HEALTH

Last year, the USDA rewrote the book on school lunches to mixed reviews. What's up next? Snacks. If you're a fan of the bag of chips-plus-a-cookie lunch, you might need a new standby, 'cause if the government has its way, it'll be out with the junk food and in with way healthier options.

According to NPR, the USDA intends to boot high-sodium and high-sugar options from vending machines, snack bars and cafeteria lines. Calorie limits will also be put in place for all food and beverages sold. Think way more apples and 100-percent fruit juice, and fewer candy bars and sodas. Important to note: The rules will not affect fundraisers like bake sales, so no worries on that front!

Why the change? A recent study shows that at least half of all secondary school students eat at least one snack a day, which amounts to 300 extra calories on average. Another study found that California students who snack consumer only 150 calories, possibly because the state already has limitations in place on the junk food and sugary drinks sold in schools. The idea is that capping the bad stuff will encourage kids not to eat less, but to eat healthier. And that's a life change we can definitely get behind.

What do you think of these new rules? Should the government be allowed to tell you what you can and can't buy at school?

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