Local dietitian shares simple back-to-school meal shortcut

Back-to-school season can make feeding a family feel like a daily puzzle, but registered dietitian Jamie Lee McIntyre has a simple formula to help parents create quick and healthy meals. "Start with a protein, add a fruit or vegetable, and include a whole grain," she said. She explained that this formula works for both lunches and dinners, allowing parents to mix and match ingredients without having to reinvent the wheel every day. For busy households, McIntyre suggests involving the kids in meal planning, especially when dealing with leftovers. "Let them choose how to combine the ingredients," she said. "It gives them a say in what they’re eating and makes mealtime more enjoyable for everyone." McIntyre’s approach offers one simple formula with endless combinations, aiming to reduce stress for parents during the hectic school year. For more information, check out Jamie Lee McIntyre's website. WATCH THE FULL SEGMENT ABOVE DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.