Braces Friendly Summer Recipes

At John Orthodontics, we love the summertime! School is out and it’s a time for fun vacations, trips to the beach and summer BBQs filled with our favorite summer foods.

Throughout your orthodontic treatment, we’ve told you that you should avoid hard, sticky and crunchy foods so that you don’t break your braces. You know what to avoid, but what about foods you can enjoy? We’re excited to share some of our favorite braces friendly summer recipes for you to enjoy all summer!

Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Soft Tacos

These delicious soft tacos taste great topped with tomatoes, lettuce, grated cheese and sour cream.

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breasts, pounded thin

8 soft flour tortillas

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon cumin

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar

1 to 2 tablespoons oil

1/2 tablespoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

¼ teaspoon salt

Directions

Rub the chicken with the chili mixture and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate for up to one day.

Preheat broiler to high or gas grill to medium. Set rack about 6 inches from source of heat. Grill chicken pieces until firm or for about 5 minutes per side. Let cool and then cut into small pieces. Warm tortillas according to package directions, and add chicken to the tortillas. Top with your choice of toppings. Enjoy!

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Pineapple & Blueberry Smoothie

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a delicious and refreshing smoothie! This braces-friendly recipe is packed with vitamins and nutrients and is gentle on your braces. Feel free to change up the recipe to include your favorite fruits.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups chopped, frozen pineapple (it’s best if you freeze fresh pineapple chunks)

1 cup frozen blueberries

2 cups natural yogurt, unflavored

½ cup orange juice

2 T honey

Directions

Blend all the ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve with a straw or spoon. Makes 2 or 3 smoothies, depending on the size of glasses you use.

Contact Our Coral Springs Office

If you have any questions about what foods to avoid during orthodontic treatment, or you’d like to schedule an appointment with Dr. John, contact our Coral Springs orthodontic office today. We’re always happy to help!