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By Teagan Rasche

Fruit, vegetable, whole grain, protein and water

‘Always give your kids a choice:’ back to school lunch tips from a registered dietitian

Aug 24, 2021 | 10:15 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – As students go back to school, for many parents that means preparing lunches again.

Registered dietitian Jennifer Paterson has some tips for energy sustaining lunches that kids will actually eat.

Paterson’s biggest piece of advice to parents is to prepare lunches the night before. It not only saves time during busy mornings, but also allows more time to plan for a healthy lunch.

She suggests packing a fruit, vegetable, whole grain, protein and refillable water bottle. For protein sources, Paterson suggests boiled eggs, small cans of tuna, hard cheese and yogurt.

When it comes to whole grain sources, she recommends bread, pitas, bagels, crackers or wraps.

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When packing a lunch for a picky eater, Paterson says it’s best to get the child involved in the process.

“Kids are much more likely to eat the foods in front of them if they have had a choice in picking,” Paterson said. “Always give your kids a choice and say would you like an apple or banana? Would you like a tuna sandwich or would you like a ham sandwich?”

Another suggestion from Paterson is to pack a frozen juice box. It will keep the other food cold and be thawed by lunch.