Meal Planning for Kids with Braces

As parents, we have to make hard choices for our kids.  Recently, Matt & I had to make the decision for Courtney to have braces and a Bluegrass Roller for the next year.  We talked about it with her and she talked with a friend about it, so I thought we were prepared.  Matt and I both had braces and so we thought it wouldn’t be too bad. 

The day came yesterday….her braces and roller were installed.  She was SOOO brave and handled everything as maturely as an 8 year old can.  The hygienist gave her the overview of everything she can and can’t have for the next year and it hit us hard…we knew it was coming but my first thought was….why did we not have a weekend of goodbyes to all the food she won’t be able to have for the next year.  Then again, this may have caused more anxiety.  We did have popcorn on Sunday and steak last week, but there are so many other things she has to give up while she has braces.

So now, I am searching for what she CAN have over the next year that she likes and that will be considered “treats” for dessert and the upcoming holidays   Overall it's not a bad thing...I've been saying for months I want to incorporate new healthier selctions into our meal plans...especially for the kids breakfast.  So maybe I just needed a bigger reason WHY and that is the braces.

Here is what I have found so far...more posts about what we find and her favorites to follow!!

BREAKFAST

Scrambled eggs
French Toast
Waffles
Oatmeal
Soft Toast
Hard Boil Eggs
Muffins

LUNCH

Lunch meat slices
Yogurt
Pudding
Mandarin Oranges
Grapes

DINNER

Slow-cooked meals
Meatloaf
Meatballs
Fish Sticks
Chicken Nuggets
Potatoes
Pasta
Rice
Baked Apples
Refried Beans
Soup
Cooked Veggies
Mac & Cheese

DESSERT

Ice cream
Cake
Smoothies
Milkshakes
Cheesecake
Pudding
Jell-O

SNACKS

Yogurt
Applesauce
Banana
String Cheese
Cheese Puffs
Potato Chips

TREATS

Soft chocolate
Hershey’s Kisses

Peanut butter cups

3 Musketeer
Soft cookies

Gelatin treats

Ice cream

Smoothies

Root beer floats

Apple cider