Sometimes, it can be hard enough to get your kids to start the day off right with a healthy and complete breakfast. When your child has braces, it can be even more difficult to eat breakfast if their favorite pre-braces breakfast included crunchy cereals or tough-to-chew granola. Bagels are also too chewy and can cause extra wear and tear on your braces.
Overall health can impact your oral health, and having breakfast is a healthy habit your kids should start early. It’s important to stay away from sugary breakfast options, which can lead to plaque. Instead, opt for options that are high in protein to keep your kids full and focused longer. Avoid the sweet cereals and toaster pastries and instead check out this mix of on-the-go options and fun, easy recipes.
Good Breakfast Foods for Kids with Braces
Foods low in sugar and crunch are perfect for your kid with braces. Try yogurt and a little bit of honey for a natural touch of sweetness. Instead of topping with crunchy granola, use sliced bananas or berries for an extra dose of nutrients. Fresh fruit cups are another easy breakfast option. Make sure to avoid seedy fruits like strawberries or blackberries, which can get stuck between braces, and stick to cantaloupe, honey dew, grapes or oranges.
Bobo’s Oat Bars: These soft-baked oat bars are the perfect on-the-go breakfast option for busy kids. Not only do they come in vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free recipes, they are also high in protein and packed with all-natural ingredients to get your kids the nutrition they need to carry them through their busy day.
Braces-friendly Breakfast Recipes
Breakfast Egg Muffin Cups from Super Healthy Kids are a protein-packed, hand-held meal all in itself. The base ingredients are just a few things: eggs (of course), milk, cottage cheese, and salt and pepper. From there you can customize these egg muffins however you wish. Some simple suggestions include tossing in mushrooms, spinach, and peppers for a more veggie-rich route. If your kid has an action-packed day and needs plenty of protein, you can also dice up, ham, bacon, and sausage for a meat-lover’s dream. There’s plenty of ways to customize your mixture. Once you have it ready, fill muffin tin cups three-quarters full and bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes.
A Sunshine Smoothie from My Picky Eater is the perfect way to pack in nutrients at the start of your child’s day, and it’s easy to make a large batch for the whole week. This Vitamin C-rich smoothie is straightforward and delicious. Just blend orange juice, banana, an orange, yogurt, a bit of vanilla extract, and some ice for a delicious and healthy on-the-go breakfast option that your kids will love, because it tastes just like the creamsicle.
Baked Oatmeal Delight from Cookie + Kate is a naturally sweet breakfast option with a fraction of sugar of traditional store-bought pastry and cereal options. This customizable oatmeal bake can include frozen fruit straight from the bag to add natural sweetness to the start of your child’s day.
Whether your child is off to school or gearing up for a day of summer vacation fun, these braces-friendly breakfast options are sure to hit the spot and keep them at their best.
