Manage your sweets this summer
As we prepare to rest and relax for the summer, many might be looking forward to unwinding and indulging in a sweet treat – a lot of them actually, to make up for whatever strict boundaries we placed on ourselves during other seasons of the year. Lisa Froechtenigt, a registered dietitian at Baylor College of Medicine, shares how you can manage your sugar intake while not cutting it out altogether.
Summer schedules, especially with kids out of school and travel plans, often cause shifts in our eating habits. While a snow cone, a popsicle or a soda are fine to eat or drink here and there, make sure that you are still eating a full, balanced meal with the nutrients you need to fuel your body.
“Be mindful that you are not having 3 to 4 servings [of sugary foods]. That’s probably not ideal. Essentially, people need to watch their blood sugar,” Froechtenigt said.
She adds that you don’t want to restrict yourself from sugar, because then you’ll want it more and binge on it.
“It’s like telling a kid not to do something, and then they keep doing it,” Froechtenigt said.
If you plan on going to parties where cake, cookies and other sweets are around, enjoy it by knowing that it’s not something you are going to eat every day.
To help curb your sugar cravings this summer, think of fiber, protein, fats, fruits and vegetables.
“Fiber in general is helpful, and fruits contain fiber. Try pairing it with protein. Dried fruits with mixed nuts are also a good option,” Froechtenigt said.
She also said to try:
- Apples and peanut butter.
- Berries with Greek yogurt. You can put this into a popsicle mold!
- Frozen and fresh fruit: Pineapples, bananas, mangoes and berries are great for the summertime.
By Taylor Barnes
