<p>Kelowna, Would your S be receptive to a few visits with a nutritionist? If that’s feasible it’s something I would recommend, especially in view of your son’s restrictive allergies (I have a child with the same exact thing, so I know what that is like). Sometimes the advice of a professional makes more of an impression than that of a parent, even if you are knowledgeable and would say/do the same exact thing. Monitoring, a food diary and some suggestions about how to change the current eating habits could be effective in terms of behavior modification. Alternatively, your pediatrician might be willing to discuss these things with your son. </p>
<p>Years ago, school lunches were nutritious and varied, but typically unappetizing to kids - they much preferred bringing something from home. IMO it’s a pain in the neck that the schools lunch programs have evolved so that burgers 5x a week is something that is even an option.</p>
<p>I’m skeptical that a Subway gift card would help a burger lover, since he’d probably choose the meatball or steak&cheese on white bread, and you’re back where you started. (Unless you already know that his favorite thing at Subway is the VeggieMax…I’m guessing that’s not the case.)</p>
<p>Thanks to all that came here with advice.
I am going to go the route suggested by Toneranger.
We are trying this week, since it is only two days of school He will pack his lunch and I will deposit $2 to his account. We will see if it works!</p>
<p>Can you get your son a subscription to Men’s Health magazine for the holidays? It has a lot of good nutrition information presented in a way appealing to the male psyche, including an illustrated “eat this…not that” every issue that looks at fast food choices.</p>
<p>There is hope. My S came home from freshman year of college and magically began to go to the fridge and VOLUNTARILY select an apple. An APPLE!! I thought I would never see the day.</p>
He will pack his lunch and I will deposit $2 to his account. We will see if it works!</p>