Kids Say "We Are Hungry." But is that Really Hunger?
By Bonni ·
With public school lunches FINALLY modified to reflect healthier, more nutrient dense, less caloric choices, there seems to be a lot of complaints that kids are still hungry after eating. These lunches contain up to 850 calories, so what's up? Sure, there are parts of the country where kids are up working the farm before school, and staying after to play sports, but 850 calories at lunch should be more than enough for anyone, even still growing, hard working kids. Making a change from fried to baked potatoes or white to whole wheat sub rolls, shouldn't make kids go hungry unless they aren't eating the new lunches because they are rebelling! Change isn't always easy but when the health of our children is at stake, it's necessary. It's a right of passage to complain about school. This just gives the kids one more thing to add to the list. No doubt there may be some kinks to be worked out (like adding a pre-practice/game snack for the athletes or adding more low calorie vegetables and fruits to the menu) but personally, I think adults NEED to take responsibility for the health of their own generation as well as the next one. I don't believe in anyone going hungry, especially a child and especially in a learning environment, but sometimes we mistake food addiction for hunger. I think these kids just want their french-fries back. Change is never easy, but it's often worth the effort. Helping kids reach and maintain a healthy weight SHOULD be as important as reading, writing and learning to use a computer! What do you think?
I think You nailed Bon! The kids probably DO just want their french-fries back.
Schools have the responsibility of caring for children for several hours each day.
Part of that responsibility should be helping kids develop good eating habits.
It's a valuable lesson than can last a lifetime!
R
Rita
I believe in the motto, "You are what you eat." Children that eat healthy are much more mentally alert. Yes, the schools need to provide healthy meals and snacks, BUT.....parents need to take responsibility in the foods that their children eat. I was an elementary school educator for 36 years and I was appalled at some of the lunches that my students brought to school. Sugary, sweet, salty, fatty snacks made up a very large percent of the lunch. If the child made his/her own lunch, a parent needs to oversee the selection of food items. Also, portion size needs to be addressed. Over-sized sandwiches loaded with high fatty meats were commonplace in many lunch bags. Another sore spot for me is.......candy! It would shock you to see what comes to school in lunches after Halloween. I was brought up on peanut with celery, carrot sticks or an apple for a snack AND water as a beverage. (that was before the bottled water,too) I have carried that mind set into my adult life. Yes.....we all like our treats, but moderation is the key.
J
Judith Amberson
I ageee with both of you-If the parents can't control what thier kids eat, then the schools should get involved.Too bad kids-french fries should be a treat-not a meal!
C
Carolanne
Speaking as someone who was a fat kid (as well as a fat adolescent, and on and off again fat adult ) it is very difficult to reduce calories and not be hungry. I'm sure most of these kids are not eating parts of the lunch that they don't like. They may be forced to put veggies on their plate, but they are not eating them. When you reduce calories - you are hungry. Some of it is psychological, but some of it is physical and as kids they can't differentiate. Kids don't eat what they don't like - period. It does no good to put healthier food on their plates if they are not eating it. Now, I do believe that in time they will eat it if there is nothing else. But they will go home from school and eat the junk that is available in their cupboards to satiate that hunger from lunch they didn't eat. Anyway, my point is that they may well actually BE hungry (as well as want their french fries back - says the former fat kid and perpetually slightly hungry not fat adult)
4 comments
Carole
I think You nailed Bon! The kids probably DO just want their french-fries back. Schools have the responsibility of caring for children for several hours each day. Part of that responsibility should be helping kids develop good eating habits. It's a valuable lesson than can last a lifetime!
Rita
I believe in the motto, "You are what you eat." Children that eat healthy are much more mentally alert. Yes, the schools need to provide healthy meals and snacks, BUT.....parents need to take responsibility in the foods that their children eat. I was an elementary school educator for 36 years and I was appalled at some of the lunches that my students brought to school. Sugary, sweet, salty, fatty snacks made up a very large percent of the lunch. If the child made his/her own lunch, a parent needs to oversee the selection of food items. Also, portion size needs to be addressed. Over-sized sandwiches loaded with high fatty meats were commonplace in many lunch bags. Another sore spot for me is.......candy! It would shock you to see what comes to school in lunches after Halloween. I was brought up on peanut with celery, carrot sticks or an apple for a snack AND water as a beverage. (that was before the bottled water,too) I have carried that mind set into my adult life. Yes.....we all like our treats, but moderation is the key.
Judith Amberson
I ageee with both of you-If the parents can't control what thier kids eat, then the schools should get involved.Too bad kids-french fries should be a treat-not a meal!
Carolanne
Speaking as someone who was a fat kid (as well as a fat adolescent, and on and off again fat adult ) it is very difficult to reduce calories and not be hungry. I'm sure most of these kids are not eating parts of the lunch that they don't like. They may be forced to put veggies on their plate, but they are not eating them. When you reduce calories - you are hungry. Some of it is psychological, but some of it is physical and as kids they can't differentiate. Kids don't eat what they don't like - period. It does no good to put healthier food on their plates if they are not eating it. Now, I do believe that in time they will eat it if there is nothing else. But they will go home from school and eat the junk that is available in their cupboards to satiate that hunger from lunch they didn't eat. Anyway, my point is that they may well actually BE hungry (as well as want their french fries back - says the former fat kid and perpetually slightly hungry not fat adult)