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Nutrition Expert Shares Tips and Tricks to Beat Back-to-School “Lunch Box Anxiety”

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Last Updated on July 26, 2024 by Daily News Staff

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For parents, getting back into the routine of packing their child’s lunch is one of the biggest stressors of the back-to-school season. In fact, a survey found that nearly three in five parents get stressed out just thinking about it.

Now, nutrition expert Mindy Haar, Ph.D., RDN, assistant dean at New York Institute of Technology’s School of Health Professions, shares simple tips and tricks for packing a healthy lunch. 

Haar is also available for interview/comment. Contact mediarelations@nyit.edu. 

Why is a healthy lunch important?

As different foods contain different nutrients – even within the same food group – eating a variety of foods maximizes our chances of consuming a balanced, adequate diet. Every meal and snack is an opportunity for us to get what we need and thus, lunch, our midday meal, deserves attention and planning. 

What common mistakes do parents make in preparing their children’s school lunches? 

Not planning for the week in advance may leave parents to give lunches just based on what’s on hand. Drawing up a menu for the week with your child’s input can increase variety and nutritional value. 

What are some strategies parents can leverage to make preparing school lunches easier? 

Letting children help with shopping and food prep will assure that they don’t bring home lunch containers filled with uneaten food. Preparing for two days in a row saves even more time, and, whenever possible, save prep time by using dinner leftovers. 

What constitutes a well-balanced lunch?

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Following the pattern suggested by My Plate, the lunch meal should include a generous amount of vegetables and fruit as they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. A portion of whole grains (about half a cup or one slice of bread) can provide fiber as well and checking the label for at least three grams of fiber/serving should be done. A portion of protein rounds out the meal with recommended animal-based protein such as fish, white meat poultry, egg whites, low-fat cottage cheese, or yogurt. 

However, moving to a more plant-based diet by including beans, tofu, edamame, hummus, nuts, or seeds as protein sources introduces even more nutrients and is eco-friendlier.

What are some basic nutritional elements that should be included? 

Ideally, a snack should contribute something positive to a child’s nutrition needs for the day. For example, adding a cup of fat-free or low-fat milk – or comparable non-dairy milk – to any snack significantly contributes to a child’s calcium needs. 

How are the nutritional needs of children different from adults? 

The need for nutrients is based on a person’s size and therefore calorie and protein needs, along with most other nutrients, are significantly lower than those for an adult. 

What are some healthy snack ideas parents can have on hand for their children? 

  • Cut-up fruits and vegetables 
  • Fruit kabobs: cut-up fruit on a toothpick or skewer 
  • Whole grain crackers and/or cut-up vegetables and hummus
  • Frozen grapes or canned pineapple rings 

Besides water, are there other healthy beverages parents can offer their children?

One idea: dilute fresh orange juice with water.  

Finally, what are some healthy lunch ideas for the workplace or adults on the go? 

Instead of rigid recipes, making healthful combinations from foods requiring little prep time will maximize the chances of brown-bagging a super-healthful lunch vs. buying something available.

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Just choose one option from each column and pack it into a reusable container. Add a piece of fresh fruit and you’re all set! 

Vegetable Grain Protein 
Cut-up fresh vegetables Whole grain bread, pita, or crackers Tofu* 
Defrosted frozen vegetables (like broccoli, spinach, or cauliflower) Whole grain wheat products: Bulgur, couscous, farro, fekka, kasha, wheat berries, whole wheat pasta Hummus 
Canned tomato-ideally low sodium   Quinoa Beans/Edamame (soybean – fresh or defrosted frozen) Chickpeas (fresh or canned) 
Canned hearts of palm Brown rice Seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin 
  Barley Nuts 
  Amaranth Cottage cheese, plain yogurt 
  Corn (fresh or canned low-sodium) Fresh or canned fish 
    White meat poultry 

*To prepare tofu: 

A. Drain the cube of water and slice it into pieces on a baking dish. Cover with a towel and squeeze out excess water. Sprinkle with seasoning (try Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel or Chile Lime). Bake for 20-30 minutes.

B. Drain the water and stir-fry tofu chunks with cut-up fresh or frozen vegetables. 

Source: New York Institute of Technology, New York Tech

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

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Food and Beverage

Diva Fam Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of True Sea Moss “Sea Moss Gel Superfood” Products Due to Possible Health Risk

Diva Fam Inc. is recalling all True Sea Moss Sea Moss Gel Superfood flavors nationwide due to missing pH/temperature records and potential botulism risk.

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smoothie in bottles berries and green leaves. True Sea Moss recall
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Diva Fam Inc.. announced a voluntary recall of all lots and flavors of its True Sea Moss brand Sea Moss Gel Superfood due to a lack of required regulatory authorization and temperature monitoring records for pH-controlled food products, according to a company statement released January 9, 2026.

The company said the recall applies to products manufactured prior to January 9, 2026. The manufacture date (MFD) is indicated on the can lid in MM/YYYY format.

Why the products are being recalled

Diva Fam said the recall is related to missing required regulatory authorization and temperature monitoring records for certain pH-controlled food products. The company noted that pH-controlled foods that are not manufactured in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements may present a potential risk of microbial growth, including organisms that can produce toxins associated with botulism.

Diva Fam TrueSeaMossContainer
TrueSeaMoss Container

Botulism is a rare but serious illness that can affect the nervous system. Symptoms may include general weakness, dizziness, double vision, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing or muscle weakness.

Diva Fam said no illnesses or adverse health events have been reported in connection with the products subject to this recall to date.

Where the products were sold

The affected products were distributed nationwide through select retail locations, online via https://truеsеamоss.cоm/, and other distribution channels, according to the company.

Recalled products (all flavors, all lots)

The recall includes all flavors and sizes and batch numbers of True Sea Moss brand Sea Moss Gel Superfood packaged in 16 FL OZ (473 mL) glass jars, manufactured prior to January 9, 2026.

Diva Fam TrueSeaMossPackaging
True Sea Moss Packaging

Recalled flavors and UPCs

FlavorUPC
Mango5065006235875
Pineapple5065006235288
Wildcrafted5065006235073
Apple and Cinnamon5065006235776
Elderberry5065006235189
Passion Fruit5061033691882
Blue Spirulina and Raspberry5065006235813
Strawberry5065006235271
Cherry5061033691264
Mango and Pineapple5065006235301
5 Blends in 15061033690052
Soursop5061033691875
Lemon Pie5061033691271
Orange5061033692926

How the issue was identified

The company said the matter was identified during a California Department of Public Health inspection that raised questions regarding regulatory authorization and related production records for certain distributed products. Diva Fam said it is cooperating fully with regulatory authorities and initiated the voluntary recall to ensure regulatory alignment.

The company said the recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

What consumers should do

  • Discontinue use of the affected product.
  • Follow the instructions provided by the place of purchase regarding product return or disposal.
  • Contact the company for additional information (details below).

Consumer and media contact

Consumers seeking additional information may contact:

  • Email: support@divafam.com
  • Phone: (818) 751-3882
  • Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time

Source: Diva Fam Inc. (PRNewswire, Jan. 9, 2026)

https://stmdailynews.com/culvers-thank-you-farmers-project-hits-8-million-donation-milestone/

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Lifestyle

A Legacy of Service: How family stories shape service

Legacy of Service: Discover how military service creates lasting family legacies across generations. Explore powerful veteran stories from the Veterans History Project, including Pearl Harbor survivors and Code Talkers, and learn how to preserve your family’s service history.

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A Legacy of Service: How family stories shape service

A Legacy of Service: How family stories shape service

(Family Features) Major historical events like war or military service make a lasting impact on family identity, values and traditions, often reverberating across multiple generations. Veterans frequently speak about their military units as if they were family, given the unbreakable bonds that develop between comrades. However, for some veterans, “brothers in arms” is more than a figurative turn of phrase. Throughout the 20th century, entire families felt the firsthand effects of war, with multiple generations serving. Brothers enlisted together. A father’s military legacy inspired his children to join up. Sweethearts met and married while in uniform. These stories not only illustrate the experiences of individual veterans but also provide an intimate glimpse into family legacies of military service. Consider the Veterans History Project, a program overseen by the Library of Congress, which collects and preserves the firsthand remembrances of U.S. military veterans and makes them accessible for future generations to better understand veterans’ service and sacrifice. These personal stories encompass original correspondence, memoirs, diaries, photographs and oral history interviews, all offering deeper insight into the long-term impact of military service. Veterans’ narratives are collected by volunteers, and anyone who served from World War I to today can submit their personal story, regardless of whether or not they saw combat. The collections frequently shed light on the importance of family in military experiences. Whether expressed through heartfelt letters home, enduring family legacies of service or the experience of serving alongside loved ones, these stories reflect profound connections. 17596 detail embed2Family Identity During the Cold War, Jennifer McNeill rose from Army Dental Assistant to Command Sergeant Major at the Army Eisenhower Medical Center in Fort Gordon, Georgia. Her collection includes a poignant photograph of her mother sharing images of her four military daughters in uniform, underscoring how family identity and military service are closely connected. Values Military service makes a lasting impression on veterans, shaping the experiences and the values that guide them through life. Ray Chavez is one such example. He was the oldest known Pearl Harbor survivor before his passing in 2018. For most of his life, he remained silent about his experiences, but in 1991, his daughter, Kathleen Chavez, who served in the U.S. Navy during Desert Storm, convinced him to return to Pearl Harbor. That trip marked the first time he spoke openly about his service. Kathleen shared their family’s deep military legacy in her oral history for the Veterans History Project. Traditions Across Generations Serving in the military is a deeply personal journey, but for many veterans, it’s an experience that transcends generations. Bill Toledo enlisted in the Marine Corps in October 1942 at the age of 18. Along with his uncle, Frank Toledo, and cousin, Preston Toledo, he served as a Code Talker transmitting military messages through secret codes. In his oral history, Bill vividly recalled both the challenges of combat during the invasion of Iwo Jima in February 1945, and the treasured moments spent with his uncle. These and many other family stories of military service and remembrance are available to the public at loc.gov/vets.   Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (men looking at scrapbook) Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress (man and woman on park bench) collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures SOURCE: Library of Congress

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Lifestyle

Swisse Launches Glam Bites: Zero-Sugar Beauty Gummies Designed for Busy Routines

Swisse launches Glam Bites: delicious beauty gummies with zero sugar, no sugar alcohols, and no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners—designed to support beauty from within.

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Swisse’s new Glam Bites feature collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, biotin, astaxanthin, and more—three targeted formulas for glow, defense, and hair/skin/nails support.*

Swisse Launches Glam Bites: Zero-Sugar Beauty Gummies Designed for Busy Routines

Swisse, the premium supplement brand under Health & Happiness (H&H) Group and a Certified B Corp, is kicking off 2026 with a new way to support “beauty from within.” The company just introduced Swisse Beauty Glam Bites, a line of zero-sugar beauty gummies made with science-backed ingredients—without the usual “junk” found in many gummy supplements. Positioned for today’s always-on lifestyle, Glam Bites aims to make daily self-care feel less like another task and more like a quick, enjoyable habit: bite, nourish, and glow.

What makes Glam Bites different?

Gummy supplements are popular, but they often come with tradeoffs—added sugars, sugar alcohols, artificial flavors, or ingredients that don’t align with cleaner-label preferences. Swisse is leaning into the opposite approach. According to the company, Glam Bites are crafted with:
  • Zero sugar
  • No sugar alcohols
  • No artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners
  • Gluten-free
  • Free from major allergens (milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, sesame)
That “clean but still tasty” promise is a big part of the launch—especially as more shoppers look for supplements that fit into wellness routines without feeling like a compromise.

A beauty routine that starts from the inside

Swisse is framing Glam Bites as a simple daily add-on that supports skin, hair, and nails through targeted micronutrients. Leading dietitian Dana A. White highlighted the brand’s approach in the announcement, noting that Glam Bites deliver “powerful, science-driven beauty benefits” through a precisely balanced blend of nutrients—while keeping the formula free from artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners.

The Glam Bites lineup (available now)

Swisse launched Glam Bites in three formulas, each with its own ingredient blend and naturally flavored profile.

1) Hair Skin Nails Glam Bites

  • Price/Count: $19.99 (60 count)
  • Key ingredients: Biotin, Zinc, Bamboo Extract
  • What it supports: Stronger hair and nails, plus skin firmness and elasticity*
  • Flavor: Blood orange (naturally flavored)

2) Glow Skin Glam Bites

  • Price/Count: $24.99 (60 count)
  • Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamins C & E, Sea Moss, Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen Peptides
  • What it supports: Collagen production, improved elasticity, and a stronger skin barrier*
  • Flavor: Blueberry lavender (naturally flavored)

3) Skin Defense Glam Bites

  • Price/Count: $24.99 (60 count)
  • Key ingredients: Astaxanthin, L-Glutathione, Green Tea Extract
  • What it supports: Healthy aging, even skin tone, and antioxidant protection against environmental stressors*
  • Flavor: Raspberry green tea (naturally flavored)

Why gummies—and why now?

Swisse is launching Glam Bites at a time when gummies are increasingly becoming the preferred supplement format for younger consumers. The company cited research showing:
  • 45% of Gen Z and 31% of millennials favor gummy supplements.
  • 74% of U.S. personal care buyers agree that skin health reflects overall health.
In other words: the market is shifting toward convenience, better taste, and wellness products that connect beauty with whole-body health.

A global wellness brand expanding its portfolio

Swisse was founded in Australia in 1969 and has grown into a global wellness name known for premium supplements made with ingredients backed by scientific research and produced under world-class manufacturing standards. With Glam Bites, the brand is clearly betting on a “cleaner gummy” future—one that fits modern routines and modern label expectations.

Where to buy

Swisse Beauty Glam Bites are available now.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.


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