Eating Healthy at School...Is it Possible?
By Victoria Cassar
Jeanette Guminik
Alex Thomas
David Stolt
 

 

Breakfast
    When you rush out of the door for school in the morning, there typically isn't much time to grab a balanced breakfast, and besides who's hungry at 6:30 anyway? Convieniantly, IA has added a breakfast stand in the hexagon between first and second hour to help our busy students out by offering breakfast. But how helpful are these breakfast options? After talking to several IA students, and checking the selection of breakfast items available I have concluded that these options probably are not as healthy as they could be unless paired with a healthier choice.

IABREAKFAST BAR:                                                                                                             

 

 

Salt Bagel: 64 carbs 1610 mg sodium 320 calories
Pop Tart: 37 carbs 180 mg sodium 210 calories
After surveying the IA students that purchase breakfast from the breakfast bar the salt bagel and pop tart were the two most common foods purchased and were eaten for breakfast.
    Don't get me wrong, purchasing breakfast at the IA is easier and quicker than making breakfast at home, especially early in the morning. However, just like our moms say "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." After researching the significance of breakfast in our everyday lives,  I would have to agree with our moms. First, let's look at some guidelines for breakfast.
    In a recent article from Real Simple magazine, there were several suggestions as to what you should look for in a breakfast food.
  • During the school week it can be difficult, but try to eat 1 to 2 hours after you get up.
  • Aim for 250 -400 calories in breakfast alone.
  • Try to include one serving of whole grain, a source of protein, and a fruit.
  
      I'm sure you are thinking to yourself, "is she nuts, does she realize I don't have this kind of time in the morning." But before you jump to this conclusion let me share with you some breakfast foods available at the breakfast stand that are helathier than others.
Healthy Options Available:
    Whether you realize it or not, there are sone healthy options available at the school breakfast stand. Although it is very tempting, try to stray away from the candy bars at 9:30 in the morning. This kind of sugar will only last you for a short period of time and halfway through second hour the only thing you will want is to be back in bed. Let me tell you, the bagels at school are not only delicious but rather unhealthy unless paired with a fruit, or even a juice. Making this simple choice can help you get through second hour and you will most definitley make it to lunch! Like I said earlier, stay away from the sugary foods like poptarts, candy bars, and even pop before lunch. Although you might think you have the energy to make it through your morning classes, I can assure you that you don't, sugar can only last you so long!
My Breakfast Test:
    After researching the importance of breakfast every morning, I decided to put my research to the test. For the past four weeks my family and I have been putting in the effort to have a hearty breakfast each morning. Every day my family rotates breakfast making, ensuring that the family leaves the house with a full belly and prepared to start the day. Let me just tell you what a difference eating breakfast has made in my life! I fell energized and can not only get through my morning classes, but my the end of third hour my stomach isn't even growling for food! One of the most important aspects of my breakfast menu is protein. Every morning I make sure that I get some form of protein in my breakfast. If I make an omlette I will always add a slice of turkey to it. One of my favorites is turkey bacon, I admit it does sound gross. It looks like bacon and tastes like bacon but without the fat and grease. Eating a hearty breakfast in the morning has really made me feel better throughout the day. I challenge you and your family to this test and I guarentee that you will feel the same way about breakfast that I do now!
    In conclusion, breakfast can be easy to get in in the morning now that I have shared with you some healthy choices for breakfast available at the IA breakfast stand. ( although there is nothing like eggs and bacon at home)  Making a somewhat healthy choice, like a bagel can be good for you when complimented by a healthy choice. Steer away from those sugary treats so early in the morning because they won't last you very long. And most importantly, do not go through second hour without any food in your stomach, you will not make it without either falling asleep or having your stomach growl.

Lunch: 

 

         The time when we all rush to get in the lunch line and beat the crowd. But are we rushing to a health food catastrophe? Upon entering the lunch line, there are healthy choices...and not. It is recomended from the article, "all about calories" your lunch calories should be about 40-45% or about 800-900 calories. Some of the healthier choices include; salads, sandwiches, organic juices, water etc. If you are looking for something hot for lunch, most of the choices are not on the healthy side. But, if paired with a healthy juice and a vegetable or fruit, your lunch becomes much better for you.
         Upon looking for healthy sides, you can find many. With each lunch you can get either a salad, a peice of fruit, or a vegetable. When you choose one of these choices instead of a candy, or a cookie etc. you can become a healthier person. If you REALLY want to eat those two Bosco Sticks, you should at least make sure that you at least eat healthy sides with it. Also make sure that you eat the more unhealthy less often than the healthy food.
    One food that the lunch room offers that is not only healthy but delicious at the same time are the salads offered. Not the side salads, but the main dish salad. They are not only tasty, but good for you at the same time. Another fact about the IA cafeteria that you may not know is that if you want seconds on a healthy side dish like the side salads and fruits are free. So why not swap those fries for a side salad and  have the option to get more!?

Conclusion:
    In conclusion, any meal can be made healthy in a second. True, there are very unhealthy options at IA but when complimented by a healthier choice this lunch goes from thums down to thumbs up in a matter of one quick decision. After the health unit in class, unhealthy options are simply common sense, french fries are not healthy for you, but carrots are. If you take that extra couple minutes in the morning to either purchase a healthy choice at the school breakfast stand or make a quick egg at home, you will not only be heatlhier, but in turn feel much better, just by making a healthier choice.

 

 


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