Healthy Summer Snacking for Kids
Summertime means that many parents need to make more nutritional choices for their children than during the school year. When children are not able to receive healthy meals at school, it is even more important for parents to keep their cupboards and refrigerators stocked with healthy snacks and meals. Summer weather can also encourage unhealthy snacking, such as too much ice cream, so parents need to provide healthy summer snacking options to teach their children about proper nutrition.
Healthy Snack Options
Fortunately, there are many kid-friendly snack options available. Some healthy summer choices include:
- Fruits and vegetables, which are rich in calcium and vitamins
- Granola bars, wheat crackers, and other grains
- Popsicles can be a healthy alternative to ice cream
Snacks to Avoid
Other snacks are best enjoyed in small amounts. Some snack foods to limit or avoid include:
- Potato chips, which are high in fat and sodium and may scratch the gums or tooth enamel
- Ice cream, which is high in fat and sugar
- Candy, cookies, and other sugary treats
Healthy Drinks
Just like healthy snacks, certain drinks are good for the teeth and the body. Some healthy drinks include:
- Water
- Flavored water, especially options with natural flavoring
- Milk, which is high in calcium
- Certain fruit juices that are low in sugar
Drinks to Avoid
Many of your children’s favorite drinks are not the most healthy choices. Parents should limit:
- Most fruit juices, which are high in sugar
- Soda, which is high in corn syrup, sugar, and other chemicals
- Some children and teens like consuming energy drinks, but they contain too much caffeine for children and are high in sugar and chemicals
Learn More About Healthy Summer Snacking
At Cherrywood Dental Associates, we care about helping our patients learn to make healthy nutritional choices for themselves and their families. By providing healthy snacks for your children this summer, you can help them keep their teeth healthy while learning to make healthy choices for themselves in the future. Contact us today to learn more about nutrition or to schedule an appointment!