As we enter into the hottest months of the year it is easy to grab sugary frozen treats to cool us down, but there are healthier options. Foods like popsicles and ice cream may sound like the perfect cool me down, but they are very hard on your teeth and overall health. Here are a few options that can be better choices for that “summer cool down” snack.
Frozen Grapes
Take green grape and remove them from the stem. Put them all in a bag in the freezer and when you want a cool snack, take them out to rest for just a few minutes before snacking. It’s important to let them rest on the counter for a bit before snacking so they are not too hard for your teeth to chew.
Watermelon Ice
Make sure you get the seedless watermelon for this summer treat. Cut the green shell off the watermelon and cut it into slices. Then use a food processor or blender and blend until it is slushy. Add a touch of honey and the juice from a lime. Blend again until the ingredients are combined and put into a freezer safe container. When you want a treat, get the ice cream scooper out and treat yourself.
Fruit Kabob
Slice up strawberries, bananas, mangos, kiwis and any other fruit you like and set aside. Take kabob skewer and alternate the fruits so you have a variety of colors. Put the bunch in the fridge to cool with a dash of lime juice to keep the fruit from browning. These are a huge party favorite and we love the color variety!
Fruit Salsa
Dice up as many different fruits as you like into small squares. Mix all the fruit in a bowl and add a dollop of cool whip to create a cohesive mix. Serve with cinnamon pita chips and watch at the bowl goes from a colorful delight to completely empty in no time flat.
Veggie Sticks
Slice up peppers, zucchini and carrots and put them in snack sized bags. These are great for grab and go needed snacks that are easy for the whole family to eat on the fly during their busy summer schedules.
Banana Smores
Smores are a summer classic but they have so much sugar they are hard on your teeth. Instead of the chocolate, try a nut butter spread and instead of the marshmallow try banana slices. This little snack is a healthy twist to a summertime favorite.
Frozen Chocolate Banana
Cut bananas in half and put a Popsicle stick in the middle. Freeze the bananas and have them ready for when you want something a little sweeter. When the time is right, melt chocolate and cut up strawberries into small pieces. Take the bananas out and dip them into the chocolate. Before the chocolate set, sprinkle the strawberries on them instead of sprinkles to keep it a bit healthier.
We want to hear from you, what so please share your favorite summer snacks that are easier on your teeth?
