Back to School: The ABCs of School Lunches

As your kids head back to school, be sure you can make the grade when it comes to their lunches with these tips from Clinical Dietitian Emily Slabach.

A:  Aim for balance

Try to include lean protein, whole grains, dairy, fruits and vegetables throughout the day, for meals and snacks. Well-balanced meals are colorful, representing many of the food groups. Encourage your kids to “eat the rainbow.”

B:  Be a team player

Encourage your kids to get involved in planning and meal preparation by having them help pack their lunch. Not only does this teach them important life skills, it’s also a fun and easy way to spend time together during the busy school year.

C:  Cut yourself some slack

Don't worry if your child always likes eating the same thing for lunch. Try to make sure your family's other meals—breakfast, dinner and weekends—have a good balance of the food groups.

Place new things in your child’s lunch each week. They may try a new food or come back to it later.

Sometimes we need a quick and convenient option—and that’s okay! But try to avoid highly processed, pre-packaged lunches when you can. They tend to be low in fiber and high in fat, salt and sugar. And don’t forget that school-made lunches are always an option!

If your child has special needs or allergies, you should consult a specialist on a proper diet. Talk with your pediatrician first to discuss the proper referral.

This article was originally published on Carilion Clinic Health and Wellness.