The bell has rung. School is back in session. It’s time for new clothes, book bags, and oh, yes, a packed lunch. If you dread the thought of packing a nutritious yet tasty lunch every day that your kids will actually eat, then be sure to try out some of these clever ideas.

Wrap It Up

Kids cannot survive on PB&J sandwiches alone — or can they? While sandwiches may be a mainstay of the school lunchbox, the fact is, even kids get tired of eating the same thing day after day. So why not try something new?

Sandwich wraps and sliced rolls can make even the most boring sandwich look (and taste) differently. Even that old PB&J standby feels different when presented in a wrap. Simply take your favorite tortilla (preferably wheat), spread with peanut butter, add some sliced bananas and roll. Feel free to cut the roll into smaller slices to make it easier for little hands to manage.

When dealing with a more sophisticated teen palate, try rolling bacon, lettuce and tomato in a wrap, cut into slices, and add a side of BBQ sauce for dipping.

See how simply wrapping those sandwich ingredients makes for a more interesting and fun lunch?

Crunchy Delights

Kids love something crunchy with their meal, so why not satisfy that taste with some healthy sweet potato chips or even baked apple crisps.  Dried fruit chips of any variety can also be substituted here, satisfying both a child’s sweet tooth and their need to crunch at lunch.

Tricky Ways to Get Kids to Eat more Fruits and Veggies

Some kids can’t get enough fruits and vegetables while others will turn their nose up at anything that even appears healthy. When trying to entice kids to eat more of these, try these clever tricks:

• Cut small bite-sized pieces. Kids adore finger foods and simply cutting fruits and veggies into fun sizes or shapes may be all that’s necessary to get them to eat more.
• Add dipping sauces (like yogurt, hummus, peanut butter or even a small amount of chocolate or caramel). Who can resist dipping those veggie chunks in something delicious?
• Use veggie cream cheese. Slather on bread, a pita or bagel, or simply use as a dip; veggie cream cheese offers a new tasty way to add some more vegetables into a child’s diet.

Steer Clear of Sweetened Drinks

Sweet sticky drinks can play havoc with a child’s teeth. Just because that juice box is easy to pack, doesn’t mean you should throw one in your child’s lunchbox. Instead, opt for non-refrigerated options like Parmalat milk, V8 vegetable juices or a homemade smoothie.

Don’t fall prey to the prepackaged lunchbox options found on store shelves these days. Remember, many of those treats are full of extra sugars and chemicals that can damage a child’s teeth. Instead, opt for some of the healthier, and more fun, options mentioned here. To find out more about the dangers that could be lurking in your child’s lunch box, be sure to contact the expert staff at Wright Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. We are always ready to answer your questions and help you give your child just what they need for a healthier smile.