Packing lunches can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — With school in session, parents are back to packing school lunches. 

Packing a lunch can sometimes feel like a hassle, but Jennifer Hyland, Cleveland Clinic Children’s registered dietitian, said it doesn’t have to be.

Hyland said it can help to get your kids involved and let them decide what they want to eat from each food group.

“We want to have a grain. We want to have a protein. We want to have a fruit and veggie,” said Hyland. “We want to have a healthy fat, and or a dairy product if possible.” 

Whether you’re a parent, guardian, friend or family member, lunches do not have to be complicated. Hyland said a simple sandwich or even dinner leftovers from the night before are good options.

However, Hyland does recommend to steer clear of snacky lunches like chips and crackers. She said these types of foods are not filling or nutritious. 

“Kids, especially the young kids, who’re just starting out for the first time having this first full day at school, it’s a lot on them,” said Hyland. “So, we need to make sure we are giving them those nutrients to help fuel them through the day.”

Above all, she said to have a weekly check in with your child to ask what foods they enjoyed and what they threw away.