Parents are thinking of ways to make sure their children's lunches are healthy as the start of the school year nears - and a dietician is offering some tips.

"You might even throw in a fresh seaweed, lots of raisins for iron, and some fruit," says registered dietician Tina McGeough.

She says packing the right foods can really help children stay focused and energized throughout the day.

"Kids are in school six-plus hours a day, not counting after school," she says. "You want to give them foods that are going to get them through the day so they can think, they can function, they can move. We want them to have balanced nutrition, but we also want that sustained energy."

McGeough recommends food that is high in protein, like fruit, whole grains, and vegetables, as well as plant-based or animal sources.

She says being healthy doesn't mean taking away their favorite snacks - it's about balance.

"So think about the kind of textures. Think about the color that you can incorporate versus taking away mindset," she says.