10 Easy Tips for Poolside Snacks that Are Healthy and Safe For Braces Too! by DUSTIN BURLESON, DDS Summertime brings with it the excitement and joy of swimming, sailing, beach exploring and relaxation. When packing a picnic to the pool, beach or boat, here are some tasty snacks that are also safe for your braces. If you have a family favorite, be sure to join the conversation and share it with one of your smile specialists the next time you are in the office. 1. Beverages If you’re heading to the pool, it is important to stay hydrated. Avoid sugary drinks, as they are bad for your teeth and braces plus they almost always provide empty calories and zero nutrition. Pack a jug of ice water and add cucumber slices, orange slices or melon to provide a great flavor boost. Iced tea with lemon, honey or ginger is a popular and delicious way to enjoy the pool without adding a lot of sugar or calories to your beverage selection. If you’re in a hurry, grab some no-sugar-added bottled tea and throw some lemon slices in the cooler. There’s no need to brew your own tea if your preparation time is limited. 2. Apples with Peanut-Butter For a fruit or vegetable-protein snack that is filling and provides protein without bogging you down, try apples or celery and peanut butter. Be sure to read the label on your peanut butter. Most non-natural peanut butter brands have sugar or high fructose corn syrup added. These are bad for your health, your teeth and your braces. Instead, find an all-natural peanut butter for a healthier and more satisfying snack. 3. Fresh Fruit Some fruits were just made for the pool. Watermelon, cantaloupe, papaya, honeydew and kiwi are excellent choices that are rich in potassium and can help keep you hydrated as well. These fresh and naturally sweet treats are healthy and safe for your braces. Skip the candy and instead add some fresh fruit to your poolside cooler. Add an ice pack or two so that the fruit stays cool all day long. Avoid sugary drinks with empty calories that pose a risk to teeth and braces 10 Easy Poolside Snacks That are Delicious and Safe for Braces Journal of Smile Health | AUGUST 2015 48
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10 Easy Tips for Poolside Snacks that Are Healthy and Safe For Braces Too!
by DUSTIN BURLESON, DDS
Summertime brings with it the excitement and joy of swimming, sailing, beach exploring and relaxation. When packing a picnic to the pool, beach or boat, here are some tasty snacks that are also safe for your braces. If you have a family favorite, be sure to join the conversation and share it with one of your smile specialists the next time you are in the office.
1. Beverages
If you’re heading to the pool, it is important to stay hydrated. Avoid sugary drinks, as they are bad for your teeth and braces plus they almost always provide empty calories and zero nutrition. Pack a jug of ice water
and add cucumber slices, orange slices or melon to provide a great flavor boost. Iced tea with lemon, honey or ginger is a popular and delicious way to enjoy the pool without adding a lot of sugar or calories to your beverage selection. If you’re in a hurry, grab some no-sugar-added bottled tea and throw some lemon slices in the cooler. There’s no need to brew your own tea if your preparation time is limited.
2. Apples with Peanut-Butter
For a fruit or vegetable-protein snack that is filling and provides protein without bogging you down, try apples or celery and peanut butter. Be sure to read the label on your peanut butter. Most non-natural peanut butter brands have sugar or high fructose corn syrup added. These are bad for your health, your teeth and your braces. Instead, find an all-natural
peanut butter for a healthier and more satisfying snack.
3. Fresh Fruit
Some fruits were just made for the pool. Watermelon, cantaloupe, papaya, honeydew and kiwi are excellent choices that are rich in potassium and can help keep you hydrated as well. These fresh and naturally sweet treats are healthy and safe for your braces. Skip the candy and instead add some fresh fruit to your poolside cooler. Add an ice pack or two so that the fruit stays cool all day long.
Avoid sugary drinks with empty calories that pose a
risk to teeth and braces
10 Easy Poolside Snacks That are Delicious and Safe for Braces
Journal of Smile Health | AUGUST 2015 48
4. Banana Sandwich
Everyone knows the potassium in bananas is good for you, so pair the bananas with a high-fiber bread like a whole grain thin bread or multi-grain pita pocket. The complex carbohydrates will help you feel full longer and keep your energy levels higher throughout the day. For a touch of sweetness, drizzle some local wildflower honey on top of the bananas. If you like peanut butter and bananas, and you’re close to a blender at the pool, consider pairing this healthy snack with a fresh and protein-rich smoothie using ice, hormone-free milk, bananas, peanut butter and for a sweet indulgence, a small shot of fair-trade dark chocolate sauce or splash of chocolate milk.
5. Raw Veggies
Slice some carrots and celery to bring to the pool and throw in some cherry tomatoes. Veggies are obviously packed with vitamins and minerals to keep you healthy but these snacks can also help boost your skin health. Pairing healthy eating with adequate
sun screen will make your day at the pool a safe as well as fun trip. If you’re not into raw veggies without dip, pack some tasty hummus or low-fat dressing for dipping and you’ll be set for fun in the sun. Just be certain to keep any dips that contain dairy products in the coldest part of your cooler next to the ice packs.
6. Sandwich Wraps
Although sandwiches are always popular for lunch, packing them in a cooler and taking them with you to the pool usually results in soggy bread. Instead of using loaf bread, make the sandwiches on whole-wheat or spinach wraps. Consider avoiding any ingredients that might spoil like mayonnaise. Try ham and cheese or peanut butter and jelly wraps. Keep them simple and wait to add any ingredients that contain water, like tomatoes, pickles or lettuce, until just before serving at the pool.
Journal of Smile Health | AUGUST 2015 49
Braces Friendly Snacks at the Pool this Summer
7. Cheese
Cheese is high in calcium and good for your teeth. Pack a few light cheese options like low-fat string cheese, pre-cut wedges or pre-packed cheese minis. They’re perfect for pairing with a piece of fruit. Pack a few frozen water bottles in the bottom of your cooler and keep your cheese tucked close by. Whole-grain crackers can be a healthy and fulfilling pairing for your cheese as well. For a delicious combination, try mozzarella, sliced tomato and fresh basil on a whole-grain cracker. The foodie and less adventurous eaters alike will devour this delicious snack.
8. Edamame
This bean is the perfect snack for a day at the pool, in the shell or not. Super rich in fiber, protein and complex carbohydrates, these little green legumes are great for snacking all day long. Grab a pack of frozen edamame and just throw the bag in top part of the cooler. By the time you’re ready for a snack, they will be perfectly thawed and ready for you.
9. Fried Chicken
One of my grandmother’s favorite tricks and unexpected surprises was to pack some cold fried chicken from the night before into the picnic basket we would take to the pool. Fried chicken
is universally loved, a great staple for the summer and holds up well in the cooler when packed in some aluminum foil. With basically no prep involved, just unwrap and enjoy.
10. Cookies for Dessert
For dessert, cookies are always an easy and portable option. Just avoid anything chocolate in order to prevent a big gooey mess at the pool. When it comes to cookies, think peanut butter or oatmeal instead. These go great with fresh strawberries if you want to add some fiber and nutrition to your post-lunch dessert options.
The next time you're packing up for a day at the pool, consider some of these healthier options that are also safe for your braces. There’s nothing wrong with packing the basics, like crackers, chips, nuts, and dried fruit, but it's good to have something a little more interesting and substantial. Avoid sugary drinks and candy. The empty calories do not provide enough energy or nutrition for a fun-filled day
at the pool and they are horrible for your teeth and braces. Instead, try the delicious alternatives listed above and make your day at the pool a fun and healthy experience.
“There’s nothing wrong with packing the basics, but it’s good to have something a little more interesting and substantial when planning a day at the pool.”
“Grab a pack of frozen edamame and throw the bag in the top part of the cooler. By the time you are ready for a snack, they will be perfectly thawed and ready to eat.”
Journal of Smile Health | AUGUST 2015 50
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