Wellness Bytes

  Braces-Friendly Healthy Summer Treats 

Focus on Fruit   Summer in the Okanogan is a great place to be.  Fresh fruit is in abundance.  Cherries, peaches, apricots, watermelon, strawberries, blueberries and more.  So many fun ways to enjoy fruit!   

Fresh fruit Quick and easy.  Naturally sweet and healthy.  Eat a rainbow of colors.  Each color has different nutrients and health benefits.  For something fun and different try making fruit kabobs and placing bite sized pieces on a skewer.
*Just remember biting into a harder fruit like an apple isn't braces-friendly.  Be sure to cut the apple into small chunks,  

Fruit popsicles

There is nothing like enjoing a fruit popsicle on a hot day.  A 100% store bought juice popsicle is a healthy choice.  But for something super yummy try making your own. 

Make your own fruit popsicles

Freezing fruit juice like orange, grape, or apple is super easy.  Mixing some pureed fruit with juice infuses different flavors and texture.  To add visual appeal you can add fresh raspberries, bueberries or thinly sliced strawberries, mango, or kiwi.

Adding yogurt makes a popsicle creamier and gives protein and probiotics.  Adding blended bananas makes for a softer, creamier bite.  Coconut cream is also a yummy way to make a creamier popsicle.

Try googling "fruit smoothies" for many tasty ideas.

Fruit smoothies

Who can turn down a fruit smoothie on a summer day.  Especially one that is overflowing with healthy goodness.

Many fun and healthy fruit smoothie ideas can be found on the web.  The recipe below is an easy guide.

Basic Fruit Smoothie Recipe

• 2 cups frozen fruit chunks--strawberries, mixed berries, mangoes, peaches, frozen pineapple, kiwi, etc.  Your choice.
• 1 ripe banana--frozen or fresh
• 1/4 cup yogurt (any kind)
• 1/2 cup liquid--Milk (dairy, almond, soy, coconut)  Any type will work.
• Sweetener and add-ins optional

Directions:  Put liquid in blender first, then gradually add fruit.