Packing school lunches can be hard, especially when your child has braces! Apples, carrots, pretzels, and other crunchy snacks are a no-go, which can be tough on the menu. Biting directly into an apple, for example, can cause the front brackets or wires to pop off. That’s why you need to only pack very soft foods.
Yogurt, oatmeal, puddings, baked potatoes, mashed avocados, scrambled eggs, pureed soups, smoothies and cottage cheese are just a few examples of softer foods your child can safely eat. This doesn’t mean your child must stick to an all-liquid diet, of course. For example, spaghetti with pureed vegetables in the sauce (like spinach and carrots) is an easy way to ensure your child is eating her veggies without risking damage to her braces.
Try a new grain like couscous or quinoa in place of your typical pasta. Melt a soft cheese like Brie or Munster onto your sandwich rather than cheddar or provolone. Craving an apple? Try baking it in the oven for 45 minutes and adding cinnamon and other baking spices to have a delicious and healthy version of an apple pie dessert. Mixing it up is key to making sure your child doesn’t get bored and get tempted to eat illegal foods.