Blog Post

Healthy Summer Recipes
Posted on 07/15/2016

Healthy Summer Recipes

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Summer is here, which means warmer weather, vacations, and spending more time with your family.

In the midst of all this excitement, our Amarillo pediatric dentist wants to make sure your family continues to maintain great oral hygiene habits by eating healthy foods.

So Dr. Billy Metcalf and his team have put together a short list of easy and tasty recipes that won’t do damage to your beautiful smiles.

Berry Banana Smoothie

Instead of the typical summertime treat of ice cream, treat your family to something delicious that is also beneficial to your teeth. Yogurt (as seen in this recipe) contains calcium, which strengthens your teeth and decreases risk for tooth decay and cavities.

What You’ll Need:

  • 8 ounces of frozen mixed berries
  • 2 bananas
  • 6 ounces of low-fat vanilla yogurt
  • 1 cup of whole milk
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey
  • Blender

Directions:

  1. Cut the bananas into 2-inch pieces for easier blending.
  2. Add berries, banana pieces, yogurt, milk, and honey into blender. Blend until smooth.
  3. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

Homemade Veggie Chips

Veggie chips make an excellent substitute for potato chips, and the perfect appetizer for your summertime parties. Experiment with different vegetables to see what you and your family like best. Whatever your final creation, it’s a much healthier, tooth-friendlier substitute.

What You’ll Need:

  • Kale, spinach, sweet potatoes, or carrots
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic
  • Pepper

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Cut your kale, spinach, sweet potatoes, or carrots into thin slices.
  3. Mix the veggies with enough olive oil to coat the surface.
  4. Add spices such as garlic and pepper.
  5. Bake for about 12 minutes, flip them once, and cook until they are crispy.
  6. Serve alone or with your favorite dip.

Seven Layer Dip

This homemade dip is perfect to serve with your healthy veggie chips. Be sure to brush and floss after you enjoy this delicious, savory treat!

What You’ll Need:

  • 1 container of sour cream
  • 1 package of taco seasoning mix
  • 2 cans of refried beans
  • 1 jar of tomato salsa
  • 1/2 cup of green onions
  • 1 tomato
  • 2 avocados
  • 2 cups of shredded cheese
  • 1 4-ounce can of sliced black olives
  • 2 cups of shredded lettuce

Directions:

  1. Mix sour cream and taco seasoning together and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  2. Mix the refried beans and salsa together in a saucepan on medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes (until evenly mixed).
  3. Chop the tomato, avocados, and green onions.
  4. Place the cooled beans and salsa mix in a 11x13 inch pan. Spread the seasoning mixture over the beans and salsa.
  5. Proceed to layer the cheese, olives, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, avocados, and green onions in that order.
  6. Serve with your healthy veggie chips or other chip product.

Smile Brighter Today!

Children’s Dentistry of Amarillo specializes in pediatric dentistry for kids of all ages. If you have any questions about your child’s oral health, the services we offer, or want to schedule your next appointment, contact us today. We hope you and your family have a wonderful summer, and we look forward to seeing you in our Amarillo, TX children’s dentistry practice sometime soon!