Your child is home for the summer and high on their priority list is a daily snack. As much as you want to be accommodating, it is important to choose snacks for healthy teeth. There are a variety of ways to make your child’s snacks appealing and fun.
But my kid wants candy and ice cream:
Your child is likely going to be influenced by several factors including:
- What their parents eat. Like it or not, you are a role model for your child. If you send the right message by healthy snacking, they will likely follow in your footsteps.
- How creative you can be with a healthy snack. The better a snack looks, the more likely your child is going to like it. Carve an apple and add peanut butter. Fix a fruit smoothie with yogurt and use a fun straw. Sprinkle yogurt with sliced bananas and nuts.
- Have your kids come up with some healthy items they would like to eat. Give them a list of healthy items, and ask them how they could be combined into something fun and delicious.
- Snacking is just part of the battle. Planning healthy breakfasts, lunches, and dinners will also send the right message for snacking.
Healthy snacks that will hit the spot:
Below are some food items that your child might really enjoy:
- A fruit shish kabob – Take fresh melon, banana, and apple and put it on a shish kabob skewer. Squeeze a little lime or lemon juice on it to keep the banana and apple from turning brown. Refrigerate and let them take one when they are hungry. Great for that child with a sweet tooth.
- Low salt pretzels with peanut butter – They are wonderful and fun to eat.
- Bagels toasted with peanut butter and bananas – Sprinkle some nuts on top and they are a guaranteed hit!
- Yogurt, fresh fruit, and crushed nuts – Serve it in a small clear cup after chilling it for an hour.
Serving fun and healthy food your child will enjoy is possible. Proper planning, and input from your child, can make the summer snack season good for their teeth also.
About Your Austin Dentist:
For almost 30 years, Dr. Steven Van Wicklen has provided expert general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry services to residents and families in Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Bastrop, Bee Cave, Cedar Park, and surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Van Wicklen’s South Austin office at (512) 448-3131.
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