Do you have a picky eater on your hands? It can be difficult to make sure your children are not only eating healthy meals, but meals that they actually enjoy. Plus, being a dentist, we want to be sure these meals also strengthen your child’s teeth and prevent tooth decay. Brushing their teeth twice daily makes a huge difference, but it’s best to be a step ahead and give them appropriate and enjoyable food.
We’ll make it easy on you and provide you with five meals to better your children’s diet for healthy teeth:
1. Mac and Cheese with Chicken & Broccoli (via Bon Appetit)
Chicken: Prep one pound of skinless, boneless chicken breasts by sprinkling with salt and pepper then brushing both sides with olive oil. Grill the chicken with medium heat until cooked through about six minutes per side. Dice the chicken and set aside.
Broccoli: Boil salted water on medium. Cook two heads broccoli (cut into florets) for about three minutes, until crisp-tender.
Mac and Cheese: Boil a pound of pasta shells over medium heat. Then, place another large saucepan over medium heat and melt two tablespoons of butter. Once butter is melted, add two tablespoons of flour and cook for two minutes while stirring constantly. Gradually mix in four cups of whipping cream and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes while stirring frequently. Add one cup of grated Fontina cheese, and one cup of grated cheddar cheese, stir until sauce is smooth. Want a little more flavor? Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
Add pasta, chicken, and broccoli to the cheese sauce and mix well. Garnish with chives and enjoy!
2. Quick & Creamy Fruit Salad (via Food Network)
Cut two granny smith apples, one, medium, honeydew melon and one 20-ounce can of pineapple rings into ½-inch chunks. Then mix together with ½ cup of: dried cherries, plain yogurt and cream of coconut with a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Stir and serve.
3. Fruit Salsa (via Food Network)
Peel and dice two kiwis, one mango and half a papaya. Then combine them with two tablespoons of chopped fresh mint and ½ cup of orange juice in a large bowl. Refrigerate for at least an hour and serve.
4. Layered Yogurt (via Dairy Council of California)
Crush six (of the twelve) graham crackers squares, then spoon 4 ounces (of the one quart) of yogurt into four large parfait glasses. Top with half of the crushed graham crackers, half a cup of sliced strawberries and half a cup of blueberries. Repeat. Sprinkle the top with nuts and serve with a glass of milk.
5. Chicken Crunchers (via Dairy Council of California)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Set up three separate bowls. In the first bowl you will mix one cup of flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. The second bowl will include four egg whites and half a cup of milk beaten together. The third bowl will contain one and a half cups of cornflakes mixed with one cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Next, you’ll take six chicken breast filets and cut them into strips. Dip each strip into the first bowl, then the second bowl and finally roll around into the third bowl and place in a 13×9-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Bake for 12.5 minutes, turn each strip over, and proceed to cook for another 12.5 minutes. Discard any unused corn flake mixture after coating chicken. Want a little more spice? Add BBQ sauce or ketchup.
