School is back in session, signaling a return to the cafeteria line or packing of a sack lunch.
With designated lunch periods, nutrition and dietitian experts at McLaren Macomb note it's important to ensure students get everything they need at lunch to last them the rest of the school day (and through any after-school activities).
"A lunch should contain at least one fruit and vegetable," said Allison Taormina, RD, a clinical dietitian with McLaren Macomb. "I would suggest parents focus on the "˜rainbow' for fruits and vegetables. A colorful lunch will be fun for their student and help ensure they get good sources of nutrition."
When focusing on the "rainbow colors" of fruits and vegetables, she suggests to think of dark greens (cut-up bell peppers, sandwiches with leafy greens), purples (blueberries), reds (apples and bell peppers) and oranges (orange slices).
"Letting kids help pick out their own fruits and vegetables is a great way to get them involved and excited about what they're eating if they get to help choose," she said.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment with the professionals at Nutritional Counseling & Diabetes Education at McLaren Macomb, call (586) 493-8500.