What is the healthiest lunch? Here are a few easy, quick ideas.

The school year is in full swing, and while you may have had ambitions to pack healthier lunches for you or your kids this season, life is busy and expensive. 

Many schools are raising the cost of meals for kids this fall. The USDA wants schools to serve healthier meals, which would come at a higher sticker price for schools and families, leaving communities to balance meeting nutritional standards and budget constraints.

When it comes to health for both kids and adults, here’s your guide to what makes a lunch balanced.

What is the healthiest lunch? Here are a few easy, quick ideas.

What is the healthiest lunch?

The most nutritious lunch follows the tried-and-true MyPlate guidelines, according to Caroline West Passerrello, registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The MyPlate breakdown is based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and suggests roughly half of your plate be fruits and vegetables and grains and proteins on the other half. Dairy, like milk, yogurt and cheese, is also recommended with your meal.