Snacks Made To Rejuvenate

Sugar may give you a short‐lived energy boost, but a high intake allows for fat to be stored in the body—resulting in an increase in your triglyceride levels and insulin resistance. This inflation may increase your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Sugar can also cause cavities and a sugar addiction.

Sugar addiction can occur simply by consuming it too often.

Our body’s immediate response to sugar is an increase in serotonin levels, which could cause us to crave more sugar. Foods rich in protein, and high in fiber and complex carbohydrates, provide lasting energy to help curb your sugar cravings.

Ditch the Sugary Snacks

Replace your usual snacks with healthier alternatives: almonds, air‐popped popcorn, peanut butter, bananas, kale chips, and hummus with veggies.

Aim to eat foods that will keep you satisfied longer and steer clear of foods with little to no nutritional value.

Vegetables and fruit have a high water content which will help to keep you hydrated. They are also high in fiber and vitamins and low in fat. Raw vegetables (crudités) and dip are filling and nutritious, says Deb Dobies, dietitian with Beebe's Ornish Lifestyle Medicine program.

Here are a few more snack ideas to try this summer:
•   Hard-boiled eggs or egg whites
•   brown rice cakes
•   yogurt (try freezing it the night before!)
•   nonfat pudding cups
•   individual cereal boxes (Grape Nuts or whole grain Cheerios)
•   baked tortillas chips and salsa
•   unsalted, roasted edamame or chickpeas
•   unsalted roasted nuts or trail mix
•   unsalted homemade popcorn
•   unsalted whole grain pretzels.