Wanting some healthy snacks? 

With the sun blazing relentlessly, food decisions can be difficult. Messing with the oven will only make the house hotter, which means you’re more likely to reach for the processed snacks tucked away in the pantry. 

Even though it’s hot out there, it’s important to choose nutritious snacks to help you stay healthy, hydrated, energized, and cool! Not only will your body thank you, but the nutrients will help you stay full for longer periods so the fun can continue on for hours on end! 

Looking for healthy snacks doesn’t need to be complicated. When hunting for tasty snacks for your family, reach for fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods. The crunchy veggies help clean your teeth by stimulating saliva production, and the nutrients help strengthen your bones and promote healthy gums and teeth. Plus, the increased water in fruits such as watermelon will help you stay hydrated, keeping dry mouth at bay. 

Ready for some fun snack ideas that the whole family will love? Stick around! We’ve got 5 healthy summer snack ideas ready for you. 

1. Fresh Fruit Popsicles

Those hot summer days aren’t complete without popsicles! Let’s face it: Even if you don’t have kiddos running around the house, these popsicles are a treat. You can customize this recipe however you’d like! But your body will thank you for the nutrients inside the Greek yogurt and fruit. It’s a great way to make the most of those summer fruits, like berries, watermelon, and mango. So what are you waiting for? Throw some in the freezer for the evening heat! 

2. Veggie Chips and Hummus

Looking for the perfect snack to enjoy while binge-watching that new show? Hummus and veggie chips are sure to hit the spot. Made with carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes, you can snack on these veggie chips without the guilt attached to your typical bag of potato chips.

Once you have your chips, you’ll want some dip. Some nutrient-packed hummus is the answer! Throw the ingredients into a food processor, and you’re good to go! 

3. Greek Yogurt Berry Parfaits

Want a snack that looks fancy but takes almost no time at all? Greek yogurt parfaits are the answer! This feel-good food is typically made with berries, granola, and Greek yogurt. You can customize it as you’d like! Want peaches instead of berries? Go for it! Want to make your own granola? Why not! Your entire body will thank you for all of the nutrients in this snack.

4. Cheese and Whole-Grain Crackers

When it’s hot outside, sometimes all you really want is something light to snack on under the breeze of the fan. Make yourself a batch of these whole-grain crackers in advance and enjoy the cheesy flavor. The nutrients in the whole grains will help power your body through the day, while the calcium in the cheese is a tooth-healthy food full of phosphorus and calcium to strengthen teeth and bones.

5. Watermelon Pizza

There’s something magical about watermelon in the heat of the summer. Packed full of tasty hydration, watermelon is the ultimate summer snack. But what would happen if you made a pizza out of it?

Covered in a Greek yogurt glaze and topped with various fruits, you can customize this watermelon pizza to fit exactly what your taste buds want! This is also a great recipe to get the kids involved in—let them pick their own “toppings” and get creative with the decorating. 

Time to experiment! Make your own healthy snacks.

When it’s hot outside, sometimes the last thing you want to do is to cook. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite nutritious snacks and see what your family likes best. You might just make new family memories in the process.

Focusing on healthy snacks this summer will do more for your body than you might think. Not only will it help fuel your body for the eventful season, but it will help you stay hydrated and even help keep your bones and teeth strong. With all of the nutrients on board, your body will feel stronger and more powerful, and you will stay fuller for longer.

Do you have any fun summer snacks that you have created with your family? We’d love to know about them! If you want some more ideas, here are 5 more tooth-friendly snacks that your children are sure to love.

Don’t forget to contact us to request your next appointment with our team at Sheppard Family Dental Care for your regular dental cleaning. This way we can ensure your teeth are healthy and strong so you can prevent future problems. What are you waiting for? We look forward to helping your smile be the best it can be!