3 Dentist Approved “Cheat Sweets”
Some days we can’t help ourselves either! We all have a sweet tooth and at times the urge is too strong not to treat ourselves. However, there are a few sweet treats you can nom on that can satisfy your urge without compromising your dental health! Are you surprised to learn there are mouth healthy sweet treats that are so good you won’t even miss the “bad” stuff? Check out our favorite sweet treats that are dentist approved!
Nada Moo
If you absolutely have to get an ice cream fix, we recommend Nada Moo. Plus, you’re supporting a local central Texas business at the same time too! Nada Moo is an Austin-based dessert company that offers an ice cream alternative we know you will love too. One of our favorite things about this great company is how inclusive they are for those with dietary limitations. All of their products are certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan and only use fair trade certified ingredients. So you never have to wonder what else may be in your sweet treat. (This coconut milk sweet treat that you can find at H-E-B is even a good source of fiber!)
Frozen Fruit Bars
Another sweet frozen treat is frozen fruit bars! There are a variety of good ones, the key is getting one that is made only with fruit and contain no added sugar (this includes ingredients ending in “-ose”). If you’re up for an easy and fun (cook-free) kitchen adventure we recommend creating your own! All you need is some popsicle molds, a blender, and your favorite fruits, which you can get for a dollar or two at any H-E-B, Walmart or Target. (Some silicon molds work well too!) Just blend up your favorite fruit(s), pour them into the mold, and freeze for a few hours. This is one of our favorite family food activities!
Mama Chia
These yummy, squeeze-able snacks are perfect for busy patients who need to satisfy their cravings on-the-go! They come in a variety of delicious flavors and kids love them too. Not to mention, chia seeds are an amazing addition to any diet. They are high in fiber and are incredibly healthy for your digestive health. These are great for packing for lunches, picnics and road trips, making them parent favorites! There are available in most local stores and sometimes in bulk at Sam’s or Costco.
The truth is, we can’t avoid sweets all of the time. The trouble comes in when we over-consume sugary foods (especially when paired with poor oral hygiene). This leads to your teeth being covered in sugar for longer periods of time, which feeds the bacteria that cause cavities. The key is healthy moderation and good oral hygiene! So don’t be mean to yourself, allow yourself to “cheat” a little with sweet treats on occasion with one of our healthier recommendations. For more information on healthy foods or to schedule a dental appointment, please feel free to contact us.