Healthy meal options to lunch lines in US schools!

US school children can now eat healthier meals in schools

One could say finally there will be healthier food options in the lunch lines in US schools. The Federal Government has announced their new National School Lunch Program which will require all US schools to have healthier lunch options for students all across the America in order to fight against obesity and other unwanted effects of unhealthy eating habits.

This really is a good thing in my opinion and I am quite sure that most of you parents out there feel the same way. Many students may not use this option of healthier meal during lunch time, but one might say that this is a good first step!

What our kids eat that they will become

What you eat is what you are is an old saying but in case of school children, the saying should be what you eat is what you will be. Many children and young boys and girls have a misconception of unhealthy foods not making them obese or sick and that is often true at younger age. However, once you’ll grow up and pass the twenty year mark, if you keep up those eating habits that you learned as a school kid, you will soon se the effects; obesity and different types of diseases like diabetes for example.

We as parents should do everything possible so that the future generations wouldn’t have to suffer from same problems that our generation is battling with because we have simply been eating all the wrong foods and way too much of them.

Young people can still learn!

There is always hope when we talk about people that are still in their school age, they can still learn new things and they surely can learn to eat healthier too. It is time to start educating our youth to stop eating hamburgers and pizzas for lunch and dinner. It isn’t easy but it is really up to each parent to teach healthier ways to eat to their children. Schools can only do so much, but if the parents do not care what their child eats, they will most likely grow up to become human trashcans like so many of us adults really are.

Your child can’t understand the fact that those potato chips and candy bars would be harmful to them in the future, so parents must be strict with their boys and girls. Of course the best way to get your child to eat healthier is by making delicious and healthy foods that your children can enjoy eating!

Some healthy food recipes your kid might enjoy

Teriyaki Chicken Salad

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and cubed
1 cup green beans, stemmed, sliced in thirds and blanched
1- 15 oz canned baby corn, drained, rinsed
1- 8 oz can sliced water chestnuts, drained, rinsed
2 ripe Bartlett or Bosc pears, peeled and cubed
1 cup shelled edamame, (fresh soy beans)

Dressing

1/2 cup mirin or white cooking wine
1/2 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoon white rice vinegar
2 tablespoon orange juice concentrate
1/2 jalapeno pepper, deseeded
1-inch chunk of ginger, peeled and sliced
2 cloves of garlic, peeled and smashed
1 tablespoon canola or peanut oil
2 scallions, thinly sliced

Combine all of the ingredients for the dressing into a any size saucepan. When it starts to boil, simmer until the liquid has thickened and reduced by half, about 20 minutes. Discard the jalapeno, ginger, and garlic.

Combine the chicken, green beans, corn, water chestnuts and pears. Add the warm dressing on top and fold the ingredients together. Garnish with scallions and enjoy warm or chilled.

Baby Spinach Omelet

Egg: 2
Baby Spinach leaves: 1 cup
Parmesan cheese: 1.5 tsp, grated
Vegetable oil: 1/2 tbsp
Onion Powder: 1/2 tsp
Nutmeg: 1/8 tsp
Salt and pepper

Beat the eggs in a bowl. Add baby spinach and Parmesan cheese. Season with onion powder, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Pour the mixture into a heated skillet with some oil. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Turn it over using a spatula and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes.

Tomato Cantaloupe Salsa

4 large plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 1/2 cup chopped cantaloupe
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
2 fresh Serrano or Jalapeño chilies, seeded, minced
Juice of one or two fresh limes, (about 2 tablespoons)
1/4 cup packed chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 teaspoon salt

Combine all ingredients in to a bowl. Stir to combine and serve immediately.

You can find tons more healthy food recipes to school children and just try to find something they like and enjoy and I am sure you are one step closer to giving your child a healthier and a happier life! You can leave your own ideas for healthy and tasty recipes in the comments..