{
  "id": 4845449,
  "title": "I'm a dietitian. My kids still eat store-bought PB&Js for lunch — and have no guilt.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/im-a-dietitian-my-kids-still-eat-store-bought-pb-js-for-lunch-and",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-01T10:41:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/dietitian-mom-kids-school-lunches-easy-shortcuts-2026-9"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "I am a dietitian and mother of two children, aged 7 and 9. Initially, I anticipated creating picture-perfect school lunches after completing my dietitian training. However, it turned out that I relied on convenient, store-bought foods and repeated meals. My focus was on protein, fiber, produce, and healthy fats instead of presentation. As a registered dietitian, I initially believed that I would be the go-to person for lunch inspiration among other moms. But, reality proved otherwise. I am a working mom with a hectic schedule and limited time for preparing lunches. Despite my desire for gourmet meals and meticulously cut foods, I prioritize ensuring my kids are well-fed with balanced lunches. I repeat meals often, sticking to protein, fiber-rich carbohydrates, fruits, veggies, and healthy fats. I also use shortcuts like grab-n-go PB&Js, bean-based pastas, and single-ingredient fruit snacks. I lean on ready-made items that my kids reliably eat to reduce stress and create healthy habits. I am just a mom trying to nourish my children, and I feel I am doing a good job as long as the dietary categories they need are included in their lunches. My packed lunches won't be featured on Pinterest, and that's perfectly fine.",
  "summary": "I'm a dietitian and mom of two. I repeat school lunches, use store-bought shortcuts, and focus on nutrition instead of making them perfect.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}