What's in Junior's Lunchbox?

If you were to open your child's lunchbox, what would you see? Children's school lunch is one of the main contributors to cavity formation and tooth decay. These days it is far too easy to settle for high-calorie, high-sugar snacks over wholesome, nutritious lunch items.

Although more sugary snacks may be cheaper, your child's teeth will suffer from the daily doses of high sugar intake. Here are some healthy alternatives to high-carb, harmful lunch items:

1.      Avoid Artificial Sugars: Instead of crunchy, high carb chips, opt instead for apples, celery sticks with peanut butter, or grapes. These tasty fruits are not only nutritious, but they contain little to no artificial sugars. Artificial sugars provide a prime breeding ground for bacteria and tooth decay.

2.      Choose a Low-Sugar Dessert: For dessert, it's nearly impossible to avoid anything with sugar. Carefully select a dessert lower in sugar and carbs, such as reduced-sugar pudding snacks, or a fruit and nut parfait. The less sugar that remains on your child's teeth, the less chance of cavities.

3.      Avoid Crunchy Snack Food: The biggest obstacle in school lunch is avoiding crunchy items, such as crackers, cookies, and packaged chips. These items aren't necessarily bad; however, they need to be handled with moderation. Pack your child's lunch with chips two or three times a week as a special treat. On other days, supplement with sweet fruit, such as peaches, grapes, and cantaloupe.