16. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Fri, Sep 01, 2006, 12:14 am PDT

I've heard that school lunches can be high in sodium. Just something to be aware of-- school lunch nutrition info should be publicly available. As far as junk food in preschool, I think that varies with each preschool-- I know of preschools that don't allow *any* sugary sweets, not even cupcakes on someone's birthday, whereas the one my son goes to seems to have cupcakes once a week for some birthday celebration or other.

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17. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Fri, Sep 01, 2006, 1:32 am PDT

msn: hai060802@hotmail.com china 28 male, want to chant with you in MSN to learn more or say some fun to you.

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18. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Fri, Sep 01, 2006, 3:22 am PDT

We do about 50-50 for school lunches and packed lunches. I let my daughter pick which days from the school lunch menu, and review with her what she'll be choosing that day. Ultimately, we can't control what they eat when they're at school; they will pick what they like and what they're used to from the school food, or trade things from the packed lunches. Best recourse: model appropriate behavior! Eat fruit yourself! Let them see you choose a tasty salad with tons of cool ingredients for your dinner. Wean them away from soda, but have 100% fruit juice on hand. And get off the computer now and then, and take the little widgets to the park. Run around like silly people. It's good for both of you in lots of ways. Now I think I'll take my own advice...! Good luck, all.

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19. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Fri, Sep 01, 2006, 3:42 am PDT

We have found a way to beat the school lunch system! My kids like a few items from the school, so we allow them to buy that day and pack. For instance, my youngest son loves the grilled cheese, so he buys that and then I pack fruit, granola bar and usually one other low fat item and they buy the milk with their grilled cheese. that way they get to still buy the items they like and I make sure they are getting the fruit and such they need to fill them up. I found out that they were only eating the item they liked and nothing else and were coming home so hungry. I was worried about them being to hungry during school. This works great for us. Just check with the school and make sure they allow it. They shouldn't have a problem, and if they do I would take it up with the school system!

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20. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Fri, Sep 01, 2006, 4:15 am PDT

I like to add these things . But my child like only bread & butter. So what can I do to encourage his food habits?

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21. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Fri, Sep 01, 2006, 5:03 am PDT

hey dream - why are you obsessed with the weight of a 3 year old? While I agree that junk food from the school is heinous, being that focused on her weight seems like an issue.

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22. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Fri, Sep 01, 2006, 5:19 am PDT

I use a frozen juice box or bottle of water (freeze just 1/2) as "ice packs" in my kids lunch gags.

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23. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Fri, Sep 01, 2006, 5:37 am PDT

hey dream - why are you obsessed with the weight of a 3 year old? While I agree that junk food from the school is heinous, being that focused on her weight seems like an issue. I dont think the point of her post was that she was concerned about her childs weight i think the point was she wanted to know what to do to keep her child from getting junk food. Most mothers do keep track of their childs weight and at 3 it is not normal to gain 1 lb in 2 weeks because of junk food at that age most children are starting to loose weight because they are much more active than they were as toddlers.

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24. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Fri, Sep 01, 2006, 6:58 am PDT

My daughter is starting school this year and is taking lunch for the first time. This is great advice. I've seen what other mom's have sent over the years and it's terrible.

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25. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Fri, Sep 01, 2006, 7:06 am PDT

If the lunches in school were great, your idea is fabulous. However, you obviously have not seen (or tasted) the current school lunches that are provided. They are disgusting! I feel bad for the children that truly do not have a choice in buying them. My suggestion (and I have 2 children that bring their lunches daily)....get up earlier and make the effort to give your child(ren) a healthy lunch. Yes, it can be challenging but you know the food is clean, healthy and they will eat. NOTHING worse than expecting a child to learn on an empty stomach.

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26. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Fri, Sep 01, 2006, 7:21 am PDT

what if there are no accomadations to keep their lunch in a fridge, how can you give them a "meat" for lunch? thanx

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27. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Fri, Sep 01, 2006, 8:40 am PDT

Always pack a lite beer

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28. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Fri, Sep 01, 2006, 8:55 am PDT

all these tips sound really great and i am looking forward to packing a lunch for my children in the future.

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29. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Fri, Sep 01, 2006, 9:16 am PDT

ganesha90808, freeze yogurts to keep foods cold until lunch...

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30. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Fri, Sep 01, 2006, 10:26 am PDT

I have a school lunch question for those of you more nutritionally knowledgeable than I. My children love peanut butter. They eat on apples, sandwiches, celery, etc. Since they eat it often, I am curious if anyone knows if there's a healthier option. I've heard almond butter is good, but I'm not sure where to buy it, if it needs refrigeration, if it's worth the extra money, etc. I've also thought of trying the smart balance type that is supposed to have a healthier balance of fats, but I'm not sure if it's worth the extra money.

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