I think packing your lunch at any age is a chore.

Whether you have picky eaters who only eat things that look like chicken nuggets and ranch dressing, or you are going gluten-free and can’t find anything that looks like a sandwich, I feel your pain.

As the school year is upon us, the pressure to be an excellent lunch packer is back on. Have you noticed your children trading away their lunches for more appealing and less healthy options?

It happens.

But, what if you could transform your lunch-making skills? What if you earned all As in lunch packing?

Go to the Head of the Class

Maybe all you need is a push in the right direction…a few new places to turn to when you are out of ideas. I can help with that! Cooking Light magazine is a great resource for lunches and quick weeknight suppers. I also find awesome ideas on Pinterest all the time.

Grocery shopping is half the battle. I mean, if there is nothing remotely “packable” in your fridge, you’ll opt to eat out every day. But, if you’ve gathered your ideas, made a shopping list, and actually run the grocery store gauntlet, you are pretty much there!

Another trick is to make things easy to grab, both in your pantry and in your fridge. Divide carrot sticks, pretzels, or whatever else into individual serving–sized bags, ready to be tossed into your lunch box. Finger foods work great, and they are not just for kids!

Pro tip: If you are sending your children off to school without a toothbrush, make sure you pack plenty of apple slices, carrots, or celery. Crunchy vegetables will help dislodge any sticky or starchy foods that would otherwise stick to teeth and start the decay process.

And an Afternoon Snack

While it’s not true that an apple a day keeps the dentist away (we still need to see you), apples will help keep tooth decay at bay, which is a very good thing!

Good luck with your lunches! And visit our website or give our office a call to schedule your appointment today!

~Dr. Marea White