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! ...
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great blog maddie =) i pack my lunch every day and totally agree with all your tips. one other thing i do is when i pack a sandwich i only use one peice of bread and cut it in half but i still use the same amount of meat. it means you get half the carbs but you still get all that meat and protien you need.
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