Healthy School Lunches for a Cavity-Free Year
Going back to school is an exciting time of the year for both parents and kids. Part of the daily routine in many households is preparing the school lunch. However, many parents struggle with finding good snacks ideas for the little ones.
Here are some school lunch ideas that are not only easy and fun to make, but they are focused on keeping your kid’s teeth cavity-free. Moreover, they are also colorful, tasty and budget-friendly. You can combine these ingredients into your kid’s favorite recipes, but make sure to keep the lunch diverse and healthy.
Carrots and Celery
Raw carrot sticks and celery stalks are great for a school lunch box because they are tasty and fibrous. Chewing on them is fun for the kids, but also stimulates the production of saliva, which helps the teeth stay clean and actually provides calcium to them. To make carrots and celery more appealing, try pairing them with a healthy dip, like pesto, hummus or tzatziki sauce.
Fresh Berries
Berries, like strawberries, raspberries and the rest of the berry family, are great at keeping your kid’s teeth in top shape. Eating them fresh and raw helps rinse the teeth, provides vitamins and it can make recipes flavorful and delicious. You can add them to natural yogurt, salads or just serve them as they are.
Whole Raw Fruit
One of the simplest ways to make your kid’s school lunch healthy is to always add fresh fruit to it. It’s really that simple, and it provides important vitamins and fiber to your little one. Make sure to choose fresh, tasty fruit that’s in season, and that your kid loves. The best way of giving fruit to your children is raw and whole, as processed fruit usually have high amounts of sugar (added or naturally present.)
Cheese Cubes, String Cheese
Two important parts of a child’s meal are protein and calcium, and they are both present in cheese. One way of making your child’s school lunch healthy, nutritious and tasty is to add cheese cubes or string cheese to it. Cheese is a great addition to fresh salads and it goes well with nuts, berries, crackers, and fresh veggies.
Unflavored Milk
When it comes to the beverage you are adding to the school lunch, stay away from sugary ones: fruit juice (including freshly squeezed) and flavored milk are the most common bad choices for your kid’s teeth and overall health. If your child wants something other than water to drink (which he should have anyway), unflavored milk is a great choice.
Nuts
Adding a handful of unsweetened, unsalted nuts to the school lunch makes it more nutritious, packed with good fats and calories that will keep your child’s energy levels up without pumping sugar or processed fats in him.
If you keep these ingredients in mind when preparing your kid’s school lunch, you can build a lot of recipes adapted to their preferences and habits. The main principle behind each recipe is to keep the meal nutritious and tasty and stay away from added sugar, processed fats, and starches. Adding this to a regular brushing routine will keep your little one’s teeth strong and healthy for a long time.
