Heading back to school with a nutritional lunch

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Summer is winding down and schools in the Cape Fear are starting to welcome back their students. As kids head back to school, it is important to keep their minds focused and bodies healthy. 

One way to do this is by providing the student with a balanced and nutritional meal. Including the different food groups can help to keep up the kid’s energy, allowing them to stay focused in school.  

WWAY caught up with Dr. Lori Tackman from Novant Health Pediatrics Brunswick Wednesday who ran through the most important items in a child’s lunch.   

“First of all, you need a good protein to sustain your energy throughout the day. Your carbohydrates are great, but sometimes they kind of come and go pretty quick, and so your blood sugar may drop then you may get kind of sleepy afterwards. Fruits of course and vegetables, lots of good vitamins and minerals. The dairy products of course will also help with good protein and stabilizing your blood sugar,” Dr. Tackman said.  

Dr. Tackman adds that making your kids lunches fun by cutting the items into shapes and including them in the lunch planning and making process is beneficial. It is always a great idea to sit down with your kid and create a menu for the week. Then meal prepping can alleviate some of the stress during the week.