Fight Unhealthy Habits on Campus
12 05 2008
Researchers recently identified three common culprits for unhealthy eating on school campuses. The first you may be familiar with — convenient vending machines filled with tempting junk foods. But the other two may surprise you — early lunchtimes and fast food! The researchers found that kids were more likely to order a la carte items rather than a balanced meal if their lunchtime was before 10:30 in the morning. Similarly, students who had the option to leave campus during lunch were likely to buy fast food or have parents bring it to them rather than opt for a balanced cafeteria meal.
So what can you do? First, make sure your child understands the connection between the right foods and health. If your child’s school has vending machines, take a look at what’s available and discuss the choices with your child. Encourage him or her to choose a balanced meal over a la carte or fast-food items, regardless of what time lunch is served. If your child doesn’t care for the foods served in the cafeteria, try packing his or her lunch and snacks at home instead. Teaching your child how to provide his or her body with the nutrition it needs — not just calories — is one of the most important lessons you can impart!
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