Christmas Choices From Columbia Orthodontics

It’s Christmas. It’s party time. It’s a season to enjoy friends and family.

It’s also a time be careful. We know how difficult it can be to maintain a healthy diet during this season. After all, there are some really great caramels, and chocolate logs or taffy. It’s difficult to say, “Nah, never mind.”

You need to remember that sugar turns to acid in your mouth and acid eats away at the enamel on your teeth and between your braces. Then, you can start getting cavities.

Try to stick to “braces-friendly” snacks–pumpkin pie or waffles.

Here are some recipes you might want to try.

Banana Bonanza Smoothie (makes one 8-ounce serving)

Ingredients
4 ice cubes
1 ¼ cup low-fat chocolate milk
1 banana, peeled and cut into chunks
1 teaspoon wheat germ

Directions
Place the ice cubes, chocolate milk, banana chunks and wheat germ into a blender. Blend together on medium speed until smooth (about 20 seconds), making sure all ice chips dissolve. Pour into a tall glass, and enjoy!

Perfect Potato Pancakes (makes 6 medium pancakes)

Ingredients
1 egg
½ teaspoon salt
½ diced small onion
1½ tablespoons flour
1/8 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 cup milk
1½ cups cubed raw potatoes
Non-stick vegetable spray

Directions
Place all of the ingredients into a blender, and blend until smooth (about 20-30 seconds). Coat a frying pan with the non-stick vegetable spray, and place over medium heat. Pour a portion of the pancake batter into the frying pan. Cook until the underside is golden brown, about two minutes. Turn the quesadilla over with a spatula. Continue to cook, until the bottom turns golden brown, about two minutes. Cook until the underside is golden brown, about two minutes. Turn the quesadilla over with a spatula. Continue to cook, until the bottom turns golden brown, about two minutes. Using a spatula, place the potato pancake on a plate. Repeat directions for the remaining batter. Salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to top the potato pancakes with a dollop of apple sauce.

Call 360 883-3800 for any concerns with your braces.