Top KC Dentist-Approved Picnic Basket Foods for Springtime!

Spring is in the air! The weather is warming up, the grass is green, and the flowers and trees are in bloom. It’s the perfect time to spend a day with a friend or the family enjoying a picnic. What’s more, Kansas City is filled with ideal locations for your next outdoor meal, from city parks to green spaces of all kinds. If you’re ready to pack up that picnic basket this weekend, why not fill it with foods that are delicious and good for you? Read on for your top dentist-approved picnic basket foods for springtime direct from your family dentist in Kansas City!

Main Course. Here in the Midwest, sandwiches are the go-to main course in your picnic basket, but other options may be healthier for your teeth and your calorie count. Try using lunch meat and lettuce leaves to make breadless “wraps”! They’re delicious, give a good crunch, and are easy to transport! If you prefer fried chicken for your picnic lunches, try removing the skin before you eat. Not only is it healthier that way, it’s also less likely to get stuck between your teeth later on.

Sides. Sure, some of the more popular side dishes for picnics involve pasta or potato salad, but why not get creative with some tooth-healthy foods that may catch your family pleasantly off guard? Try doing a cheese board with different cut cheeses. These are rich in calcium, which is great for your teeth. Nuts and seeds make easy and filling snacks that are packed with healthy nutrients. Looking to make a side salad? Try nutritious greens such as spinach and kale. Pack along some hummus for dipping pita bread or vegetables. Hummus is made with chickpeas and sesame seeds, so it’s full of vitamins and minerals! Speaking of vegetables, it’s also farmers market season, which means that it’s a perfect time to add some delicious, fresh vegetables to your picnic. Crispy veggies such as carrots, celery, and radishes can even act as “nature’s toothbrush” and help scrub your teeth and gums while you’re enjoying the great outdoors!

Dessert. When it comes to dessert, cut fruits are going to be better for your dental health than brownies or chocolate chip cookies. Strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, and red or green grapes are all in season and can be easily packed up without turning brown or mushy. Plus, they’re easy to eat outside! As your family dentist in Kansas City, though, we must remind you that fruits taste sweet because they are naturally high in sugar, so be sure to rinse with some water after your meal or carry some sugar-free gum.

Drinks. If you’re out on a picnic—or at any other time—it’s a good idea to avoid soda and energy drinks, which come loaded with extra sugars. In fact, on a warm spring day, the best thing you can drink is plain water or maybe water with a little bit of lemon. Sipping water will help keep you hydrated on a warm day and help you avoid tooth-damaging sugars. For the ideal amount of lemon, add one half lemon or equivalent juice to 12 to 16 ounces of water.

When you’re packing up that picnic basket to enjoy the beautiful spring weather, pack some of these dentist-approved, tooth-healthy foods so you can snack responsibly. If you need a checkup or anything else, don’t hesitate to call Blacker Family Dental, your family dentist in Kansas City, at (816) 763-8400 or click here to schedule an appointment today.