British Dietetic Association: Packed lunch should have four main food groups
Children's' packed lunches should contain food from all of the four major food groups, according to Dr Sarah Schenker, dietician from the British Dietetic Association.Dr Schenker suggested that parents should vary their children's' lunch boxes, so that they do not get bored with eating the same thing.
She said: "There are four main food groups that we need for a good balanced diet ... the trick is to try and have a variety of these different options in a lunchbox so that the child isn't eating the same thing every single day."
It is recommended that both children and adults have a mix of fruit and vegetables, starchy carbohydrates, dairy and protein.
Parents are also reminded to pack a drink for their youngsters, such as water, fruit juice or a yoghurt drink, to keep them hydrated.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina recently revealed that while children may eat a relatively steady level of calories in the home, they are exposed to unhealthy food from influences outside such as fast food outlets.
