(ARA) - School is back in session and parents and children alike
are gearing up for a new year and all the fun and chaos that go
along with it. Whether it's your child's first ever school day
or the last year before college, it's important to take a moment
to check off all the things they will need for a great year -
and a healthy lunch is right at the top. With school supply
shopping and new outfit hunting in full swing, it can be easy to
overlook planning nutritious lunches. "But don't count out
lunch," says Elizabeth Ward, registered dietitian, mother of
three, and author of "MyPlate for Moms, How to Feed Yourself &
Your Family Better: Decoding the Dietary Guidelines for Your
Real Life." In fact, students who eat a nutritious, balanced
diet are better prepared to learn, reports the Association for
Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). "School lunch is
more than just a meal - it's an opportunity for good nutrition
and teaching during children's prime learning hours," says Ward.
"Children are always