Make Time for Break Time: Lunchbox Ideas for Work [INFOGRAPHIC]

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.” Our tooth-healthy lunch box recipes will refuel your body and help you take a break when mid-day rolls around.

Today, Americans are now more likely to eat at their desk than anywhere else. We stay at our desks with the misconception that it will help us get more done. Studies prove that the real impact, though, is that we’re left feeling:

• tired (44 percent),
• stressed (31 percent),
• overwhelmed (24 percent),
• exhausted (26 percent)
• and anxious (20 percent).

Properly fuel up with lunch box ideas for work that will boost your smile health! Eat from the five major food group; 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 Featuring:

• 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 over 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 oz. of seafood a week.

Full recipe via eatingwell.com 

2. Watermelon Gazpacho Featuring:

• Ingredient Superstars
• 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 prove a link between low Vitamin C levels in the plasma and periodontitis or severe gum disease.

Full recipe via today’s parent.com.

3. Asian Chopped Kale Salad Featuring:

• 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, and phosphorus 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:

• Almonds

• Whole-grain crackers

• Peanut butter

• Crunchy veggies and hummus

• Apples and bananas

• Granola 

Hopefully now, 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:

• A Balanced Meal for Any Age Infographic | Nutrition for Healthy Aging