As the sun shines brighter, we move into our favorite season: summer time! During the summer, many love spending time outdoors. Outdoor activities such as going to the beach, hiking, and having picnics are common amongst many during this warm weathered season. While you indulge in delicious delicacies, it’s important to stay mindful about your oral health. At the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa, we are here to give you our list of healthy, but still delicious, snacks for your summer picnics.
Fruit Salad
You can never go wrong with a fruit salad. This fresh and nutritious snack is quick and easy to make. Cut up any fruit you desire into smile pieces, add them to a bowl, mix, and you’re done. A quick preparation process for a refreshing summer snack that will satisfy your sweet tooth while still being tooth friendly.
Fresh Spring Rolls
Another personalized snack that is quick and easy to assemble are fresh spring rolls.. You’ll need rice paper and an assortment of sliced veggies of your choice (carrots, cabbage, cucumber, avocado, cilantro, etc.). Dip your rice paper into some water to soften it up, then add in your veggies, roll, and enjoy. Fresh spring rolls are often paired with a nice peanut or chili sauce. This snack is healthy, satisfying, and perfect for a hot summer picnic day.
Macaroni Salad
If you’re looking for a more filling option, macaroni salad is a great choice. This delicious meal will provide you with energy for the day. Opt for a whole grain or chickpea pasta for extra nutrition. Also, skip out on the sugar. Follow this recipe for a delicious summer meal: elbow macaroni, mayonnaise, distilled white vinegar, yellow mustard, chopped onion, salt, and pepper.
Fruit, Nut, and Cheese Board
Finger foods are always best for a picnic. Though not the most teeth friendly, we understand that everyone enjoys a glass of cold wine on a summer day, and a cheese board is an excellent pairing. Grab a wooden board, cheese of your choice (some excellent options include Brie, Gruyère, etc), crackers, some fresh or dried fruits (such as figs, apricots, etc) and nuts (our favorite are pistachios, almonds, and walnuts). The array of options will result in a fulfilling picnic snack. Just remember to wash everything down with some regular water.
Wrap Roll Ups
Wraps are another more filling option that provide an excellent balance of nutrition. What’s great about this option is you can customize it in your desired way. Grab a wrap, preferably whole grain, soread out some sauce, throw in some veggies (such as lettuce, cucumbers, and carrots), add in some protein (such as chicken breast or tofu), then roll it up and cut into bit sized pieces. If you prefer sweeter picnic snacks, substitute your veggies for fruit and your spread for peanut butter or jam, and voila you have the perfect summer snack.
Veggies and Dip
If you’re looking for something quick and easy, you can never go wrong with some veggies and dip. Slice up an array of veggies, such as carrots, celery, cucumbers, and bell peppers into a container and pop in your favorite dip. We love hummus but ranch is another great option.
Importance of Choosing Healthy Picnic Snacks
Summer is the season of cocktails, patio restaurants, and parties. We love to indulge, and it’s okay to indulge. But it’s important to keep your health in mind, this includes your oral health. Having a diet filled with high sugars, fats, and salts can negatively impact your oral health. Some issues can include but are not limited to: tooth decay, cavities, dry mouth, etc. Staying on top of your oral health doesn’t mean you need to live an unfulfilling life. Foods can be delicious and nutritious, so next time your packing for a day trip opt for options that your oral health, and overall health, will thank you for.
Aside from choosing healthy alternatives, staying on top of your oral health includes regular dental check ups. Schedule a pre-summer dental check up at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre to ensure your smile is healthy and happy all season long. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to inquire about teeth improving treatments.
