Lunch doesn’t have to be hard. Making nutritious and fun lunches for your child can be fun for you, too. With a little planning and creativity, making your child’s lunch can be stress-free and enjoyable.

🥪Diabetes Meal Plate

One of the easiest and most effective ways to ensure your child gets a balanced, nutritious lunch is to start with the Diabetes Meal Plate. This is a simple guide that helps you to break down the parts of a healthy meal. Below is the breakdown of how to use this approach:

  • Non – Starchy Vegetables (Half of the plate) 
    Leafy Greens, Carrots, Bell Peppers, Broccoli, etc.
  • Lean Protein (Quarter of the plate) 
    Skinless Chicken Breast, Turkey, Fish (Salmon/ Tuna), Eggs, Tofu, Beans/Legumes, etc.
  • Healthy Carbohydrates (Quarter of the plate) 
    Whole Grains, Sweet Potatoes, Oats, Fruits, Dried Fruit, etc.
  • Hydration 
    Water or 0 Calorie Drink

🍱Lunch Ideas

By choosing the right foods and balancing out the important food groups, you will support your child’s energy needs. Below are some lunch ideas you can use as a base, then customize with your child’s favorite ingredients and add-ons to add variety and excitement. 

  • Sandwiches with lean protein cut into fun shapes made with whole wheat bread
  • Salad in a jar with all of your child’s favorite protein and colorful toppings
  • Toasted chicken wraps with their favorite condiments
  • Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry with Brown Rice
  • Hummus and Veggie Pita Pocket
  • Grilled Chicken and Avocado Lettuce Wraps

While the main part of the lunch is important, don’t forget to add some extra nutrients with a side of non-starchy vegetables and fruit if they are not included in the main dish. Staying hydrated is also essential for your child. Dehydration can lead to elevated blood sugars, so encourage your child to drink lots of water throughout the day.

Healthy Lunch

Keeping it Fun

🥰Involving your child in meal planning is a great way to make healthy eating more exciting and meaningful for them. When children have a say in what they’re eating, they’re more likely to enjoy the foods they helped choose, encouraging healthier habits. This opportunity also allows them to learn about carb counting and the Diabetes Meal Plate method – both skills they will need to manage for the rest of their lives.

Making mealtime fun is another great way to increase your child’s enthusiasm for healthy food. Simple changes, like cutting a whole-wheat sandwich into fun shapes (Heart or a dinosaur) can make your child’s day. You can also use a cookie cutter to cut fruit and veggies into fun shapes to make them more appealing to younger children. Dippable foods like carrots with ranch or hummus can also make veggies more exciting by pairing them with an action. Keep mealtime visually appealing by choosing colorful foods that draw the attention of the child.

🥪 Key Points

  • It’s crucial that the staff at your child’s school (Teachers, nurses) knows they have diabetes and understands how to manage it, especially in the case of an emergency.
  • Have snacks ready for your child to have on hand in case their blood sugar drops. Quick, easy-to-eat snacks are important to boost blood sugars promptly if needed.
  • Fill out a Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP) every year for your child. This plan will be signed by your child’s healthcare provider and should be given to teachers, nurses, and any other staff that will be in contact with your child.
  • Make mealtime and snack time enjoyable by involving your child in the planning process.
Summary It can be tough for a child with diabetes to see their friends enjoying lunch without having to worry about things like carb counting or keeping their blood sugar stable. This can lead to them feeling different or even like an outcast. However, there are ways you can help prevent these feelings and make lunchtime more enjoyable. By making their meals as fun, creative, and colorful as possible, you can help your child feel more included and excited about eating. Utilizing the Diabetes Meal Plate to ensure a balanced meal and packing a water bottle to keep them hydrated are essential steps in managing their diabetes. So, which fun and healthy meal or snack are you going to try first with your child?