Are no-name nuggets and mystery mush your typical cafeteria-lunch choices? Tempted to grab a bag of chips from the vending machine instead? Don't do it! You can find a healthy (and edible!) lunch in almost any school — if you know where to look.
It's lunchtime and you're starved, and at the moment you don't care about Shaq's Big Challenge, healthy eating, or what your cholesterol numbers will look like when you're 40. You want to eat, and you want to eat now! It would be easy enough to hit the vending machine, or run down to the fast-food place down the block — who would know? And what would it matter?
Well, it does matter, big time. What you put in your mouth every day for lunch can be a big, fat chunk of your daily calories — and it can really mess up your Challenge if you blow it on junk food. So stick to the plan! No matter what you think of the cafeteria choices, no matter what your friends are eating, no matter how loud that stomach rumble is, be smart and use these tips to find a good lunch.
Tip 1: Start with the Cafeteria Clipboard — it has some good lunch ideas to keep you on your health streak!
Tip 2: If your cafeteria lets you down, check out In the Bag for the best bring-your-lunch ideas around.
Tip 3: If all else fails and you're headed for the machine, wait! Depending on Vending can help you make healthy choices even at a vending machine.
Finally, make a difference! If your school doesn't have great choices in either the cafeteria or vending machines, speak up! You and your friends can ask for healthier selections: Use our Cafeteria Wish List and our Vending-Machine Wish List to let your principal and teachers know that you're serious about healthy eating! Hey, it's your body and your health we're talking about — don't be shy about taking care of yourself!
NOTE: This Web site offers a lot of information about eating better and getting fit, and not all of it will be right for all kids. Always check with your parents before you make any changes in the way you eat or exercise — they'll know best what's right for you.
Next: Cafeteria Clipboard >
In this article:
At-School Solutions
Cafeteria Clipboard
In the Bag
Depending on Vending?