Our brains need periodic breaks to refresh. Studies show taking breaks rather than “practice, practice, practice” can improve our performance. Make the most of your workdays by taking a lunch break away from your desk. Sounds like an easy to-do, right? Unfortunately, it may not be for many. More than half of Americans studied said it was “rare or unrealistic for them to take a proper lunch break away from their work.” Studies show that not having a proper lunch break can, leave us feeling tired, stressed, overwhelmed, exhausted, and anxious, and has an impact on our overall health. Our tooth-healthy lunchbox recipe ideas will refuel your body and help you take a break when mid-day rolls around.
Properly fuel up with lunch box ideas for work that will boost your smile health! Eat from the five major food groups. The more colorful your plate, the better! Include:
- Whole grains
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Lean sources of protein such as lean beef, skinless poultry and fish, dry beans, peas, and other legumes
- Low-fat and fat-free dairy foods
This allows your body to get a variety of nutrients from different nutrient-rich sources. Oral health and overall health are closely related, so they’re good for your smile, too!
Try one of these three easy lunches:
1. Zesty Shrimp and Black Bean Salad
![90% of the calories in shrimp are protein, making them perfect fuel for your body and mind.]](https://ddcoblog.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/2019.05_MakeTimefor-BreakTime_Infographic2.png)
- Protein Power: Shrimp, black beans
- VIP Vegetables: Bell pepper, cherry tomatoes
- Compelling Carbohydrate: Whole-wheat tortilla
Wild-caught shrimp is impressively healthy. 90% of the calories in shrimp are protein, making them perfect fuel for your body and mind. Three ounces of shrimp can provide more than 20 different vitamins and minerals. Shrimp can help reduce inflammation and promote heart health. Protein is essential to our smile because it helps strengthen the teeth. The American Dental Association recommends eating at least 8 ounces of seafood a week. Full recipe via eatingwell.com
2. Watermelon Gazpacho:
![Watermelon packs almost 23 milligrams of vitamin C per serving, and feta is a great source of calcium.]](https://ddcoblog.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/2019.05_MakeTimefor-BreakTime_Infographic3.png)
- Famous Fruit: Watermelon
- Dynamic Dairy: Feta
Watermelon packs almost 23 milligrams of vitamin C per serving. Vitamin C helps to protect us from infections. Studies show a link between low vitamin C levels in the plasma and periodontitis or severe gum disease. Full recipe via parent.com.
3. Asian Chopped Kale Salad:
![Leafy green vegetables like kale are packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, beta carotene, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium.]](https://ddcoblog.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/2019.05_MakeTimefor-BreakTime_Infographic4.png)
- Protein Power: Edamame, avocado
- VIP Vegetables: Kale, snow peas
Dark, leafy greens add an enormous amount of nutrients to your meal. Vitamin A, vitamin C, beta carotene, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium, are our front-runners when it comes to kale. Our teeth and bones store phosphorus, which aids in how we absorb calcium and magnesium! Full recipe via cookieandkate.com.
Claim an office drawer and a corner of the fridge to satisfy hunger distractions. Chock them full of healthy, tasty snacks for a satisfying (and more productive) day at work:
![A nutrient-rich lunch and snacks like almonds, peanut butter, veggies and granola can keep you smiling wide until dinnertime.]](https://ddcoblog.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/2019.05_MakeTimefor-BreakTime_Infographic5.png)
- Almonds
- Whole-grain crackers
- Peanut butter
- Crunchy veggies and hummus
- Apples and bananas
- Granola
Hopefully, skipping meals will never cross your mind again. A nutrient-rich lunch is sure to keep you smiling wide until dinnertime. Looking for more tooth-friendly meal ideas? Check out:
