Best School Lunches

I know this approach is somewhat wasteful, but it was important for her to have access to her safe foods if she could not tolerate the new foods. Over time, she became a regular in the cafeteria line and got to the point that she just brought water from home to substitute for the drink options that were reflux triggers for her (milk or orange juice).

Tip # 4: Put Your Child In Charge

It is likely your child will eat more of her lunch if she has packed it herself. A younger child may need to be in charge of smaller decisions. An older child may be able to select foods and prepare the entire lunch. I know a parent who keeps a lunch food chart with columns on the refrigerator. The columns represent the food groups (protein, carbs, drink, fruit and other) and acceptable choices for each category. For instance, the protein column lists ham, chicken, protein bar, cheese, and yogurt. The drink column lists water, sports drink or 100% fruit juice pouch. Her refluxer needs to pick an item from each column to create a well rounded lunch.

Tip #5: Use the Power of Peers to Increase Food Choices

If you are eliminating foods that trigger acid reflux and foods that cause allergies and intolerances, what in the world is left? Many refluxers are carb junkies and seem to live on bread, cereal and crackers. In addition, your child may believe that only a few "safe" foods are acceptable. Therefore, your job is to make sure you stock up on massive quantities of the preferred foods.

On the other hand, perhaps you can expand her food choices. Your child may be lucky enough to sit next to a non refluxer who eats exotic foods like string cheese or apple slices dipped in a special sauce. Use this positive role modeling to your advantage by inviting your child to go food shopping with you and select a new food each week. I bet your child will select a food that she has seen another child eat at school. Don't worry if she selects the gummy snacks or cheese curls that are full of unknown, unhealthy ingredients. The goal is for your child to take a chance with a new food and add to her menu selections. Once she has become a bit more adventurous about new foods, you can narrow the selections to healthier foods.

Good luck to you and your child as you start a new school year!