Your Child's Lunch: A Snapshot

A complete and balanced lunch contains several foods high in carbohydrates and at least one food high in protein, plus a little fat. Here's how a typical kid's lunch breaks down:

Menu

• Peanut butter and jelly on whole-wheat bread
  
• 1/2 carrot
  
• 1 string cheese stick
  
• 6 ounces of apple juice
  
• A cup of fat-free chocolate pudding

Nutritional Value

• 675 calories (58% carbohydrates, 17% protein, 26% fat)
  
• Half of a child's daily calcium requirement
  
• 100% of his vitamin A
  
• Significant amounts of many other vitamins and minerals.

That's a pretty well balanced meal.