 The prevalence of overweight and obesity has steadily increased over the years among both genders, all ages, all racial/ethnic groups, and all educational levels.
Many school lunches meet the standards for protein, vitamins, calcium, and iron, but still exceed recommendations for fat.
Approximately 15.5 percent of adolescents (ages 12–19) were overweight in 2000. An additional 15 percent of children and 14.9 percent of adolescents were at risk for being overweight (based on BMI / body mass index measures). Children who suffer from poor nutrition during the brain's most formative years score much lower on tests of vocabulary, reading comprehension, arithmetic, and general knowledge.
Fat Content of Typical School Lunch Options
The Average Child should consume between 40 - 65 grams of fat per day.
Fried Chicken (2 pieces) - 43g fat
Large French Fries - 33g fat
Fried Chicken Sandwich - 25g fat
Cheeseburger - 22g fat
Nachos with Cheese - 19g fat
Hot Dog - 12g fat
Chicken Nuggets (4 pieces) - 13g fat
Ice Cream Drumstick - 13g fat
Ranch Dressing 2 Tbsp - 5g fat
As a comparison here are some nutrition facts off of the McDonald's Menu:
Double Cheeseburger - 23g fat
Large French Fries - 25g fat
Chicken Nuggets (4 piece) - 12g fat
Ranch Dressing (2 oz.) - 15g fat
Crispy Chicken Sandwich - 20g fat
Hot Fudge Sundae - 10g fat
Hellmann's Real Mayo (1 Tbsp) - 10g fat
Healthier Lunch Alternatives
 Pepperidge Farm White Bread (2 slices) - 2g fat
Pepperidge Farm 100% Whole Grain Bread (2 slices) - 3g fat
Pepperidge Farm 7-Grain LIGHT Bread (2 slices) - 0.66g fat
Boar's Head Ham (4 oz.) - 2g fat
Boar's Head Turkey Breast (4 oz.) - 2g fat
Boar's Head Roast Beef (4 oz.) - 4g fat
Hellmann's Light Mayo (1 Tbsp) - 4.5g fat
Dannon Fruit on the Bottom Yogurt (6 oz.) - 1.5g fat
|