Now that the kids will soon be heading back to school, is it time you took your lunch-packing game to the next level? Whether you have one kid to pack for, or several, it can sometimes feel daunting trying to come up with creative, kid-friendly and portable lunch ideas, much less ones that will wow their friends at the cafeteria table. Fortunately, your preventive dentist has some creative ideas for sending your kids to school with lunches, and snacks, that are both healthy and smile-friendly!
What Foods Are Best for Dental Health?
You already know that vegetables and fruits should be significant portions of your children’s diet. Yet many kids’ picky eating habits can make it difficult to get them to eat the amount of nutrient-rich produce their bodies and smiles need to grow strong and healthy.
If your kid is not a big veggie fan, try these simple tips for making fresh vegetables seem more appealing.
- Celery sticks, baby carrots, and even bell pepper slices offer the kind of crunch most kids love. You can pack them with small containers of peanut butter (if your child’s school allows it), ranch dip, or even hummus for a little extra flavor and fun!
- Grapes, apple slices, oranges, strawberries and many other fruits travel well, and are appealing to sweets-loving kids. Plus, the high water content in most fruits and vegetables is particularly good for the teeth.
- Don’t underestimate the power of good packaging. There is a reason cereal boxes still have cartoons on their covers! Using cute containers to corral these and other healthy dishes can make your kids more excited to see them in their lunchboxes. While you’re packing, consider adding a cute note or a sticker, too, as an afternoon pick-me-up.
- A healthy diet and dental hygiene are important. Still, be sure to schedule routine dental checkups and cleanings, too, to really protect your kids’ smiles against cavities and other dental problems.