This is evident in the school lunch menus, which are typically filled with items like chicken nuggets, pizza, and mac and cheese. These are considered “processed foods” because they are manufactured in large quantities, often contain multiple ingredients, and often undergo significant alterations to their original form. The high sodium content of these processed foods is a major concern.

This gradual shift is easier to manage and allows us to make sustainable changes over time. This shift towards wholefoods can be achieved through a variety of strategies. One of the most effective is to focus on whole, unprocessed ingredients.

Then, follow the Lunch Box Rules from the article last month (featured online) to create a healthy, fun environment around packing lunch.