People with brand new braces from a Vaughan Orthodontist are always full of questions. One of the most common questions we hear at the office is “What can I eat with braces on?”
This is a good question to ask. Certain foods can be hard on your braces. A craving for corn on the cob can quickly cost you a trip back to Vaughan Orthodontics for repairs, or it might just give you a sore mouth and a tough cleaning job to do. Either one is a bad Saturday afternoon, so knowing what you should and should not eat is important.
Soft Foods – Less Sugar
Eating with Vaughan braces is a lot like eating without braces. You want a balanced diet, with a healthy amount of vegetables and fruit. You also need your protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats. You need vitamins and minerals from A to Zinc (especially when you feel like H), and you want to avoid junk food as much as possible.
When you wear Thornhill braces, you want the same things – only softer. Tough foods can be uncomfortable for new braces. So how do we get the best of both worlds?
Steam Cook Your Vegetables
Carrots, broccoli and cauliflower are all healthy snacks with a crunch. That crunch can be tough on your braces, so try giving them a little steam bath to soften up before eating them. Frying, and boiling will also soften them, but the general consensus is that steam keeps the flavor and nutrients locked in, making it the best option for cooking healthy greens.
The Slow Cooker Is Your Friend
When it comes to softening foods, there might be no better way to prepare a meal than by using a slow cooker. Choose your ingredients in the morning, place it on the required setting, and let it stew for the day. Typical stew meat can be quite tough and stringy, so try using the slow cooker with other foods like boneless chicken breast, or softer cuts of beef.
No Pain Grains
Grains are a big part of a balanced diet, but early morning toast will be a bit more uncomfortable to crunch on than it was before. It’s time to explore the alternatives.
If you’re craving some baked goods to start your morning, there’s nothing wrong with a warm croissant or a fresh muffin. Try to skip out on muffins with excessive sugary toppings (that’s a cupcake you’re holding).
Try Something Different
First week of Richmond Hill braces can be quite challenging so why not start of your day with a smoothie.
Breakfast Smoothies - Strawberry, Mango, and Yogurt Smoothie
A fresh fruit smoothie is also a great source of natural fiber. Use banana as a base, and add in a mix of fresh berries. Scoop in some yogurt, and a spoonful of honey, and you’ve almost got a dessert!