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4 Tips for Healthy Midsummer Snacking

According to the Food Institute Report, a surprising 80 percent of Americans snack on unhealthy foods more during the summer months. Dr. Helen Lee, a practitioner for Chicagohealers.com, says there are great ways to eat healthy while still enjoying the occasional delight of summer treats. The easiest way is to take advantage of the wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that are available during the summer. Fruits tend to be more cleansing to the internal body and vegetables tend to be more nourishing.

"Summer diets are all about eating lighter for a season when our bodies are naturally more active," says Dr. Lee. "Eating light and staying active can increase metabolism, which helps with weight loss, something many Americans hope for during the summer bathing suit season."

Dr. Lee provides the following suggestions to help maintain healthy eating throughout the summer:

  • Color Matters – Red fruits and vegetables contain more lycopene, which improves blood pressure and joint function. Green fruits and vegetables contain chlorophyll, fiber and pthalides, which improve sleep, blood pressure, immune function and digestion.
  • Avoid Heavy Foods– Meat protein, such as turkey, pork, lamb or beef, is heavy and requires extra digestion. Especially when fried, meat protein creates acid, which in turn creates inflammation in the body. This can slow down all the body's movements.
  • Eat Light – Fruits and vegetables tend to be lighter foods because they digest quickly and provide a high quantity of nutrients, which fuel the body. Lighter foods allow the body to move better and be more active
  • Hydrate – Drink water before getting thirsty in order to avoid dehydration. Once thirst is noticeable, the body has already lost a considerable amount of hydrations. Hydration helps with metabolism, brain, muscle and organ functions.
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