Choose These Summer Snacks for A Great Smile

It’s pretty common to focus on your health during the first month of the year. You get new running shoes or a yoga mat as a holiday present and vow to make your health a priority. It’s less common to stay focused on your goals than it is to decide on them. There are so many temptations, that it’s easy to stray from your goals. Manteca Family Dentistry offers a few choices for summer snacks that will keep your oral health on track. 

Fruits and Vegetables

Keeping crisp veggies and ripe fruits stocked in your kitchen is the best way to encourage healthy snacking in your home. By washing them ahead of time, you save time when someone is looking for a quick snack on the go. Any items that are too large for a single serving should be cut and packed into smaller containers for easy access. If you have small children, place the fruits and veggies on a low shelf or fridge drawer where they can reach easily. These choices are packed with essential vitamins and minerals to support your oral health and nutrition: 

• Watermelon 
• Avocado 
• Cherries 
• Cucumbers 
• Bell peppers 
• Plums 
• Peaches 
• Berries 
• Tomatoes 
• Asian pears 
• Snap peas 

Summer is a fantastic time to find fresh produce! Check out your local farmers’ market for the best locally sourced options. Prep them as soon as you get them home, so you will always have healthy serving-sized options in a flash. 

Ice Cream Alternatives

How can it get any better than sunbathing at the pool on your day off? Then the ice cream man’s jingle arrives within earshot, and it seems like a sign. Hot days and frozen dairy seem to go hand-in-hand. It’s alright to stop the ice cream man from time to time, but be mindful of the added sugar and calories that go with it. Instead, consider freezing yogurt into pops to satisfy your cravings without the added baggage. Cold string cheese or cubes are also great alternatives without the sugar. 

Other Healthy Alternatives

Whether you’ll be poolside in your backyard, on the road, or on your couch, there are countless other healthy alternatives to the heavily processed snack foods in the middle grocery store isles. Pistachios and almonds are in season, keep well in the cabinet, and travel easily. Granola is another great option for snacking on the go or inside. If you can find granola from a local vendor at the farmers’ market, even better. It will likely have less sugar and additives than a store-bought brand. Consider sprouted grain breads for toast with avocado or cucumber and tomato. 

We know everyone looks forward to the sugary snacks available during the summer, at BBQs, pool parties, and on road trips. Sugary, salty snacks are fine in moderation, but your smile and body will all benefit from the healthier choices. If you decide to indulge, remember to brush and floss extra to protect your teeth from decay or cavities. 

What’s your favorite summer fruit? Post a photo of your happy smile enjoying your favorite summer snack on our Facebook page!