School-Lunch Solutions

School-Lunch Solutions

by Genevieve Beaulieu

The majority of us don't bring packed lunches to school, and don't have the time to analyze every single option at the lunch lines every Monday through Friday, so we're forced into unhealthy choices at lunchtime. For those of us trying to have a healthier lifestyle this pretty much spoils our plans, and for those of us who are already health buffs this just spoils our afternoon! However, there are some easy solutions that are actually offered every day for high school communities. First of all, every day there are fruits and vegetables offered as sides included in the regular meal. It takes two seconds to pick them up, and can add much more than two seconds onto your life. If you're one who's ready for the next step up from that, grab a salad or wrap instead of the daily choice of pizza or burgers; they're usually offered at most schools every single day right as you walk in, and in many different varieties so you can pick from the oriental chicken salad to the classic chicken caesar, and from a super-healthy tuna wrap to a delicious spicy chicken wrap. Also on the healthier list: soups! They're there – usually schools will have a different soup option every day – so look at the list and if you see that your favorite flavor is up today, get it! Soups are an excellent way to get some good veggies in your system. Also, most soups contain a bean of some sort. Beans are rich in super-healthy antioxidants, proteins, and fibers which all work together to protect your body against cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even naturally promote your body to gravitate towards a healthier diet. So, when it comes time for school lunches, try to gradually make healthier choices every day; after a while you'll look and feel much better!