Tooth-Friendly Snacks for Game Day
Healthy Snacks to Enjoy at Your Next Football Party
Football season is in full swing and many people across the country are getting together to watch the big game. With the Superbowl only a few weeks away and many other Bowl games and regular season games coming up, there is always the temptation to indulge in those delicious, but no so healthy, party foods that always seem to be present. A lot of the snack foods we enjoy during football season are just as bad for our teeth as they are for our waistline – for your next football get together, why not try some of these delicious, tooth-friendly snacks that your mouth will thank you for.
Deviled Eggs
We usually reserve serving deviled eggs for certain holidays, like Easter and Christmas, but deviled eggs are a great anytime snack that will not wreak havoc on your oral health. Eggs are a great source of phosphorous, which helps teeth build enamel. Additionally, you can use Greek yogurt and mustard mixed together to make deviled egg filling instead of mayonnaise – doing this will also help deliver a healthy dose of protein and calcium that will help teeth and bones grow strong.
Naked Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are a very popular football food, but the sauces that usually come along with them can cause damage to teeth. Sugary, sweet barbeque sauces are a popular addition to this time honored snack, but the excess sugar on the tooth’s surface can cause cavities and tooth decay. Wings without the sugary sauce are a much better option. Choosing a spicy alternative like spicy mustard or a curry sauce can add the flavor you are looking for without the decay causing sugars.
Healthy Bean Dip
Packaged vegetables dips often have hidden sugars that you may not even know about. A great alternative to a packaged dip is making homemade white bean dip. Recipes for this are simple and will really be a crowd pleaser at your next party – simply take a can of cannellini beans, or white kidney beans, olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary, and garlic and mash them all together. The kidney beans are packed with fiber, which will help keep you fuller longer, avoiding those additional snacks.
Football season is a great time of year filled with fun and food! Instead of depriving yourself of all the great tailgating foods that are available, making smarter choices about what you are eating can make a huge difference in not only your oral health but your overall health as well.
If you are worried about the toll all of your snacking has already taken on your teeth, it might be time to visit the dentist. Sign up for a New Hampshire discount dental plan and you can save as much as 20 percent off all dental bills. For more information, click here.
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