Only two grams of sugar separate a Trix cereal bar from a Snickers candy bar. Yet, the first falls under the category of “healthful food” and the second falls under “junk food.”

White flour and refined sugars still line the vending machines in the cafeteria. Just in different forms. New packaging and wrappers, boasting a low fat and low calorie content, mask a deeper issue, our increasingly obese country.

While the obesity epidemic is complex, recent studies conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health indicate much of our understanding of what contributes to weight gain is flawed.

During the past 50 years, our consumption of refined flours has skyrocketed  alongside our rate of obesity. This begs the question, why continue this pointless dietary trend by implementing unfilling, low fat, high carbohydrate options at school?

Regardless of the nature of the obesity epidemic, stocking the school shelves with supposedly healthier options is not the solution.

Instead of teaching the student body to interpret nutrition labels and to make educated and healthful choices, new health policies make the decision for the students. As young adults transitioning to more independent lifestyles, students need to learn to evaluate their nutritional options, which they can do by joining the School Nutritional Advisory Committee (SNAC).

Students should receive the option to choose a truly healthful snack, rather than being forced to chose a snack, which is neither satisfyingly sweet nor exceptionally nutritious. If we chose to commit to improving the health of our student body, we need to offer nutritious foods.

Although eating well is extremely important, balanced diets do not exclude any food group, fats and sugars included. Students need to learn to enjoy the occasional treat while still recognizing donuts do not make a meal.

The responsibility of raising a healthy generation does not rest solely on the high school’s shoulders. Students can begin by reading nutrition labels and familiarizing themselves with the cafeteria’s guidelines.