Getting through the work day or school day can be a difficult task if you aren’t nurturing your body with good foods. Luckily, there are simple swaps and snacks you can pick up if you want to help yourself feel better. Continue reading to learn more about healthy snacking and how you can implement them into your daily routines.
Staying Level
“When our blood sugar level crashes, our prefrontal cortex (the bit of our brain responsible for making decisions) can’t work properly,” explains Suzy Glaskie, author of “Snacking Smarter Every Day” for Wellness Journal magazine. “It’s no wonder, then, so many of us feel like our brain is sluggish after indulging in a sweet treat. Coupled with the drop in cognitive function, our mood is affected too.” The key, then, is to make sure you’re staying level with your snacking. You don’t want your blood sugar to fluctuate too much. Staying level is the key.
Small Changes for Good
“The first thing to remember is we need protein with each meal,” Glaskie explains. Protein is key to helping us stay level throughout the day. Making sure you eat breakfast is also something that’s extremely important. This helps to keep you level, as well. “So many of us eschew breakfast, launching ourselves into work until we hit a wall and run for the first quick-fix we can find,” says Glaskie. “The smarter strategy is to insulate ourselves against cravings by fueling up with nutrient-packed meals.” While this all seems like common knowledge, too many of us don’t follow this advice. We may not even realize that some of the snacks we are turning to aren’t good for us. Read on below for foods we should stay away from and what we can substitute them with.
Snacking Dos and Don’ts
Here are some treats that we should avoid when we are looking for a snack:
- Low-fat yogurts
- Diet drinks
- Posh coffees
- Artisan popcorns
These foods are often full of sugar that we don’t need. Instead of eating these foods, try substituting them with the following:
- Protein
- Nuts and seeds
- Fruits and veggies
- Green tea
- Lots of water
These foods are good substitutes because they are packed with protein, good fats, and lots of vitamins. Lots of water is also something that you should be implementing in your diet. It helps clear your system and keep you hydrated.
Arbor Behavioral Healthcare is here to help you refine your diet during your recovery. Call us today for more information about how we can help you. You can reach us at 844-413-2690. Call now. We can’t wait to speak with you!