August 13, 2014
It’s back-to-school time! It’s a pretty well known fact that meal choices are critical for young growing minds. Good, healthy food for breakfast and lunch are the fuel for your busy, hard-working kids. But did you know that after school snacks are just as important? Unfortunately, the first thing kids tend to reach for is the junk food and sweets. Though the occasional indulgence won’t hurt, it’s important to remember that everyday binges are detrimental to your children’s health as well as their teeth. Luckily, there are all kinds of creative, healthy snacks for kids that are beneficial for healthy smiles.
Kid-Friendly Trail Mix
Trail mix is a wonderful option because it’s packed with protein, which is great for building healthy bodies and healthy smiles. Kids love trail mix, especially when they can be a part of creating their own custom family blend. Ingredients can include any variety of nuts desired (peanuts and cashews are an all-time favorite), Cheerios, Goldfish crackers, dried cranberries (or other dried fruit such as raisins), miniature pretzels, animal crackers, whatever you want! By letting your kids help you select the ingredients, they’ll be all the more eager to snag this healthy snack after school.
Peanutty Yogurt Dip
This snack is full of good-for-you probiotics and is eaten with crunchy carrots or apples—all of which are super foods for your health and your smile. Simply combine one cup of plain low-fat Greek yogurt with half a cup of peanut butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and an eighth of a teaspoon of cinnamon. In no time at all, your kids will be happily dipping and crunching away.
Open-Face Banana Creamy
Toasted or un-toasted, this treat is delicious. Begin with a slice of whole grain bread (loaded with enamel-friendly magnesium) and spread one tablespoon of reduced fat whipped cream cheese. Top it with half of a sliced banana and finish with a sprinkling of cinnamon. This yummy treat will make little mouths drool and keep tummies happy!
By thinking creatively, your family can enjoy all kinds of healthy snacks after school this year. Though they seem like simple choices, these day-to-day decisions are a great way to invest in a lifetime of healthy habits while supporting healthy smiles in the process.
Bring your child in for a consultation with one of our friendly and knowledgeable dentists – request an appointment today!
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