should be outlawed. This is an obvious way for the food industry to make money at the expense of the nation's health and future. When my kids were in school, I was appalled at the school menus packed with fat, salt, and sugar. I made their lunches, and all of the foods mentioned above, in moderation and variety, were all part of the mix. I think yogurt with fruit is vastly superior to greasy sloppy joes, or pizza, baked chips or pretzels are better than french fries or tater tots, and any fresh whole foods prepared at home better than greasy food prepared in bulk on the cheap with no thought to nutrition.

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20. Posted by lone_6_wolf_6 on Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 9:04 am PST

You health junkies need to get a grip. Sure you shouldn't consume fat and sugar all day but some fats and sugars are necessary. Check your Pyramid. Fat kids usually mean fat parents which means the whole family needs to get off their fat couch and GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY !!!

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21. Posted by TERRY D N on Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 9:14 am PST

I always liked bananas in my school lunch, they have "natural" sweetness,. They donnot require refrigeration, and are very inexpensive. They also provide calcium for strong bones and teeth. I donnot own a banana plantation, they are just one of my favorite fruits.

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22. Posted by zizi on Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 9:22 am PST

I agree with jcbbb5 completely. Plus like any sensible eating habits calorie intake and burn are very important. Kids play after eating so they will most likely burn the calories consumed. Plus there are low fat alternatives to things such as lunch meats. My kids love those Sunchips and they eat low fat lunchmeat on wheat bread. I have 3 kids and buying posh health foods is not in our budget. I also give them gogurts and fruit, as well as a 100 calorie snack pack. It is about being sensible. I am so tired of all these articles that condemn all the food we eat. It is about balance!

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23. Posted by ardnas on Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 11:58 am PST

I will have to say that all this info is nice to have but we need to go back to when children played outside to generate calorie loss and get vitamins from the sun. Also the fact that most schools have eliminated recess ( dodge ball, jump rope) , the PE program has been shot in many areas and the whole fitness era has seemed to disappear does not help. Put some of the basics back and I am certain what we eat will not be a concern. If possible join clubs that will keep the children busy and away from the tv and the games .

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24. Posted by lagamorphlounge on Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 12:05 pm PST

I have two elementary school girls with a baby on the way. We live comfortably, but by no means are we wealthy. I try and pack lunch every day. Usually it is 100% juice in a reusable plastic containter, a banana or apple (those are their favorites) a turkey and cheese sandwhich on 100% whole wheat (believe it or not, they ask for that, they don't even like white bread!) and a hersey kiss or something small like that. I know it isn't perfect, but it is FAR better than what they are served at school. The food there is horribly unhealthy, (I don't feel french toast sticks and sausage for lunch is incredibly nutritious) but also has the smallest portions. They come home starving after school if they had just school lunch. I have made my own reusable lunch bags from PUL fabric (no vinyl and all the bad stuff) and have even made matching cloth napkins. They tell me that they like bringing lunch in their new lunchbags, their friends think that they are cute. It helps. They ask for home lunch way more and it was an easy way to make sure that they are eating a bit healthier when I am not around. Feeding a "larger" family is not cheap. Most of our money after rent and such goes to groceries. I try and do the best I can on what money we have.

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25. Posted by dunrikm on Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 12:07 pm PST

Remember when America was the Land of the FREE?? This is just down right scary... ORWELLIAN scary.

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26. Posted by MadisonGirl on Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 12:17 pm PST

Superb article.

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27. Posted by yourblondegirl62 on Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 12:27 pm PST

Can some one say Soilent Green is made of People!

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28. Posted by dave on Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 12:45 pm PST

wow kids can't eat anything good anymore , if your worried about them getting fat then maybe you shouldn't have bought them that wii instead they should be out running laps at P.E

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29. Posted by april s on Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 12:55 pm PST

I feed my girls chips, candy, and whatever else I feel they should eat. Do they have it all day every day? NO. But, Do Not presume to tell me that a yogurt cup or an individual bag of chips is bad for my child. You don't know my child and you don't know my financial situation. Like many of the other people who have commented, I don't have the money to go out and buy all these so-called health foods out there. They're given apples and bananas, carrot sticks and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. My kids will eat just about any bread out there, but I choose to feed them Sara Lee Whole Grain White. Why? The flavor and texture is so much better than most other breads out there. I'm in agreement with the Orwellian scary that this article is. This article and many others like it are just downright scary.

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30. Posted by Miche on Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 1:08 pm PST

You know why you kids are fat? It is not because they are having chips or fruit rollups it is because they are not going outside and playing. If more parents made there kids go outside instead of letting them play video games all the time their kids would not be fat.

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