Eat tasty, be tasty
Tuesday 17 April 2007
They say we are what we eat, so if you’re a healthy eater, it will shine through in the way you look. Eating a healthy, great tasting meal can sometimes seem difficult though, especially with so many fads and tempting snack foods around.
Boosting your energy
Fad diets have left many of us worrying about eating carbohydrates. The reality is that we all need carbs for energy, particularly with long school days, so new school meals offer everyone a serving of wholemeal bread with each meal.
At home, you could cook up some pasta, rice, potatoes or new things like couscous. You might even fancy cooking them yourself. If you vary your carbohydrates, you won’t get bored. You’ll also be fill up quickly helping you stop snacking in the evening.
Meat feast and fish dish
Hunting in the freezer for a prepared meal or frozen pizza can sometimes seem like the easy option but wherever possible, it’s great to have fresh meat or fish. Hot meals like shepherd’s pie, curry, roast dinners and spaghetti bolognase are all served at school. Fab fish dishes also give you all the brain power you need.
Vegging out
Vegetables or salad aren’t on everyone’s list of favourite foods, but eating ‘five a day’ is a good way to keep healthy. New school meals will make sure you have a least one vegetable for lunch, so why not keep up the healthy habit at home?
Tasty ways to eat veg include carrot or celery dips, salad in your sandwiches, chicken or tuna salads or vegetable kebabs. Why not try them? It may sound boring but if you try it you’d be surprised what extra flavour they add.
Fresh ’n’ fruity
New school meals are getting fruitier, with each meal containing at least one piece of fruit a day. If you've got a bit of a sweet tooth, there are loads of ideas you can also try at home like fruit salad or using fruit with yoghurt. It’s great at breakfast time or as a dessert.
Smooth and easy
Even diet versions of fizzy drinks are disappearing from school, so why not do it at home as well by drinking pure fruit juices or water. Even better, follow the current trend and create a smoothie with yoghurt and fresh fruit. They’ll be much cheaper than those you can buy in the supermarket!
Thanks to the School Food Trust for these tips. Why not visit their website and play their healthy eating game, Snack Dash.
You can also find out what you had to say when we asked you about your own school dinners.
