Give Thanks For Dental Health (Recipes Included!)

24 Nov Give Thanks For Dental Health (Recipes Included!)

With Thanksgiving coming up I know it can be tempting to gorge yourself with food until you can’t eat anymore, well until dessert time rolls around, that’s when you suddenly have enough room in your stomach for more food. Not only can this be bad for your gut, but for your teeth too, as Thanksgiving favorites such as candied yams, sweetened cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie typically contain lots of refined sugar that eats away at your tooth enamel. With this in mind it goes without saying that eating healthier food is much better for your dental health, so this Thanksgiving try to find some healthier ways to enjoy your favorite dishes, and try some new ones as well!

Serving cheese, raw vegetables, as well as an assortment of nuts as an appetizer is a great way to satisfy hunger,get some fiber into  your belly, and prevents you from overeating heavily when the main course finally arrives.  Cheese contains Casein, which is a protein found in milk products, and Casein helps prevent cavities and fortifies the surfaces of your teeth, while nuts assists in the production of saliva (which helps to fight germs and prevents decay) and contains minerals and calcium that helps strengthen your teeth. For the main course cook your turkey this year with fresh herbs and spices, and as for the side, serve some vegetables sauteed in coconut oil and garlic, as both contain ingredients that will provide anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties to the mouth.

Now for everyone’s favorite part, dessert!  Serve fresh fruit, as the fiber will aid in digestion, and try to opt for deserts that use natural sweeteners, not ones that use artificial (especially avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup).  Making some of your own is also a great option, and below are two delicious recipes to try this Thanksgiving; the best part is that these desserts are healthy for you, and actually contain ingredients that are good for you and your teeth.  So instead of pumpkin pie, maybe serve pumpkin smoothies and have some chocolate avocado pudding this year!

1) Pumpkin Smoothies (makes 2-3 servings)
– 1 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

– 1 cup coconut milk

– 1 cup crushed ice

– 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

– 1 tsp pumpkin spice blend (cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, allspice)

-1/2 tbsp coconut oil

– Maple syrup, pure stevia extract, lucuma, honey to taste (pick one or more)

Blend all ingredients together and drink up!

2) Chocolate Avocado Pudding (makes 4-6 servings)

-2 ripe medium-sized avocados

-1/4 cup cacao powder (cacao is raw chocolate and it is unsweetened-has many amazing health benefits!)

– 3/4 cup honey (to taste)

-2-3 tablespoons coconut oil 

-dash of sea salt 

-1 tablespoon vanilla 

Blend all ingredients together in a food processor; can be served as is or can be chilled in the refrigerator.

Enjoy!