Food for Thought
Favorite Link of the Week: The New York Time’s article, “The Extraordinary Science of Addictive Junk Food” is fascinating! Especially the article’s discussion of the “sensory-specific satiety” principle and how various food enterprises came up with incredibly profitable, and successful food products, including the infamous Lunchable box.
My mom used to always pack our lunches (thank you for that, mom!)—unlike most kids at school, my favorite packed lunch consisted of the following: plain pasta topped with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, unsweetened applesauce, Tropicana grapefruit juice, and hopefully, Gushers, Shark Bites or Fruit by the Foot. I was obsessed with all fruit snacks.
Meanwhile, my friends around me would be breaking out their Lunchables and Dunkaroos. I was incredibly jealous at the time and thought that they were the coolest things in existence. I believe I was able to convince my mom to finally buy me one Lunchable—not the questionable ham, cheese, and cracker variety–but the “DIY-Pizza” version, which was totally more my style. Talk about thrilling!
Even though spreading what is essentially ketchup on soft, spongy “pizza crust” and loading it with un-melted processed cheese was sort of fun in theory (heck, you get to play with your food, which is probably every teacher’s worst nightmare!), it tasted pretty revolting. I realized, almost immediately, that my own packed lunches were far superior in taste—even if they weren’t all that cool. In fact, if I was packed that very same lunch up to this day, I’d be a pretty happy camper…
What was in your school lunchbox?
(Image Source: Grant Cornett for the New York Times)
5 Comments on “Food for Thought”
great post Laura!
Elizabeth — Yep, it was mostly leftovers or turkey sandwiches for me as well. I thought the part where they discussed how they looked into the pyschological appeal of Lunchables (kids being able to make their own lunch and have control) was particularly interesting. I guess that's probably why we both wanted them, haha! 🙂
Mom — I remember you not being a fan of my need to have at least one Lunchable in my lifetime…and might even remember the fact that Dad was elected to go to the store and get me one! Haha
Maaya — Totally agree with all your points! Once in a while, it's ok, but having it all the time (especially when at the nutritional profile of those things) is not good, especially for kids.
Pippa — Thanks!! I'm sure you had the chance to read it too.
yes indeed a great article. people need to understand that all this bought food is not that great. I mean that one does not know what goes in. the best way is to cook your own meals and make you own sandwiches.
Once in a while no harm if one buys ready made food. but to live on that stuff.. please no!
I read that NYT article, too! I always got a sandwich. Ham and cheese. Or a container with leftovers from the night before, if I was lucky. I remember having the same reaction to Lunchables. I always wanted them, but when I had them, they were disgusting!
Laura, I saw this article also this morning, but haven't read all of it! Thank you for acknowledging the lunches I made for you guys, even some friends as I recall. I still remember the actual day that, I think, Dad went down to the Safeway and bought you the dreaded pizza Lunchable! And yes. Watching the oozing, plastic nature of the many years of Lunchables I had to endure in the classroom was a nightmare! I think I also made sure to add a veg or carrot sticks in your lunches as well! Pasta and Parmesan, some things never change!