School food help?

My daughter (age 17) and not overweight to start with started bringing her lunch last year instead of eating school lunch. She lost 7 pounds in 6 weeks. She always tried to pick the healthiest choices available. I would say this is a time when spending the extra money is going to be worth packing your lunch. My daughter usually brings leftovers from the previous night's supper (just smaller portions), a non fat yogurt and some fruit. It probably does cost a bit more, but when I look at the options, I see it as an investment in her future health.

Do they offer salad? Try to get a salad with a lowfat protein, some fruit and made some lowfat milk. Avoid anything fried. Avoid white carbs, i.e. burger bun, and try bringing your lunch a couple of times a week instead of everyday. That would be a start. I know how hard it is. I work at a school and the easiest way to gain 10lbs in a few weeks is to eat in our cafeteria everyday. Sad, but true.

Also, try to encourage the powers that be at your school to serve healthier choices. Squeaky wheel gets the grease, so to speak. Good luck!

If you really can't bring food from home, stick to the healthiest options. Also just focus on what you can control. If you can't eat healthy while at school, eat healthy when you're home, which includes breakfast and dinner. If you find yourself over your calories, start exercising regularly so you can afford to have those extra cals during lunch.

I know what it's like... my high school's food was complete junk, I got by by just eating small things.

I agree, but if money is really tight in her household bringing her own may not be an option at all. If that is the case then only eat half of the burger and none of the fries maybe. Try to at least bring a piece of fruit and drink some water. My kids school has a bigger selection and even had a small salad bar, but the cafeteria was so crowded that they let the kids out of vending machines in the hallway. Make sure to eat a filling breakfast so you're not overly hungry at lunchtime. But do try to bring your own if at all possible. Good luck!:happy: [ quote]
My daughter (age 17) and not overweight to start with started bringing her lunch last year instead of eating school lunch. She lost 7 pounds in 6 weeks. She always tried to pick the healthiest choices available. I would say this is a time when spending the extra money is going to be worth packing your lunch. My daughter usually brings leftovers from the previous night's supper (just smaller portions), a non fat yogurt and some fruit. It probably does cost a bit more, but when I look at the options, I see it as an investment in her future health.
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I agree, you should re-consider packing a lunch. My son is 16 and he gained a lot of weight when he was buying school lunches. Plus he has no self control when it comes to food. LOL He would rather eat something that tastes good versus something that is healthy. But when he takes his lunch it's usually leftovers - today he took minestrone soup with turkey meatballs, banana, apple, yogurt and water. He never has leftovers and has lost weight from taking his own lunch. We've actually saved a bit of money by him & his sister packing their own lunches, plus i never have to worry about what they are taking cuz I already know!

Oh and I do have them gather their items and have one shelf in the fridge where they put their lunch stuff so they can grab it first thing in the morning, so we're not crunched for time during the morning madness.

I teach preschool in a Middle School, I REFUSE to eat there. It is soooooo unhealthy. I keep hoping that Jammie Oliver's Food Revolution would hit all schools.


I take leftover suppers or simple LF PB& J's on WW bread or salads. Always have Fat Free Yogurt.

Think more about this, if you can.

Good Luck!