To the editor:
School lunches may soon look different — but not different enough to stem the tide of childhood obesity. The U.S. Department of Agriculture just issued new guidelines for school lunches, but as a dietitian, I think it's unfortunate that burgers, pizza and other unhealthy foods will likely still be front and center.
The new guidelines do not require schools to offer meatless entrees or nondairy beverage options to all students. Meat, milk and cheese are packed with calories and saturated fat, and they play a huge role in the obesity epidemic. The new guidelines offer low-fat and nonfat milk, but these products are still high in sugar and cholesterol. And a cup of 1 percent, unflavored low-fat milk has about the same amount of calories as a cup of sugary soda.
It is estimated that students get half to one-third of their calories at school. We need to make sure schools provide foods that set our future generations up for lifelong good eating habits — and lifelong good health.
Susan Levin, M.S., R.D.
Director of Nutrition Education
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
First 007 'Skyfall' Trailer Drops
Ravi Spared Prison in Rutgers Webcam Case
Kelly Clarkson Flaunts Figure
'GMA' Play of the Day: Aussie Player's Big Jump
Miley's Racy Award Show Outfit
Ring of Fire Eclipse Seen in U.S., Asia
Reaction: Kara's Exit
ET's Last Interview with Robin Gibb
Trending: Rihanna dating a Knick?
Pippa Middleton's Red Hot Look
Oprah's Advice Before Ga. College Graduation
Spurs sweep Clippers
Magnitude 6.0 Earthquake Slams Italy
Wiig's Emotional SNL Sendoff
Adele, Bieber, Perry win big at 2012 Billboard Awards
Bloodied anti-NATO protester
Bee Gees Singer Robin Gibb Dies
Facebook Founder Ties the Knot
Heat even up series with Pacers
The Dictator Overthrows Elisabetta
