How to Pack school lunches that are satisfying, fun and healthy that is the goal. Many traditional pre-packaged lunch foods contain a lot of sugar or chewy ingredients that can stick on teeth for hours. Here are some new ideas for opening that lunch box that are easy to pack up too!
Choose Drinks Wisely
Small bottles of water are the best – start the night before and remove a little bit of water and pop it in the fridge overnight. The water will thaw by the time lunch is here and it will save space by doubling as an ice pack to keep the food cold. If your child wants more than water or gets bored, let them pick flavored drops made for adding taste to bottled water. If that isn’t working go for plain or flavored milk- the extra calcium is good for tooth enamel!
Finger Foods Make Lunch Fast and Fun
Use snack size lunch bags or containers to pack a weeks worth of munchies in one evening. Muffin tin goodies are all the rage- Just check out Pintrest or other websites for endless ideas to substitute for boring old sandwiches- her is one that is pull of protein to help with the afternoon slump: Spray muffin tin with cooking spray, line cups with sliced ham, sprinkle with your child’s favorite cheese, crack an egg in the center of the ham cup, add salt and pepper and bake at 350 degrees until the egg is set though, and your done. There are even ideas if your child has food allergies. Tortilla wraps keep well as long as wet ingredients are layered between meats and cheeses so the tortilla doesn’t get soggy. Slice them into fun pinwheels.
You can cut veggies into and fruit into bite size pieces or wedges and pack with small packets or containers of dips( check your deli for fruit and veggie combos that may be pre-packed. String an array of fruit on skewers for older kids. Freeze tubes of yogurt or drinkable yogurt for another cool treat. Make your own trail mix (have your child help) with nuts, pretzels, cereal, and a small amount of fruit or chocolate chips for a bit of sweetness.- Make sure they brush when they get home from school!
Cool Tools For Clean Up
If your child has the opportunity to do a little tooth clean up after lunch. Some classrooms may be outfitted with a brushing station. Pack disposable flossers or even a disposable, pre-pasted mini toothbrushes for teens and older kids- They really come in handy for kids with braces!