A healthy school lunch has the potential to increase your child's concentration so he can focus on academics in the classroom. A well-balanced lunch will ensure that your child has plenty of energy for the remainder of the school day, as well as fill him up so he is not focused on being hungry when he needs to be focused on learning. There are also several additional benefits for your child when he eats a nutritious midday meal.
Helps Prevent Weight Gain and Obesity
According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, an organization that works to improve the nutrition of school lunches, a nutritious school lunch can help prevent your child from gaining an unhealthy amount of weight. The committee reports that many choices in the school cafeteria, such as pizza, cheeseburgers and chicken nuggets, cannot be considered part of a healthy lunch because they contain high amounts of saturated fat and calories, which can lead to weight gain. Lunches from home can be just as bad, such as those containing bologna sandwiches, soda or potato chips. A nutritious lunch that includes fruits, vegetables and whole grains will keep calories and fat low so your child is able to maintain a healthy weight.
Feeds the Brain
The right foods at lunchtime can help fuel your child's brain so he is able to learn more at school, reports Scholastic. Foods such as pizza, soda and French fries do not contain the nutrients needed to be alert for the rest of the school day. Unhealthy food choices can leave your child feeling sluggish and tired, which will prevent learning, adds Scholastic. Some greasy and fatty foods can also cause your child to feel uncomfortably full so he is not able to concentrate fully on his afternoon studies. Steer your child towards healthier cafeteria choices, such as soup or sandwiches, or pack similar foods at home. Encourage your child to choose one fruit and one vegetable to add to his lunch as well.
Teaches the Importance of Healthy Eating
Ensuring that your child eats a lunch filled with nutritious foods will help teach her the importance of healthy eating; lessons that can last a lifetime, notes the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. When you take the time to teach your child the difference between healthy foods and unhealthy foods, you are sending the message that her health is important. Showing her what foods to include in her lunch will help teach her what foods make her feel good and what foods slow her down and make it hard to concentrate at school. When your child realizes that certain foods have the power to make her feel good, she is more likely to choose them in the future.
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