MIAMI SHORES, Fla. -- A whole new era in school lunches has begun as the man who invented the South Beach Diet implements a new nutrition plan that kicked off in a handful of Miami-Dade County elementary schools this year.

When school children are asked what they like for lunch, fruits and vegetables rarely make the top 10. But cardiologist Dr. Arthur Agatston plans to change that.

"Kids today are literally not only overweight and overfed, but they are literally malnourished," Agatston said.

Agatston, who created the popular South Beach Diet, has developed a program called Healthier Options for Schoolchildren, or HOPS, in an attempt to make school meals more nutritious. The program launched in Kissimmee and has now come to Miami-Dade County.

"We're finding that a lot of children -- more lower socioeconomic groups, but it's across the spectrum -- are really not eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains. They're not getting enough fiber or vitamins," Agatston said.

Studies show that poor diets increase childhood obesity, asthma and diabetes and affect behavior and academic performance.

"After lunch, a lot of kids start falling asleep. They can't stay focused," said Principal Michael Charlot of Hubert Sibley Elementary School.

Charlot's school is one of seven to adopt the HOPS program this year. The seven schools include:

Bay Harbor Elementary

Hubert Sibley Elementary

Madie Ives Elementary

Scott Lake Elementary

Parkway Elementary

Ojus Elementary

Biscayne Elementary

Each month, a fruit or vegetable will be showcased on the menu -- this month, it is peaches -- and popular foods will be modified.

"We have to introduce them to these foods gradually," said Danielle Hollar, of the HOPS program. "Every child loves chicken nuggets. How do we make that healthier? We only offer those that have whole-grain coating."

Whole grain cereals are in for breakfast, and high-sugar options are out. Turkey sandwiches, hot dogs and hamburgers are made with reduced-fat cheese and whole-grain bread.

"What I'm hoping is that the children will eat the food, will like the food, and it actually results in better health for them," said Penny Parham of Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Miami-Dade County school officials are going to keep a close watch on the seven schools and on the data that is collected before deciding whether the HOPS program will expand district-wide.