Different foods affect the blood sugar in different ways. Knowing where your calories are coming from (carbs, fats, and proteins) is an important way to regulate blood sugar for someone with diabetes. One of the most important things you can do to keep this disease manageable for you and your child is to come up with a meal plan with a dietician or nutritionist.

Some foods don’t offer all of the necessary information. Many pre-prepared foods will have unnecessarily high levels of fats and sodium, as well as empty carbohydrates that cause sharp swings in blood sugar levels. In addition, many parents are hesitant to feed their children foods with ingredients whose quality is unknown. If you stick to the basics with fresh foods that have not been processed, you know that what you see is what you get. In addition, they have more nutrients and vitamins for your child to grow and stay healthy.

Meal plans will help you juggle planning school lunches along with all of the necessary details that entail going back to school. Here is a useful list of lunch items for some fresh ideas to help keep your meal plan full of satisfying and healthy options:

About 10-20 grams of carbohydrates:

• 1/3  cup hummus + 1 cup raw fresh cut veggies (green peppers, carrots, broccoli, cucumber, celery, cauliflower or a combination of these)
• 1 cheese quesadilla (made with one 6-inch corn or whole wheat tortilla + 1 oz shredded cheese) + ¼ cup salsa
• ½ turkey sandwich (1 slice whole wheat bread + 2 oz turkey + mustard)

Think outside the box! Stock up on healthy options at the store; vegetables that are high in nutrients and nuts that are high in protein are a great way to save on carbohydrates. Don’t forget the extra diabetes test strips for testing blood sugars before and after eating. Coming up with a manageable plan for school lunches with your child will keep you a step ahead, and your child happy and healthy.