This is only the beginning. We are tired of settling for less than healthy. Fillers, fake sugars, and additives have invaded our lunch room, and every day we fight the battle against junk food in the lunch line and at the school store. For many years, people have labeled teenagers as being unhealthy and uninterested in health and nutrition. That is simply not the case, and we want to show the world that it's time for a change. A Food Revolution, if you will. It starts right now, with you.
It is extremely important for teenagers and young people to fuel up with healthy and nutritious foods in order to stay focused and have a clear and concentrated mindset while at school. Our cafeteria and school store currently offer some items that could be classified as healthy, but these are often overshadowed by the snacks, sodas and junk foods that are served in large quantities every day. Needless to say, there is plenty of room for growth in the field of nutritious snack options and meals!
Many items sold in our cafeteria are filled with artificial colors, preservatives, and unhealthy sugars and fillers, not to mention all of the additives and supplements in the foods that are not advertised in the signs at the snack store and in serving lines. You can guess that some of the meals you purchase at school are far from nutritious and do nothing to help you live a healthy and active lifestyle.
It starts with convenience. The convenience of the snack and serving lines in the lunch room offers up the option to purchase cookies, ice cream and other junk foods each and every day. We all enjoy these treats every once in a while, but is a school cafeteria really the place to be eating sugary and dessert-type foods all the time? The answer is no. Lunch is supposed to be a time to refuel your body with the energy it needs to think, work and play for the rest of the day. Save the snacks for spending time with friends and family on the weekends. While in school, we should all choose foods that will provide the nutrients needed to keep us alert and active through all of our daily activities until we get home, not the ones that give us a sugar rush for a class period. It is hard to step away from the sweets, but in order to contribute to the healthy lifestyle that we all desire, we must choose to drop the junk.
Some of you are probably dying to ask questions, like:
“Why can’t we just get rid of all of the “fake” foods and junk that we eat at lunch and replace them with fresh fruits and vegetables?”
“Where are the meals that are made with whole grain and lean meats?”
“Why can't the candy bars and chips be replaced with protein bars, actual granola bars, healthy yogurts and other high energy foods?”
“What if the burgers were real and the chicken was grilled?”
The answer is simple. As of now, what is served in the lunch and snack lines is all up to you. Think about it. We can bring true change to our cafeteria if we want to. It is all about one thing: Supply and Demand, which boils down to:
How you CHOOSE to spend your money. There are some “healthy” options already available – salads, yogurt and single serving fruit are in the crisper in the serving line, but they are often bypassed for the pizza, fried chicken sandwiches and fries. While some might look at meals such as Trix yogurt with soft pretzels and cheese sticks, or fried chicken salads with cheese sticks and honey mustard as being “on the fringe” of healthy eating, they are undeniably the better option when compared to the rest of the foods on the menu. In the snack line, there are cereal bars, fruit juices and bags of pretzels available, but they are often overlooked by many students when placed next to the ice cream cartons, milkshakes and spicy nacho chips. Why doesn’t the cafeteria replace these foods with healthy options? Why do they sell them to begin with? In an ideal world, Food and Nutrition Services would serve wholesome and nutritious snacks every day in place of junk food. Unfortunately, the current circumstances are very different. These foods are sold to create competition with the school store and vending machines, which offer an abundance of sodas, sugary drinks, icecream bars and candy to students every day. If the cafeteria chose to not sell these items anymore, the students would take their money and spend it where these sweets were sold, and Food and Nutrition Services (the cafeteria) would lose money.
This is where you come in. If you stopped buying these junk foods, the cafeteria, school store and vending company would have to offer different products in order to generate revenue; in our case, this would mean healthier meals and snacks. Going back to the “ideal world” scenario, if everyone stopped buying the bad stuff and demanded healthy options, our problem would be solved and there would be no need for this movement at all! Unfortunately, it isn’t that easy. We are required to take steps to bring about change. In order for a Food Revolution to succeed and for healthy and active lifestyles to be maintained in our school and community, steps must be taken across the board – this includes participation from the student body, the teachers, the administration, the parents and boosters and the local community.
Education: Many teenagers are uneducated about the foods they put into their bodies every day and how they are used and stored as energy. Many have never been taught how to choose foods that follow a nutritious and well-balanced diet; this causes them to be at a disadvantage when trying to live an active and healthy lifestyle that we as teens need to grow and mature as young adults. In school, we are no longer taught about health and nutrition – this has caused us to become a generation that, for the most part, doesn’t care about what we eat, when we eat it, or how our bodies use it. The lack of education on proper nutrition and health is a key contributor to the bad choices that are made in the cafeteria every day. In order to correct and change this problem, we aim to gain the support of our teachers, educators, parents and community to help us bridge this knowledge gap. We need to educate ourselves on the benefits of healthy eating and living so that we can educate our families and the future generations to come – this will happen with the support of the school and community.
Action and Activism: With proper education comes the knowledge needed to bring about change in the cafeteria. After we educate ourselves, our peers and our families on how to maintain a well balanced diet and lifestyle, we will be able to actively pursue healthy options at school and at home. As the movement progresses to this point, there will be enough knowledgeable consumers in the cafeteria to cause a demand for healthy meals and snacks. While everyone will not ultimately “buy in” to this movement, with the help of teachers, administrators, and nutrition-savvy students coupled with continuing education on nutrition and health, there will be a market that causes a constant demand for healthy foods in the serving lines at school. As students begin to make healthy choices for themselves, some will look to the community for help in bringing the movement home to their families.
Community Involvement: After we have educated teens on the benefits of eating healthy and staying active, and after they begin to make choices for themselves at school, some will begin to seek out healthy options in their own homes and lives away from school. This is where the local community will undoubtedly become a part of the movement. We need the support of local businesses, fresh markets, local farmer, coffee shops, grocery stores, skate parks – everyone – in our attempt to bring about true change in our generation. When it comes to healthy living, food and nutrition is simply the start. Healthy living employs nearly every aspect of life, and in order to keep teens healthy, we need to keep them interested! If you are a local business person, restaurateur, store owner, farmer or any other member of the community interested in supporting this movement, please contact us! We need your support, and we’ll gladly give you ours!
It’s time for a change, Mauldin. We have outlined the steps. We are beginning phase one now. The Revolution starts with you. Step up and take the challenge. Living a healthy and active lifestyle not only benefits you, it also directly impacts your family, your friends, and your community. Together, we can begin a Food Revolution, but it doesn’t stop there. After all, this is only the beginning.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Go Behind the Scenes at the 4th Annual Upstate Farm Tour!
The burgers have been grilled, the marshmallows have been roasted and the gallon-sized basket of strawberries that we bought at the Saturday Market a few weeks ago has run its course - These are all signs that Summer has officially arrived for students and teachers across the state! This temporary freedom from the daily grind lends endless possibilities for those of us who become restless after only a few days of sitting by the pool. Are you already looking for something new and exciting to do this weekend? Look no further than the 4th Annual Upstate Farm Tour, taking place from 1 to 6 PM on June 5th and 6th, throughout the Upstate of SC!
This event is annually sponsored by the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association in conjunction with Whole Foods Market and features a "Behind the Scenes" tour of 20 local farms. The tour offers an outstanding opportunity to make direct connections with local farmers and other members of the thriving agricultural community all across the Upstate. With this year's abundance of farms featured on the tour, there are activities for the entire family to participate in throughout the course of the day. While mom and dad are educated about the foods they buy and sustainable growing methods that can be applied at home in the garden, kids can learn to appreciate where their foods come from through interacting with farm animals and participating in "farm to fork" activities, like peeling and making your own french fries (at the Clemson University Sustainable Farm)!
The Upstate Farm Tour highlights 20 farms that use organic or environmentally responsible growing practices - this offers an opportune time for those wishing to learn about local food and produce to make connections with farmers that rely heavily on the support and patronage of the community. Being self guided, you can explore the tour at your own pace; this allows plenty of time for everyone to discover sources of fresh and healthy food in our own backyard!
As quoted from the CFSA website:
" The 2010 features a diversity of local farms, including fruit and vegetable growers, livestock producers, two dairies, a worm farm, mushroom farm, and a hydroponic producer. A new highlight of this year’s tour is inclusion of the Bowie Old Farm Show where visitors can step back in time and gain hands-on experience with the traditional farming methods of generations past.Two farms, Sharon Rose Farm in Woodruff, and Split Creek Farm in Anderson will be meal-stops on the tour, offering farm fresh food, cooked onsite for guests looking for a special on-farm lunch or supper. Many farms will be offering fun activities unique to the tour. "
Getting hungry for fresh fruits and veggies yet? Want to bring a friend along? Carpool with the neighbors while on your trek to save money and gas, and be sure to pack a cooler on the road so you can stock up on what the farms have for purchase on-site and in their stores!
In order to participate, you must purchase a button for your vehicle to let the farmers know you are part of the official tour! Buttons and maps are available at these Upstate locations:
Hub City Farmer’s Market (Spartanburg)
Happy Cow Creamery (Pelzer)
Live Oak Farm Store (Woodruff)
Split Creek Farm (Anderson)
Whole Foods Market (Woodruff Rd - Greenville)
The tour costs $25 in advance per vehicle (or cycling group) Entrance buttons may also be purchased on tour days at Whole Foods on Woodruff Rd, and at every farm for $30. Individual farms may be toured for $10. Remember, all proceeds support the work of the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, which promotes local and organic farming and agriculture in the Carolinas by inspiring, educating and organizing farmers and consumers like us!
By taking part in this event, you will not only be having a blast while trekking all across the Upstate with your friends to kick off Summer, you'll be educating yourself and your family on ways to actively take part in your the local economy through buying, eating and cooking local & fresh foods!
Happy touring, and remember to stay active and eat healthy this Summer!
For more information, please visit:
http://www.carolinafarmstewards.org/uft2010.shtml
To purchase advance tickets, visit the following:
https://www.netforumondemand.com/eWeb/Shopping/Shopping.aspx?Cart=0&Site=cfsa
Many thanks to Ron Jones, the Culinary Specialist of Greenville County Schools Food and Nutrition Services and member of the Hub City Market Board of Directors, for providing information on this event and supporting our Food Revolution!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
¡Viva la Revolución de Alimento!
These are truly exciting times for the Food Revolution!
Yesterday as I walked through the cafeteria on the way to lunch, I was approached by the General Manager of Food Services at Mauldin High School who informed me that she stumbled upon our blog and was interested in meeting with us! She told me that she would love to sit down and discuss our ideas for bringing healthy options to the lunch line. She also said that her Regional Supervisor was interested in our blog and wanted to attend the meeting in order to discuss the options and possibilities of offering healthier "prepared meals" and snack items in the cafeteria!
This is a dream come true! I never dreamt of the day where we would be approached by Food Services for a meeting. Thanks to everyone who has supported our movement up to this point!
COMING SOON:
As the school year draws to a close, we are now faced with some much needed time for planning and coordination! This summer, we plan to devise a purpose and seek out support from local businesses, politicians and members of the general community. We hope to increase our blog postings and readership - to ensure that our efforts make a true impact in the community, please post the link to our blog on Facebook, Twitter, and whatever other social networks you call home.
SHOUT OUTS:
We have to thank Rep. Eric Bedingfield for his interest and support in the MHS Food Revolution; we hope to meet with him soon to discuss the options of taking the fight for healthier lunches to Columbia!
Thanks to Limestone Farms of Greenville for their help! Please stop by their booth at the Saturday Market to thank them for their support!
Yesterday as I walked through the cafeteria on the way to lunch, I was approached by the General Manager of Food Services at Mauldin High School who informed me that she stumbled upon our blog and was interested in meeting with us! She told me that she would love to sit down and discuss our ideas for bringing healthy options to the lunch line. She also said that her Regional Supervisor was interested in our blog and wanted to attend the meeting in order to discuss the options and possibilities of offering healthier "prepared meals" and snack items in the cafeteria!
This is a dream come true! I never dreamt of the day where we would be approached by Food Services for a meeting. Thanks to everyone who has supported our movement up to this point!
COMING SOON:
As the school year draws to a close, we are now faced with some much needed time for planning and coordination! This summer, we plan to devise a purpose and seek out support from local businesses, politicians and members of the general community. We hope to increase our blog postings and readership - to ensure that our efforts make a true impact in the community, please post the link to our blog on Facebook, Twitter, and whatever other social networks you call home.
SHOUT OUTS:
We have to thank Rep. Eric Bedingfield for his interest and support in the MHS Food Revolution; we hope to meet with him soon to discuss the options of taking the fight for healthier lunches to Columbia!
Thanks to Limestone Farms of Greenville for their help! Please stop by their booth at the Saturday Market to thank them for their support!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Farm to School Programs in Upstate SC
“When the school food service buys local produce directly from growers through the local distributor, the entire community wins"
Farm to School Food Programs are sprouting all around the nation; these programs connect students and schools with healthy fruits and vegetables bought directly from the farmer. In South Carolina, there are over 70 schools participating in the Farm to School Program, with one of the newest programs starting at A.R. Lewis Elementary School in Pickens, SC.
Editorial from the Greenville News - May 22, 2010
A part of the new pilot program called Farm to School, which promotes the use of locally produced food in school cafeterias and is co-sponsored by the state Department of Education and the South Carolina Department of Agriculture honored two students from a Pickens elementary school for there artwork recently.
The program was formally launched this week at Walter P. Rawl & Sons farm in Pelion, according to a statement from the Department of Education.
Two students from A.R. Lewis Elementary in Pickens, Kaitlin Lauren Touzeau and Holly Clayton, placed second and third respectively in the Second Annual Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Drawing Contest sponsored by the Office of Health and Nutrition and the School Nutrition Association of South Carolina.
A.R. Lewis is one of 70 schools in the state that will be participating in the Farm to School program.
Farm to School enlists the cooperation of Lexington County growers including Rawl & Sons, Clayton Rawl Farms in Gilbert, Watsonia in Ridge Spring and Coosaw Farms in Fairfax. Senn Brothers, the local produce distributor, will be delivering fresh food directly from the farms to the schools.
Passage of the federal 2008 Farm Bill allows schools to use local preference in buying agricultural products, both locally grown and locally raised, according to Todd Bedenbaugh, the Department of Education's Director of Health and Nutrition.
“Farm to School programs can improve nutrition and local economies,” state Superintendent of Education Jim Rex said in a prepared statement. “Agriculture has the potential for creating more jobs in the local and state economy.”
Rex and Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers also support the program's aim to educate students about how agriculture is connected to food and nutrition. Children are encouraged to make healthier food choices by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables.
“When the school food service buys local produce directly from growers through the local distributor, the entire community wins,” Weathers said.
This statement hold true in more ways than one. Not only are these students being offered fresh produce that is locally grown, they are participating in an initiative that connects schools directly with the community. Programs like this offer the opportunity for increased education on local agriculture, food production and nutrition. If students are taught at a young age the benefits of supporting the local economy through establishing beneficial relationships with farmers and growers, they will in turn prove to be educated and sensible shoppers as adults.
Programs like this deserve to be supported by everyone in the community. We need to ask our local school and political leaders look into the benefits of Farm to School Initiatives. If schools across the state can participate in programs like this, shouldn't Greenville County Schools follow in suit? We have a local economy that is rich with local growers and farmers, and we have a weekly farmers market that is well established and supported - why can't our schools become involved, too?
Contact the SC Department of Education and the Greenville Country Schools' Food and Nutrition Services Department today, and ask them to consider starting Farm to School programs to provide healthy and locally grown foods to our students!
Contacts:
Greenville County Food and Nutrition Services:
Director - Eileen Staples: 864-355-1245
Program Coordinator - Jennifer Sharp: 864-355-3075
SC Department of Education - Food and Nutrition Services
Todd A. Bedenbaugh
Interim Director
Suite 300
3710 Landmark Drive
Columbia, SC 29204
Tel: 803-734-8205
E-mail: tabedenb@ed.sc.gov
Farm to School Food Programs are sprouting all around the nation; these programs connect students and schools with healthy fruits and vegetables bought directly from the farmer. In South Carolina, there are over 70 schools participating in the Farm to School Program, with one of the newest programs starting at A.R. Lewis Elementary School in Pickens, SC.
Editorial from the Greenville News - May 22, 2010
A part of the new pilot program called Farm to School, which promotes the use of locally produced food in school cafeterias and is co-sponsored by the state Department of Education and the South Carolina Department of Agriculture honored two students from a Pickens elementary school for there artwork recently.
The program was formally launched this week at Walter P. Rawl & Sons farm in Pelion, according to a statement from the Department of Education.
Two students from A.R. Lewis Elementary in Pickens, Kaitlin Lauren Touzeau and Holly Clayton, placed second and third respectively in the Second Annual Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Drawing Contest sponsored by the Office of Health and Nutrition and the School Nutrition Association of South Carolina.
A.R. Lewis is one of 70 schools in the state that will be participating in the Farm to School program.
Farm to School enlists the cooperation of Lexington County growers including Rawl & Sons, Clayton Rawl Farms in Gilbert, Watsonia in Ridge Spring and Coosaw Farms in Fairfax. Senn Brothers, the local produce distributor, will be delivering fresh food directly from the farms to the schools.
Passage of the federal 2008 Farm Bill allows schools to use local preference in buying agricultural products, both locally grown and locally raised, according to Todd Bedenbaugh, the Department of Education's Director of Health and Nutrition.
“Farm to School programs can improve nutrition and local economies,” state Superintendent of Education Jim Rex said in a prepared statement. “Agriculture has the potential for creating more jobs in the local and state economy.”
Rex and Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers also support the program's aim to educate students about how agriculture is connected to food and nutrition. Children are encouraged to make healthier food choices by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables.
“When the school food service buys local produce directly from growers through the local distributor, the entire community wins,” Weathers said.
This statement hold true in more ways than one. Not only are these students being offered fresh produce that is locally grown, they are participating in an initiative that connects schools directly with the community. Programs like this offer the opportunity for increased education on local agriculture, food production and nutrition. If students are taught at a young age the benefits of supporting the local economy through establishing beneficial relationships with farmers and growers, they will in turn prove to be educated and sensible shoppers as adults.
Programs like this deserve to be supported by everyone in the community. We need to ask our local school and political leaders look into the benefits of Farm to School Initiatives. If schools across the state can participate in programs like this, shouldn't Greenville County Schools follow in suit? We have a local economy that is rich with local growers and farmers, and we have a weekly farmers market that is well established and supported - why can't our schools become involved, too?
Contact the SC Department of Education and the Greenville Country Schools' Food and Nutrition Services Department today, and ask them to consider starting Farm to School programs to provide healthy and locally grown foods to our students!
Contacts:
Greenville County Food and Nutrition Services:
Director - Eileen Staples: 864-355-1245
Program Coordinator - Jennifer Sharp: 864-355-3075
SC Department of Education - Food and Nutrition Services
Todd A. Bedenbaugh
Interim Director
Suite 300
3710 Landmark Drive
Columbia, SC 29204
Tel: 803-734-8205
E-mail: tabedenb@ed.sc.gov
Friday, April 30, 2010
The Saturday Market: Eat Fresh, Buy Local!
Tomorrow, May 1st, marks the beginning of a new season in Greenville, SC: Saturday Market Season!
The annual Carolina First Saturday Market began in 2002, when the City of Greenville sponsored a task force to bring an open-air farmers’ market to the streets of Downtown. This market was created for the sale of locally grown farm products, produce, as well as a variety of arts and crafts made by local artisans. Since then, the market has grown to include over 50 vendors that offer everything from Youngblood's Famous Strawberries to fresh shrimp, straight from Charleston! In recent years, local artists, restaurants and musicians have been added to the mix to create an environment that rivals that of any bustling European Market!
Every Saturday from May 1st until October 3oth, the market is open for people to stroll though heart of the city in order to get a little taste of the country. When you buy fruits and veggies straight from the farmer, you can be sure that you are getting only the best and freshest produce avaliable. The interaction between the shopper and farmer allows you to ask every question imaginable in regards to harvesting, pesticides and food preparation. Many of these vendors are also knowledgeable of how to best keep and prepare the foods they sell, so when buying, be sure to ask if they have any tips or pointers to give! As always, all produce and food bought from the Saturday Market is MHS Food Revolution Approved, so be sure to stock up on lunch-packable items for the next few weeks of school!
Buying fresh and locally grown foods is not only beneficial to you and your family, it also helps to stimulate the local economy! Many of the farmers depend on the sale of their produce as their only source of income, so when you buy foods directly from their hands, you can be sure that you are truly making a difference in supporting their efforts. When you buy local, everyone will benefit!
Please consider waking up early one Saturday morning to shop at the Saturday Market! Between the live music, arts, crafts & jewelry, the fresh pastries and baked goods, the coffees and smoothies and the fresh produce, there are plenty of things to interest people of all ages! Not to mention waking up early to enjoy all the sights, sounds and smells of beautiful Downtown Greenville! Ask your parents to make trips to the Saturday Market a family occasion. Who knows, it might end up becoming a summertime tradition that everyone can look forward to!
The Saturday Market
List of Vendors
Special shout-out to Limestone Farms of Greer, SC! Local farmer Teri Noel has recently pledged her support for the MHS Food Revolution. Limestone Farms offers the freshest fruit, vegetables and eggs avaliable, and her son is a fellow Maverick and Mauldin High Graduate! Let's all do our part to buy local to help support Limestone Farms and the real food revolutionaries: the farmers of Greenville!
Stop by the Limestone Farms booth and show them your MHS School ID, who knows what is in store!
Limestone Farms
Monday, April 26, 2010
Guest Blog Post: "Tips to Joining the Food Revolution, for slackers!"
MaddieM, a fellow Food Revolutionary, shared her tips on healthy eating for the average teen: the busy kid that always puts packing lunch off as the "un-cool" thing to do. Like MaddieM, we believe that the bigger issue for teens appears to be taking the time to actually think about packing a lunch. Who cares how "cool" it is? The decisions you make now in regards to living and eating will prove to have a permanent impact on your life in the future. Be wise, and pack your lunch! Even if it is just one day a week.
"Easy Tips For Lunch-Packing Slackers"
... My fellow procrastinators (I should be doing a DBQ essay), slackers, and my-mom-doesn't-make-my-lunchers: there are options for besides the lunch line!
So you wanna join the MHS Food Revolution, but it's insanely difficult to make your lunch everyday? Follow these simple steps that will lead you to healthy lunches in a timely faishon:
1. Go for the easiest things to pack first: bananas or apples are easy to carry and require no preparation whatsoever! Chances are, you have one of these in your kitchen right now. Stick it in a bag for the next day.
2. Go for the filler second: Your lunch should include something of substance that fills you up till that healthy afternoon snack after school. Sandwiches are the classic lunch bag filler. They have been the staple of school lunch baggers for years, but watch out! Not all sandwiches are created equally! Watch out for what you put in between the bread. Processed meats, fatty cheeses and calorie loaded spreads and toppings can quickly steer this lunchtime favorite in the direction of the foods you are trying to avoid. Avoid processed meats, and try add lean meats to your sandwiches (turkey!) If you aren't a fan of meaty sandwiches, hummus & veggies makes a great alternative. In my opinion, there's nothing better than a PB&J!
Guide to a great & healthy PB&J: This sandwich is full of protein, carbs and fruit, depending on the jelly or jam you choose. When reaching for the bread basket, choose the darker varieties labeled "Whole Grain" or "Whole Wheat"; these breads aren't fully processed and loaded with additives like their white-breaded cousins, making them the healthier (and more filling!) option. Next, look to spread all-natural peanut butter or almond butter on your bread, preferably the kind containing reduced fat. If you don't have all-natural/reduced fat in your pantry, don't freak out! Make sure you watch the serving size so you aren't over doing it, and ask mom to buy reduced/all natural next time. Remember, the closer it is to nature, the better it is for you! Last, but certainly not least, add the fruit preserves or jelly! Again, like the peanut butter, shoot for all natural or fresh preserves and jellies. You can find these at the Mauldin Fruit Stand next to our school! If you aren't used to the jam or don't like the idea of non-grape jellies on a sandwich, try it out! Fresh and fruity jellies and jams can give your PB&J an added boost of fruit and natural sugars.
3. Pack the 100 Calorie Snack Pack over the Chips: No, this is admittedly NOT your healthiest option. But this is the blog post for slackers. And these are still better for you than those greasy and salty school fries or potato chips.
4. Add some protein & calcium! Yogurt: my favorite tip. Any kind of yogurt works! (but please, lets stick to low fat!) It gets you the calcium and protein you need to refuel and lets face it: it's easy to pack! Plus, yogurt just begs to be added to! Fruit and granola/nuts or cereal make a great topping. With your fruit, yogurt and granola or nuts, you are headed in the right direction for healthy lunching!
6. Don't Knock the Pre-Packaged, when its from home: Again. NO. Not your BEST option. But it's BETTER than the stuff you might be tempted to buy at school in the snack line, if you stick to the good stuff. Grab the Yogurt, 100 Cal Snack Packs, Granola/Breakfast Bars, etc. But don't think about grabbing greasy chips!
7. Keep it Simple: If, like me, you get a little bit freaked out about packing a lunch: Don't! And Don't Worry. It will not be the end of the world if your lunch doesn't match that kid who pulls out a gourmet meal at the table every day. Just do your best. Anything healthy that you bring from home is a GREAT START.
9. Make a Plan: Night before? Great option. Write it down? Again, great. Whatever works for you, do it! If you really want to get things moving, make a plan for the week, outlining everything you want ahead of time so you can make sure it's in the fridge when you're looking for it.
10.Skip the Snacks at School: I know. You eat your packed lunch, but think you might want something else. You walk up to the school store for a bagel, but end up with 4 candy bars and a soda. Just DONT. If you must have something, shoot for pretzels (the bagged variety, NOT the big ones) or a granola bar. The lunch line also has those bins of fruit that kids also forget about if you're just craving a snack.
Last, but again not least, EAT BREAKFAST! Even if it's just a healthy breakfast bar, it'll keep you fuller till lunch, and will make sure you don't over do it during refuel. When you eat breakfast, your stomach won't growl and distract you from taking that hard test you forgot to study for.
So, Mauldin High, I have a challenge for you! Lets pack our lunches (simply& hopefully quickly) even if its just once a week! It's time for us to get start thinking about our health and our future! What we put in our bodies now will impact our life for the future.
P.S.- Thinking Green: invest in a lunch box! Not all are atrocious and kiddie looking (mine is an adorable giraffe print one!) This will help reduce the waste you put in the trash every day, and will eventually save your parents money because they won't have to buy bags! Lunch boxes will help keep your lunch colder longer, which is very nice for the yogurt along, salads, fruits, veggies, etc. that you bring.
P.P.S.- It took me longer to make this blog than it will for you to make your lunch. I Promise! Thanks for reading, and PACK A LUNCH THIS WEEK! ...
"Easy Tips For Lunch-Packing Slackers"
... My fellow procrastinators (I should be doing a DBQ essay), slackers, and my-mom-doesn't-make-my-lunchers: there are options for besides the lunch line!
So you wanna join the MHS Food Revolution, but it's insanely difficult to make your lunch everyday? Follow these simple steps that will lead you to healthy lunches in a timely faishon:
1. Go for the easiest things to pack first: bananas or apples are easy to carry and require no preparation whatsoever! Chances are, you have one of these in your kitchen right now. Stick it in a bag for the next day.
2. Go for the filler second: Your lunch should include something of substance that fills you up till that healthy afternoon snack after school. Sandwiches are the classic lunch bag filler. They have been the staple of school lunch baggers for years, but watch out! Not all sandwiches are created equally! Watch out for what you put in between the bread. Processed meats, fatty cheeses and calorie loaded spreads and toppings can quickly steer this lunchtime favorite in the direction of the foods you are trying to avoid. Avoid processed meats, and try add lean meats to your sandwiches (turkey!) If you aren't a fan of meaty sandwiches, hummus & veggies makes a great alternative. In my opinion, there's nothing better than a PB&J!
Guide to a great & healthy PB&J: This sandwich is full of protein, carbs and fruit, depending on the jelly or jam you choose. When reaching for the bread basket, choose the darker varieties labeled "Whole Grain" or "Whole Wheat"; these breads aren't fully processed and loaded with additives like their white-breaded cousins, making them the healthier (and more filling!) option. Next, look to spread all-natural peanut butter or almond butter on your bread, preferably the kind containing reduced fat. If you don't have all-natural/reduced fat in your pantry, don't freak out! Make sure you watch the serving size so you aren't over doing it, and ask mom to buy reduced/all natural next time. Remember, the closer it is to nature, the better it is for you! Last, but certainly not least, add the fruit preserves or jelly! Again, like the peanut butter, shoot for all natural or fresh preserves and jellies. You can find these at the Mauldin Fruit Stand next to our school! If you aren't used to the jam or don't like the idea of non-grape jellies on a sandwich, try it out! Fresh and fruity jellies and jams can give your PB&J an added boost of fruit and natural sugars.
3. Pack the 100 Calorie Snack Pack over the Chips: No, this is admittedly NOT your healthiest option. But this is the blog post for slackers. And these are still better for you than those greasy and salty school fries or potato chips.
4. Add some protein & calcium! Yogurt: my favorite tip. Any kind of yogurt works! (but please, lets stick to low fat!) It gets you the calcium and protein you need to refuel and lets face it: it's easy to pack! Plus, yogurt just begs to be added to! Fruit and granola/nuts or cereal make a great topping. With your fruit, yogurt and granola or nuts, you are headed in the right direction for healthy lunching!
6. Don't Knock the Pre-Packaged, when its from home: Again. NO. Not your BEST option. But it's BETTER than the stuff you might be tempted to buy at school in the snack line, if you stick to the good stuff. Grab the Yogurt, 100 Cal Snack Packs, Granola/Breakfast Bars, etc. But don't think about grabbing greasy chips!
7. Keep it Simple: If, like me, you get a little bit freaked out about packing a lunch: Don't! And Don't Worry. It will not be the end of the world if your lunch doesn't match that kid who pulls out a gourmet meal at the table every day. Just do your best. Anything healthy that you bring from home is a GREAT START.
9. Make a Plan: Night before? Great option. Write it down? Again, great. Whatever works for you, do it! If you really want to get things moving, make a plan for the week, outlining everything you want ahead of time so you can make sure it's in the fridge when you're looking for it.
10.Skip the Snacks at School: I know. You eat your packed lunch, but think you might want something else. You walk up to the school store for a bagel, but end up with 4 candy bars and a soda. Just DONT. If you must have something, shoot for pretzels (the bagged variety, NOT the big ones) or a granola bar. The lunch line also has those bins of fruit that kids also forget about if you're just craving a snack.
Last, but again not least, EAT BREAKFAST! Even if it's just a healthy breakfast bar, it'll keep you fuller till lunch, and will make sure you don't over do it during refuel. When you eat breakfast, your stomach won't growl and distract you from taking that hard test you forgot to study for.
So, Mauldin High, I have a challenge for you! Lets pack our lunches (simply& hopefully quickly) even if its just once a week! It's time for us to get start thinking about our health and our future! What we put in our bodies now will impact our life for the future.
P.S.- Thinking Green: invest in a lunch box! Not all are atrocious and kiddie looking (mine is an adorable giraffe print one!) This will help reduce the waste you put in the trash every day, and will eventually save your parents money because they won't have to buy bags! Lunch boxes will help keep your lunch colder longer, which is very nice for the yogurt along, salads, fruits, veggies, etc. that you bring.
P.P.S.- It took me longer to make this blog than it will for you to make your lunch. I Promise! Thanks for reading, and PACK A LUNCH THIS WEEK! ...
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Health, Wellness & Politics.
After finding out that I began the movement that will attempt to remove junk food from our cafeteria and reform teen eating habits in general, a friend called me a liberal. I must say that I was quite shocked to be given such a label based on my efforts (for those who don't personally know me, I am quite the conservative). Today, I was asked by a sponsor if we were going to be working in a bipartisan effort in regards this movement. Once again, politics were brought into question. It is my belief that health, nutrition and wellness in general is beyond the realm of partisanship, no matter what your brand of politics happens to be. Health is an issue that ultimately determines quality life and happiness, two concepts that should not be impacted by biased points of view. More on this later.
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