“9 Hours in 7 Periods”: Boy’s Massive School Lunch Box Has Mzansi Questioning His Energy Needs

• A school learner's TikTok video showing his extensive lunch preparation went viral after revealing he packs eight sandwiches and instant noodles for his school day
• The content creator justified his substantial meal by explaining he needs energy for his lengthy seven-period school day that spans nine hours
• South African netizens were both amused and concerned by the portion size, with many questioning if he was planning to feed his entire class

A South African student's lunch preparation video has sparked conversations about proper school nutrition after content creator @facemask_46 shared his extensive meal planning for a nine-hour school day. His TikTok video shows the preparation of eight jam and butter sandwiches, followed by instant noodles, complemented by an apple and water bottle.

Watch the TikTok video below.

Understanding school nutrition

While nutrition is important for maintaining attention and energy levels throughout the school day, nutritionists emphasize the importance of balanced portions. According to nutritional guidelines, school-age children typically need 4-5 meals daily, including snacks. However, these meals should incorporate a variety of food groups, with emphasis on whole grains, proteins, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats rather than excessive portions of any single item.

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Expert, Jayshri Rangasamy spoke to Briefly News explaining:

“A high-carbohydrate diet serves as the body's primary energy source, fuelling energy levels, supporting athletic performance, and enhancing mental clarity. However, excessive consumption of carbohydrates, particularly simple carbs, can lead to weight gain, blood sugar spikes, increased risk of diabetes, digestive issues, high cholesterol, skin problems, and cravings.”

She added that a diet limited to sandwiches and noodles can pose several nutritional risks due to its lack of variety and essential nutrients.

“These foods are typically high in carbohydrates and may lack sufficient protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, potentially resulting in deficiencies in fibre, vitamins A, C, and D, calcium, and iron. Additionally, sandwiches often contain processed meats and high-calorie spreads, increasing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity. Instant noodles are particularly low in essential nutrients and high in sodium and unhealthy fats, contributing to digestive issues, high blood pressure, and poor overall health.”

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To ensure children get the necessary nutrients, Rangasamy suggested budget-friendly yet healthy alternatives.

“Whole grain wraps with lean proteins and vegetables, DIY lunchables with crackers, meat, and cheese, whole grain pasta salad with vegetables and chickpeas, egg muffins, veggie and hummus wraps, and creative use of leftovers—such as using chicken from the previous night's dinner to make healthy sandwiches—are great options. Fruit and yoghurt parfaits can serve as a substitute for sweets and crisps. These choices are nutritious, easy to prepare, and cost-effective, ensuring a balanced meal for children at school.”

Balancing carbohydrates with proteins, healthy fats, and fibre is essential for maintaining overall health and avoiding potential drawbacks of high-carbohydrate diets.

Mzansi reacts to mega lunch

@Tasneem questioned:

"You take for the whole class?"

@Sona shared a contrast:

"Bro I go to campus for 9 hours without breakfast and lunch."

@Thina mgoqi🦂 noted:

"Chomi at least you have an apple to balance 😭"

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@Abongile Mapela inquired:

"Chomi do you have a feeding scheme project ne?😭😭😭"

@Mandie_Minarch predicted:

"Knowing myself I would probably fall asleep after eating all of these😂"

Other lunch stories making waves

• Briefly News recently reported on a devoted wife's 60km journey to deliver lunch to her husband, which left Mzansi in awe, but wait until you see what she packed.
• When a learner brought traditional chicken feet for lunch, his classmates' reactions had social media users divided.
• A Gauteng mom's 5 am Japanese-inspired lunch prep for her Grade R daughter sparked debates, but the expert opinion might surprise you.

Source: Briefly News