Healthy Eating - snacks and drinks

At the Helping Hand Food Bank, we want to encourage our clients and everyone else to think about healthy eating. Snacks can help to keep you energized throughout the day. They can be especially important for young children. Their small stomachs can make it hard to get all the food they need at mealtimes.

Did you know? Being mindful of snacking patterns can help reduce your risk of cavities and protect your smile. Sticky foods can adhere to teeth and cause tooth decay. Eat sticky foods, like dried fruit, with other foods to help protect your teeth.

Here are some healthy snack ideas:

·  fruits that pack well such as apples, bananas, or oranges

·  lower fat unsweetened yogurt + berries + walnuts

·  celery + nut butter + raisins

·  plain popcorn

·  nuts and seeds

·  hard-boiled eggs

·  whole grain crackers + muhammara dip + carrot sticks  

·  sliced veggies + creamy hummus

·  savoury broccoli and cheese muffin + a pear

Make a healthy choice!

When choosing snacks, choose those that have little to no added sodium, sugars or saturated fat.

Water is the best choice for your oral and overall health! Sugary drinks such as soda, iced tea, fruit juice, sports drinks, hot chocolate, or energy drinks increase your risk of tooth decay.

Make water the easy choice by:

·  carrying a reuseable water bottle

·  asking for water when eating out

·  keeping a pitcher of water in the fridge

·  drinking water during physical activity or sporting events

You can also try flavouring water with fruits and herbs. Try:

·  blackberries + mint

·  raspberries + cucumber

·  strawberries + fresh basil

·  chopped apples + a cinnamon stick

·  pear slices + a drop of vanilla extract

What about citrus water? Repeated exposure to citrus water can wear down tooth enamel. This is because citrus water is acidic, and anything that is acidic in the diet can demineralize teeth, leading to erosion. To help protect your teeth from erosion, follow these simple steps:

·  use a reusable straw and rinse your mouth with water immediately after

·  consume acidic drinks quickly and in one sitting