Breakfast, the most important meal of the day has also become known as the most sugary meal! Thanks to certain cereals, juices, and spreads — children are consuming half of their daily sugar intake first thing in the morning.
We all know the effect sugar has on teeth, so in an effort to help keep sugar in check for your family here are 4 ways you can reduce sugar during breakfast!
1. Choose cereal carefully. Most cereals on the market that are aimed at kids are loaded with sugar, giving them an immediate sugar rush first thing in the morning! To help your children avoid a mid morning sugar crash, be sure to read nutrition labels carefully. Options like Cheerios (1g of sugar per serving) and Kellogg’s Unfrosted Mini Wheats Bite Size (1g of sugar per serving) are better than popular choices like Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes (11g of sugar per serving) or Kellogg’s Fruit Loops (10g of sugar per serving).
2. Avoid juices. While fruit juice does have some vitamins and antioxidants, it contains no fiber and as much sugar as a soft drink! Instead, keep fruit juice consumption to a minimum and serve your family water or milk with their breakfast. Milk not only helps your bones but the calcium helps protect teeth against gum disease and keeps your mouth strong and healthy!
3. Beware of breakfast pastries! Donuts, muffins, crumb cakes, etc., are all easy grab and go options that can also be loaded with sugar. Instead, consider baking your own treats over the weekend for the week ahead! Try these Whole Wheat Strawberry Banana Muffins (7 g of sugar) with no butter, refined flour, or refined sugar!
4. Choose savory breakfasts. Go savory instead of sweet! Savory breakfasts that provide a good mix of protein, veggies, and flavors are sure to keep your family full until lunchtime. Consider eggs with whole grain toast topped with avocado or these Mini Bacon and Cheese Frittatas that can be made in advance and frozen.
If you have any questions about how to better care for your child’s oral health - give any of our offices a call. Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry has three convenient Long Island locations. We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for updates and industry news!
Readjusting to back to school routines can be a bit chaotic and sometimes healthy living can fall by the wayside. But with some simple changes, this can be avoided!
From healthy eats to family physical activities, check out these tips for keeping your kids on the right track this school year:
Eat healthy.
Hey parents - don’t forget your ABCs: Always check the circulars for discounts on healthy foods, Buy produce in season to cut costs, and Compare brands and package sizes to find the best buy. Check over the Nutrition Facts label to make sure you are choosing foods low in calories, saturated and trans fats, sodium, and sugars to help keep mouth monsters at bay. Pro tip: bring the kids food shopping with you so you can start teaching them how to make healthy choices (and also have extra hands to help pack up the car!).
Reduce screen time.
Kids spend a large part of their day sitting in a classroom, some of which incorporate technology already (iPads and computers). When they get home, help minimize time spent in front of a screen by encouraging more time spent as a family. How? For starters, be a good role model! Practice what you preach and be sure to reduce your own screen time for some motivation. Otherwise, enforce some simple house rules - like promising to eat dinner as a family without the TV on in the background.
Get active.
Another way to help reduce screen time is to encourage more outdoor fun! Whether it’s playing a sport, going for a bike ride, or walking the kids to school - get the whole family involved. Keep track of how your family spends time for a week and then look for 30 minute time slots where everyone can be active together. Take your dog on a walk as a family each weekend, play a game of basketball before dinner, or rake leaves together once fall sets in.
For more information on the above, visit The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and check out their We Can! initiative.
If you have any questions about how to improve your child's oral health please give our offices a call. We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Call (516) 798-1111 or visit our website to schedule an appointment. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for updates and industry news.
