There’s a chill in the air.
When the weather gets that bite to it and the leaves begin to flutter their way to the ground, something sparks inside us all—we start to crave those warm, comforting winter family recipes. The sad part is that as much as our tongues and minds love to indulge in these meals, our bodies, including our teeth, can suffer. Now, we’re not saying to skip your grandmother’s pumpkin pie! Just try to enjoy all of the seasonal treats in moderation.
If you’re on the hunt for some tooth-approved winter recipes that you can whip together for dinner, (and that the entire family will love) keep on reading! While in the kitchen, don’t forget to get those little ones involved as much as you can! This is bound to create a lifetime of fond memories.
Winter Recipes Food Guide
It can be hard to know what foods to avoid when it comes to our teeth. We know to keep a watchful eye on all the candy and sweets, but what else could be hiding in our regular foods? In general, you want to avoid foods that are full of sugar or acids. Sugar mixes with the natural bacteria in our mouths, turning into an acid that begins chipping away at your enamel. Whenever possible, try to reach for those leafy greens, dairy products rich in calcium, or even nuts. With just a little creativity and practice, you can find loads of foods that will keep your teeth happy and healthy!
1. Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup
On those really cold days, sometimes all you want is a good comfort soup. This instant pot butternut squash soup is an excellent one to add to the rotation! The whole recipe only takes about 10 minutes to prepare for the instant pot, so why not give it a try?
Butternut squash is full of beta carotene, which is known for helping build that enamel on your teeth. As the enamel is your tooth’s shield, keeping it healthy is a vital step to preventing tooth decay.
2. Cauliflower Steak
Whether you’re vegetarian or want to cut down on your meat consumption (or not!), this cauliflower steak is the recipe for you! Cauliflower is a powerhouse when it comes to nutrients.
It’s packed full of fiber, calcium, and vitamins K and C. Vitamin C and K are amazing at strengthening those teeth. The calcium helps you prevent tooth decay by strengthening the enamel on the outside of your teeth. Fiber-filled foods are known for helping keep those teeth clean!
3. Sausage, Mustard, and Apple Hash
There’s something magical about potatoes. If you want to make a bag of potatoes even more tasty, try adding in some sausage, mustard, and even apples. Yep, you heard me right—apples! This sausage, mustard, and apple hash is bound to be a winner! The apples are full of fiber, which can help keep your teeth and gums clean.
4. Curry Pomegranate Protein Bowl
For a warm, nutty meal that is sure to help create memories, give this curry pomegranate protein bowl a try! The lentils are packed full of nutrients, especially fiber. The pomegranate is thought to help reduce plaque. Now, it can also stain—so don’t forget to brush those teeth!
5. Spiced Butternut Squash Chili
Put that Dutch oven to good use with this cozy, spiced butternut squash chili. This recipe will make you want to curl up in front of the fire and soak in the decadent scents. Butternut squash is chock full of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, which aids in keeping your teeth strong and helps fight gum disease. You can add Greek yogurt to the recipe, which is also a great source of calcium.
+1 For Desert
When it comes to comfort food, sometimes you just want something sweet. Completely vegan and easily adjusted to become sugar-free, these Peanut Butter Hemp Cookies are sure to curb those cravings. If you need to lessen the sugar, you can substitute regular syrup for sugar-free maple syrup. These cookies sneak some extra protein into your day, thanks to the hemp and the peanut butter.
Every little bit counts.
It can be overwhelming to choose tooth-friendly ingredients instead of easy, sugar-filled treats. Remember to enjoy those goodies with moderation, and that even one small change can make a difference!
The winter blues often come hand-in-hand with snacking and sugar-filled sweets. So get that family out of the house, make some memories, and try out a few new winter recipes! Remember, we’re here to help keep your entire family smiling brightly, all season long. If it’s been a while since you’ve come in to see us, you can make an appointment online!