The majority of school-aged students returned to class this week and with the end of summer brings the returning of lunch periods and sack lunches.
With designated lunch times, nutrition and dietitian experts with McLaren Macomb note it's important to ensure students get everything they need at lunch time to last them the rest of the school day.
"A lunch should contain at least one fruit and vegetable," said Lindsay Beresh, Med, RD, CDE, a dietitian at 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 a good source of nutrition."
When focusing on the "rainbow color" of fruits and vegentables, she says think of dark greens (cut up bell peppers, sandwiches with leafy greens), purples (blueberries), reds (apples and bell peppers) and oranges (orange slices).
"Letting them help and pick out their own fruits and vegetables is a great way to get them involved and excited about what they are eating with them knowing they helped decide what to have," she said.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment with the professionals at the Outpatient Nutritional Counseling & Diabetes Center, call (586) 493-8500.