Most of us know the importance of eating balanced, healthy meals, but how can that help us at school? Isn’t it easier just to grab a bag of chips and go to class? Although quickly passing through the lunch line and grabbing a snack saves time, sparing a few extra minutes to eat a healthier lunch benefits students in many ways. Eating a more nutritious lunch can provide students with more energy to endure long school days, and make it easier to concentrate on school work.
The Journal of School Health conducted a study on nearly 5,000 school-aged children and found that the children who had healthier eating habits performed higher on literacy tests over the children who had unbalanced diets.
Over the years, Heritage has added many healthy options to the cafeteria, but these healthy lunch alternatives often get passed up for a slushie or french fries at the snack bar. It may be tempting to grab a sugary drink, but swapping that juice for a water can make a big difference. If you’re in a hurry, there are many premade options available right here on campus such as wraps, sandwiches and a variety of fresh fruit bowls.
Eating healthy in high school can help you develop good eating habits that stick with you for the rest of your life. Many people view college as a huge turning point in their life, and becoming independent may seem daunting. The eating habits you develop in high school will hopefully make buying your own nutritious groceries in college easier, saving you from a cart full of junk food and the freshman 15. Getting into a routine of eating balanced meals will improve your academic performance and energy levels in college as well.
Many of us fall into unhealthy eating habits during the school year, but this can change. Next time you walk through the lunch line at school, remember that opting for a well-balanced lunch will benefit your energy levels, your grades and most importantly, your overall health and happiness.
