hether packed in a brightly colored lunch box sporting a favorite action hero, or in a simple, brown paper bag, school lunches should contain nutritious foods kids like. Sounds simple, but for those who pack lunches day after day, it's not easy. That's probably because there is so much to consider, such as: • What combination of foods make up a "healthy" lunch? • Are they simple and easily packed? • Can they remain safe without refrigeration until lunchtime? • And most importantly, will they be eaten? The Food Guide Pyramid, a tool which outlines daily food choices for a healthy diet, consists of five different food groups, arranged according to their recommended number of daily servings. Combined with serving size guidelines, the Pyramid illustrates the basics of healthy eating-balance, moderation and variety. Here are suggestions for nutritious, kid pleasin' school lunch foods based on the Food Guide Pyramid. Try to include a serving from each of the five food groups in every
lunch. Keep in mind, though, that the Food Guide Pyramid is a general guide. No one eats perfectly all the time. What you eat over several days is more important than applying the Pyramid guidelines on a strict meal-by-meal basis. Remember too, all foods can fit into a healthful diet if eaten in moderation. An occasional sugary snack or high-fat food is okay to include in a school lunch. Rather than forbidding foods, children should learn how to include all types of foods in their diet. The daily number of servings shown for each food group is based on a daily calorie count of 2,000-2,200, which is about right for most children. Calorie needs are influenced by a child's age, sex, size and activity level. It's important to provide children with at least the lower number of indicated servings each day.
Reprinted courtesy of: Creative Data Services, 13748 Shorehne Court East, Earth Qty, MO 63045.
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'-../ Food Safety Tips Some of the school lunch foods suggested here need to be kept cold during the hours before lunchtime. Here are some tips: An insulated lunch box or bag keeps food colder much longer than a paper bag. An ice pock or frozen juice box con also help. Place in a small plastic bog to prevent"sweating" on lunch box foods. Freeze those foods you con such as fruit-flavored yogurt, cheese stick, chunks of natural cheese and sliced meat sandwiches. If desired, add mayo or salad dressing before packing in the lunch box.
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