Healthy lunches should include food from all, or at least most, of the food groups: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and dairy. Eating a variety of foods at lunch time will help you get the nutrients your body needs to be strong and healthy and can give you energy that will last through the afternoon.
Not the best choice. The sandwich in this lunch already has plenty of protein, so there is no need to add more. Plus, hot dogs aren't the best lunch choice because they are high in unhealthy fats and salt.
Great choice! Fruit was missing from the lunch. Bananas are full of potassium. Potassium helps keep your muscles and nervous system working right.
Excellent choice! A vegetable was missing from the lunch. Vegetables have nutrients your body needs to grow and to keep you from getting sick. The vitamin A found in carrots can help you see better at night.
Try again! Desserts like cookies have added sugars and unhealthy fats. It's OKAY to have cookies from time to time, but try to fill yourself up with healthy foods at meals most of the time.
Fantastic choice! Fruit was missing from the lunch. Citrus fruits are packed with vitamins. The vitamin C found in oranges can help keep your skin, bones, and immune system healthy.
Excellent choice! A vegetable was missing from the lunch. Red, yellow, orange, and green sweet peppers are a healthy way to add color to the lunch. The nutrients found in peppers may help prevent cancer and heart disease.
Fantastic choice! Fruit was missing from the lunch. Green and red apples are a great source of fiber. Eating fiber is good for digestion and helps you feel full between meals.
Hmm... rethink your choice. This lunch already has plenty of healthy grains, dairy, and protein. Adding pizza to the lunch will give you more food than you probably need which could lead to extra weight gain.
Nice choice! Fruit was missing from the lunch. Your body needs fruit every day. Fiber found in pears helps your digestive system work and helps you feel full between meals.
Not so healthy. Can you do better? Fries are loaded with salt and are usually cooked in unhealthy fat. Choose healthy options such as fresh fruits and veggies instead of processed foods.
Try again! Think about what food groups are missing. A donut is not the best choice, and the lunch already has healthy grains. Donuts are high in unhealthy fats and are loaded with added sugar that may actually leave you still feeling hungry.
