Dietitian Shares Back to School Meal Tips

DULUTH, Minn. — With going back to school, there are so many decisions to choose from. New backpacks, shoes, as well as what to pack for lunch.

During this busy time of year, it can be easy to lose track on keeping kids eating healthy. While speaking with a dietitian at Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital, she let us in on some helpful tips to help young students stay on a good food plan. That being said, she says that getting adequate nutrition is easier than you might think.

“I think for kiddos, nutrition can be very simple. So, sticking to those three food groups. If you have a starch, or like a grain type food and a protein or food and vegetable. You can put those in so many different combinations and different ways. You can make it one composed dish, or again have it all separate,” explained Dietitian Brenda Schwerdt.

For busy schedules, it’s easier to grab something and go. With that in mind, it’s important to remember balance as well.

“A candy bar or bag of chips might be easy to grab. But there are some really nutritious items that are just as easy to grab and go as well,” explained Schwerdt. “There’s really no good or bad foods either. So, a candy bar may be able to fit. But then do you also have your protein. And do you also have your fruit and a vegetable there as well.”

Schwerdt also urges to brush up on food safety as well. Providing a thermos or icepack as needed to help prevent food borne illness is important to keep in mind.