If you operate like most people, then you have to get out and do things during the summer. Moving your workouts outside allows you to embrace both the benefits of exercise and being in fresh air and nature. That is especially true if you go on scenic hikes, swim in lakes, or head to the beach. Although working out in the heat can bring about certain risks, it also brings a host of benefits, which we detail in this article. 

You do not have to be a full-blown outdoors person to want to exercise outside. If you choose to train outside in the heat, you can reap several benefits, despite the challenges that it presents. Continue reading to learn about the top five benefits of exercising in the heat.

Enhance Mental Strength

When you run on the treadmill indoors and the air conditioning is going strong, you may get comfortable. That isn’t to say that running is easy, but you don’t have to face the elements, nor do you have to face uneven terrain. Running outside is a different experience, no matter the temperature. Training in the heat, though, requires you to adapt to the discomfort. In doing so, you actually build mental strength that you can transfer to everyday life, which helps you be more resilient overall.

Burn More Calories

The body’s temperature elevates a little more outside in the heat than it does inside an air-conditioned gym. That ultimately increases the body’s metabolic rate, and the body also has to work harder to cool down. In order to do both of those things, the body needs to burn more calories, which makes it a little easier to lose a couple pounds. Note that this is a temporary calorie expenditure and should not replace long-term strategies like strength training, consistent aerobic activity, and healthy diet. 

Increases Sweat And Blood Circulation

When you are in hot weather, what do you notice? You sweat, right? The body’s natural response to heat exposure is increased sweat production and blood circulation. By learning to adapt to these circumstances, you train the body to become tolerant and familiar with a range of temperatures. Plus, working out in the heat can help improve heart rate and sweat rate, two things that boost cardiovascular health. 

Improve Endurance

Becoming more comfortable in an uncomfortable setting is the name of the game if you want to push your body. By pushing through the discomfort, you can improve your tolerance for tougher workouts. According to research, people who are more acclimated to heat and fully hydrated have less body heat storage and perform optimally during exercise-heat stress. Additionally, one study conducted on elite athletes shows that heat training increases the production of hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen to the body’s organs and tissues. That process helps to improve cardiovascular endurance. 

Encourages Detoxification

Research indicates that people routinely have sweating rates of one liter per hour when working in hot weather. The increased sweat rate actually encourages detoxification, allowing the body to get rid of excess toxins in the body via sweat. While this is beneficial, don’t forget that you must replenish fluids after expelling that much sweat. Drink plenty of water and consider adding electrolytes, or consuming electrolyte-rich beverages like coconut water, in order to enhance hydration and replenish minerals.

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If ever there was a duo to boost digestive function, it is pineapple and papaya. These two tropical fruits, while incredibly bright and delicious, offer impressive health benefits, specifically for immune, skin, and digestive health. Given that papaya is a classic summer fruit, there is no better time to get your hands one for this smoothie. Pineapple is considered a spring and summer fruit, despite the fact that they are typically available throughout the year. During the summer, though, you may notice that the price of a pineapple goes down, meaning it is in season.

You’ll love this smoothie for several reasons, primarily because of the refreshing tropical flavors and nutritional content. We are talking nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and an array of antioxidants. The omega-3s and protein come primarily from flaxseeds, which also offer a great nutty flavor. As a pro tip, make sure to use ground flaxseed, as the whole seeds may not properly blend with smoothie ingredients. Flaxseed also offers beneficial fiber, helping to ensure regular bowel movements. The smoothie also contains coconut oil, which offers healthy fats and makes the smoothie more filling. Not into adding coconut oil to your smoothie? Feel free to add the same amount of raw almond butter instead!

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The sun is shining, the grill is lit, and the vibes are chill. There is nothing quite like a backyard BBQ with friends and family, especially when you have an incredible spread of delicious delicacies. How could anything be wrong with that? Well, the unfortunate truth is that, in addition to your main course, you may also end up with a side of food poisoning. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 48 million people in the United States get a food-borne illness every year. During summer, infections that result Salmonella, Listeria, and other pathogens hit their peak during summer. Food researchers found that food-borne illnesses are 10 times more common from July through September than in winter months. Why does food become riskier to eat during the summer, though? Continue reading to learn more about that and how to keep yourself safe.

Summer Presents Ideal Conditions for Harmful Pathogens

By definition, a food-borne illness occurs when you eat food that has been contaminated with bacteria or pathogens. If you consume contaminated food, you can experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms that range in severity. Some bacteria or pathogens are more problematic in the summer because they thrive in warmer temperatures. Heat actually helps bacteria multiply, and the added humidity can also increase their presence. 

In addition to the aforementioned risks, how you prepare food becomes riskier during summer. More people cook, eat, and socialize outside. Not only do the sanitary risks increase, but so does the likelihood of contamination from food sitting out. That does not mean that you have to completely avoid outdoor celebrations that involve food all summer. It is our job to illustrate common cooking mistakes that are more common during summer. Avoid them and you should be in good shape!

Keeping Food In “The Danger Zone”

The problem is that it becomes difficult to ensure that food is adequately heated at picnics or backyard barbecues. Bacteria in food that is between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit (F), which the USDA refers to as “the Danger Zone,” multiply at a rapid rate. The fix is to keep food out of this danger zone by keeping cold food cold and hot food hot. Keep cooked meats in a warm oven or on a warming tray. Keep cold food, such as fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and cold cut meats in a refrigerator or cooler until ready to serve. Put cold dishes in bowls of ice if you host buffet-style. Get rid of any food that’s out for more than an hour when it is at least 90 degrees F outside. 

People Are More Relaxed About Hygiene 

It’s a fact that people tend to take fewer sanitary measures when they eat outdoors. A squirt of hand sanitizer here and there will not suffice, people. Outdoor surfaces are also not as clean as indoor kitchen surfaces. This increases the risk of cross-contamination – think leaving raw meat on a cutting board and then placing vegetables on it. For example, E. coli on the raw burger patty may end up on tomato slices, which can also stem from lack of hand-washing because a sink is unavailable. Sharing utensils or paper plates is another common way to spread bacteria. 

To reduce the risk of cross-contamination, make sure to thoroughly rinse and wash all utensils, cutting boars, and other equipment, especially if they touch raw meat and poultry. The same applies to your hands. The USDA recommends washing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water in order to properly clean any germs off your hands. Keep raw and ready-to-eat foods separate as well. Store them separately in the fridge and always keep them covered. Have dedicated cutting or preparation surfaces for raw meat and poultry. 

Not Fully Cooking Food

Now, there are great grillers out there, but not everyone knows how to properly cook meat on the grill. Grilled foods may not cook all the way through. For example, the outside may sear, but the inside can be raw or undercooked, which increases the risk of food-borne illnesses. If you plan on grilling meat or poultry, you can get a meat thermometer to ensure that your protein is up to temp. When your meats are the proper internal temperature, especially chicken and turkey, your risk of contracting a food-borne illness is much lower. 

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Like many holidays in the United States, the Fourth of July focuses on food. One could argue that food is the main attraction, besides the fireworks of course. For the most part, the food is unhealthy. Attending a Fourth of July barbecue is like going to a place that is designed to make you feel sluggish and bloated. Healthy habits take a backseat when you are faced with the incredible spread of sodium, unhealthy fats, and sugar. 

If you take a small amount of time to plan and make mindful choices, you can enjoy a flavorful and nutritious Fourth of July celebration. Continue reading to learn about six tips to help you eat healthy at that festive holiday barbecue/cookout.

Opt For Lean Proteins

It’s not uncommon to see hot dogs and burgers sizzling on the grill at a Fourth of July celebration. These meats tend to be high in saturated fats, which do not support heart health. If you can, opt for leaner protein options, such as boneless, skinless chicken breasts, wild caught fish, or turkey. Marinate your leaner proteins with herbs, spices, and a touch of citrus before grilling to enhance the flavor without adding excess calories. 

Be Mindful Of Condiments

Why do people love ketchup so much? Well, it contains tons of sugar and added flavors that make it highly addictive. Condiments are notoriously rich in unhealthy fats, hydrogenated oils, preservatives, added sugars, and excess sodium. Try not to drown your food in ketchup and mayonnaise-based sauces. Instead, create lighter options with Greek yogurt or olive oil-based dressings. Homemade salsas and marinades are also great condiment alternatives. 

Plan Ahead And Try To Be Mindful

Before you attend the Fourth of July hoorah, or any holiday shindig for that matter take a moment to plan your eating strategy. The plan should also include what you will eat prior to arriving at the party. Begin your day with a fruit and vegetable smoothie or chia pudding. If possible, enjoy a big salad for lunch, but make sure it has a lot of filling ingredients, such as avocados. The last thing you want to do is eat light all day and show up to the party with a ravenous hunger. When you are mindful of your hunger levels, you can make better, healthier choices and prevent overeating. Take time to focus on flavors and enjoy textures of the food at the party. 

Load Up On Fruits And Vegetables

Worried about having a fruit or vegetable option if you are attending a party? Bring a fruit or vegetable dish, or both! Bringing a dish such as this ensures that you’ll have something healthy to enjoy. The goal should be to make fruits and vegetables the stars of your plate. In fact, two-thirds of your plate should consist of fruits and vegetables. Consider serving a fruit platter, vegetable tray with hummus, or a nutritious and colorful salad with a homemade dressing.

Stay Hydrated

It is very easy to forget about hydration at a Fourth of July event. The music is playing, the vibes are great, the company is impeccable, and the food keeps you coming back for more. Add the summer heat to the equation and you have a recipe for dehydration, especially if you are drinking alcohol. Keep in mind that in addition to drinking water, you can eat water-rich fruits and vegetables to aid hydration efforts. Watermelon, cucumber, cantaloupe, apples, and other options are rich in water. Drink your water, but eat it, too! Should you decide to consume alcohol, do so in moderation and make sure that you drink water between each alcoholic beverage you enjoy. 

Portion Control

With a wide variety of food options available to you in a buffet-like setting, it can be difficult not to overindulge. Depending on who you talk to, overindulging is the name of the game! Let’s try to break free from that way of thinking this year, though. Fill your plate with a balanced mix of lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains. Additionally, avoid going back for seconds and listen to your body’s hunger cues to prevent overeating.

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In order to avoid dehydration, you have to drink the right amount of fluids. That is true whether you are exercising or not. Knowing the risks of dehydration is paramount when deciding what to drink during a workout, though. You probably don’t want to reach for the iced latte when it’s time to do five sets of squats. Water or electrolyte-rich beverages may help you replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, while other drinks can help provide protein and carbohydrates post-workout.

When you consider that more than 60% of the body is made up of water, it is clear that water is necessary for the body to function. It is very easy to lose water when you work out, especially if you are someone who sweats a lot. Drinking water not only helps to lubricate the joints, but it also aids tissue function, regulates body temperature, and helps transport nutrients throughout the body.

Choose The Right Beverage

Oftentimes, the simplest solution is the best one, and that’s especially true for a workout beverage. The average person only requires water during and after a workout, according to nutritionists. If you are an athlete or you spend more than three hours at a time doing your workout, you may want to opt for chocolate milk post-workout. Nutritionists explain that chocolate milk contains sodium and calcium, both of which you lose via sweat. The protein aids cell and tissue repair, but keep in mind that you can feel sluggish if you drink chocolate milk after a workout. Instead, coconut water or sports drinks may be better and healthier choices. Avocados, bananas, orange juice, and other foods can also help you replenish electrolytes.

Don’t Drink Too Much

Believe it or not, it is possible to drink too much liquid during a workout. That said, it is more of a risk during triathlons and marathons. Athletes who consume a lot of fluids, even sports drinks, without intaking enough sodium can develop hyponatremia, a life-threatening condition. The symptoms of hyponatremia include:

• Agitation
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Muscle cramps, weakness, or twitching
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Seizures or coma

Make Sure To Consume Protein And Carbs

It’s no secret that exercise is beneficial for your overall health. It’s common to experience minor cell or tissue damage as a result of working out, though. Protein can help repair that damage, so consuming a beverage that contains protein after an intense workout may accelerate recovery. You can also expend a lot of energy during exercise, so you want to consume three times more carbohydrates than protein. That’s why some people drink milk or milk with protein powder after a workout. 

Consume The Right Amount

You don’t want to “drink until failure,” but there is also no set amount of water to drink during a workout. If you want to calculate your sweat rate, though, you will need to weigh yourself before and after you exercise and do some calculations. As a general rule of thumb for hydration, you should drink about half your bodyweight in ounces of water per day. That means that if you weigh 150 pounds, you divide that by two to get 75, so you drink 75 ounces of water per day. You can also drink four to eight ounces every 15 to 20 minutes during your workout if you don’t want to do the math, or if you sweat a lot. 

Know The Risks Of Dehydration

A lot of complications can result from not drinking enough water, the most common of which is fatigue. Your blood thickens and the heart has to work harder if you don’t consume enough water. Not only does that tire you out quickly, but it can also increase the risk of the following:

• Fainting
• Confusion
• Shock
• Quick breathing
• Infrequent urination
• Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)

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If you understand flavors, you know that you cannot go wrong with the combination of lemon and basil. You typically see those two ingredients in a classic pesto recipe, but they work in salad dressings, marinades, sauces, and even this hummus. Because hummus is incredibly versatile, you can doctor it up to create a unique and memorable dip. You can enjoy hummus with pita chips, vegetable sticks, or as a spread on a sandwich. With so many flavor combinations, the hummus possibilities are endless!

Some of you might be wondering, “Why can’t I just buy hummus in the store? There are so many options that I enjoy.” Well, there is nothing better than making your own food. Secondly, hummus is a very easy dip to make and you know exactly what goes into it when you make it yourself. There are no added sugars, excess sodium, preservatives, or other ingredients that you cannot pronounce. Plus, you can whip up this batch of lemon basil hummus in about 10 minutes…and that includes prep time!

As with any hummus, you need chickpeas, which are naturally rich in protein and fiber, two nutrients that help keep you from unnecessary eating between meals. According to research, protein and fiber work together to slow digestion, a process that promotes feelings of fullness. Additionally, protein may increase levels of hormones in the body that reduce appetite. In fact, the filling effects of protein and fiber in chickpeas may help you reduce your total caloric intake.

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The last thing you want to be after enjoying a full meal is hungry. You should feel content and satiated post-meal. What we mean by this is that you should not have a growling stomach or low energy levels that typically indicate that you need to eat. If you want to indulge in a little dessert after a meal, that is something completely different, as that refers to appetite. We are talking about hunger!

The hunger you experience between meals and snacks typically means that you are not eating enough of the right foods. What do these foods have that others don’t? Focus on foods that are naturally rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Don’t know where to start or what to incorporate into your meals in order to stay full between meals? Continue reading to learn more about them. 

Potatoes

Potatoes have a high water content and lower energy density when compared to other carbs like pasta or rice. That means that you can eat a bigger portion to enjoy the same amount of carbs. Potatoes also contain resistant starch, which is a type of carb that helps slow the digestive process. Here’s a pro tip: cook and then chill your potatoes for several hours before eating to increase the resistant starch content.

Greek Yogurt

Offering a combination of protein and fat, plain Greek yogurt works to slow gastric emptying. Basically, that means that it slows the emptying of the stomach, which helps keep you fuller for longer. Additionally, yogurt helps maintain blood sugar levels, reducing your urge to snack between meals. Try to begin your day with a filling yogurt bowl that contains some chopped nuts, mixed berries, and just a drizzle of maple syrup or agave nectar. 

Avocado

Rich in monounsaturated fats and fiber, avocados are excellent foods to help you maintain feelings of fullness. The healthy fats work to slow digestion, while the fiber (about 13 grams in one avocado) helps keep blood sugar stable, which reduces the likelihood of sudden hunger or energy crashes. According to research, eating one whole avocado per day can help improve cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and help you make healthier food choices throughout the day. 

Quinoa

Although technically a seed, quinoa is typically associated with grains. The reason for this is because its nutritional properties are more similar to grains than seeds. No matter how you categorize quinoa, one thing remains: it is an excellent source of protein. In fact, quinoa provides all essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source. Additionally, quinoa is high in fiber, which helps increase feelings of fullness and reduces your desire to eat unnecessarily. 

Legumes

Beans, peas, lentils, and peanuts (yes, they are technically legumes, not nuts) exhibit impressive nutritional profiles. Notoriously, legumes are great sources of fiber and plant-based protein, yet they have low energy density. That means that you feel quite full after eating a serving of legumes. An older article reviewed nine randomized trials that examined post-meal fullness from pulses, which belong to the legume family. The results indicated that participants were 31% more full from eating pulses compared with eating meals without pulses that contained the same amount of calories. 

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If you have high blood pressure and want to lower it naturally, one of the first recommendations from healthcare professionals is to reduce your salt intake. That’s not terrible advice, especially considering that excess sodium in the body can contribute to higher blood pressure levels. Adding more potassium to your diet may be an easier, more effective way to reduce blood pressure than simply cutting salt intake, according to a new study. 

The study was published in the American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology and builds on existing research. Potassium and sodium work together to regulate blood pressure. People who have high blood pressure are often advised to eat less sodium, but focusing on potassium-rich foods may have a greater impact on blood pressure than simply cutting sodium. Continue reading to learn what the research found. 

What Does The Research Say?

For the study, researchers looked at how the ratio of potassium to sodium impacts the body. Study authors used a mathematical model to simulate how different sodium-to-potassium ratios affected bodily systems, including the renal system, cardiovascular system, and gastrointestinal system. Researchers found that higher amounts of potassium helped lower blood pressure, even with “high” or “normal” levels of sodium intake. Whenever potassium intake increased, regardless of sodium levels, blood pressure dropped. 

When researchers adjusted for sex and mathematical models, they noticed a big difference. Men were more likely to have a greater reduction in blood pressure after increasing potassium-to-sodium ratio than premenopausal women. This is a key differentiation because blood pressure tends to increase naturally after menopause. All of that said, take these findings with a little grain of salt, given that they were computer models. These types of models simulate the human body, but they are merely an approximation of human physiology.

The Science Behind Potassium, Sodium, And Blood Pressure

Understanding the balance of sodium and potassium in the body and how those minerals relate to blood pressure is not new. Researchers have been examining the relationship between these nutrients and blood pressure levels for some time. Consuming too much sodium causes your blood vessels to fill with water, swelling their blood volume. That causes your blood pressure to increase, which can damage blood vessel walls and lead to plaque buildup in the arteries. That impedes healthy blood flow and puts stress on the heart over time. 

Potassium actually has the opposite effect, relaxing blood vessel walls and reducing tension in the arteries. Cardiologists agree that potassium helps blood circulate more easily within the arteries. Sodium and potassium work together through the kidneys, which have specialized proteins (transporters) that use potassium to eliminate sodium from the body via urine. That means that the more potassium you eat, the less sodium the body retains. 

Potassium-Rich Foods

There are potassium supplements, but they come with some potential safety risks. Getting potassium via your diet is the best way to go. The FDA’s daily value for potassium is 4,700 milligrams (mg), while the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends a daily intake of 3,000 to 3,500 mg per day for high blood pressure patients. The average adult does not meet this amount. Cardiologists suggest men to consume 3,400 mg of potassium per day and women to consume at least 2,600 mg per day. 

When it comes to potassium, bananas get all the glory. One medium banana delivers 422 mg of potassium. That said, there are many potassium-rich foods that can help lower blood pressure. Apricots, lentils, baked potatoes, spinach, and salmon are great potassium-rich foods to consume. Start slowly, making a potassium-rich swap each meal. For breakfast, enjoy bananas instead of strawberries. Swap spinach for iceberg lettuce in your lunch salad, and add kidney beans or lentils to your dinner. 

In addition to consuming more potassium-rich foods, it is best to cut your sodium intake to 1,500 mg per day, especially if you have high blood pressure. Try to eat out less, as that is where you can really go crazy with sodium consumption. Replace salt with other seasonings to add more flavor to the food you cook. You can also click here for other recommendations on how to reduce salt intake.

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Golden milk, or turmeric milk, has been a part of Indian culture for centuries. Not only is the drink bright gold, which stems from the turmeric, but it also offers a rich, smooth flavor and several health benefits. In present day, golden milk has made its way onto trendy coffee shop menus. It is usually listed as turmeric latte, which infuses coffee into the classic beverage. That said, there are many places that serve the traditional recipe of turmeric, animal- or plant-based milk, and other spices and sweeteners.

And now that soothing drink has been transformed into energy balls. Isn’t that incredible?! These are especially great to enjoy if you love to snack. One thing we can say is that these are much healthier to snack on than a bag of chips or box of crackers. They are nutritionally balanced, offering both macro and micronutrients. You get the carbohydrates from the fruit and protein and healthy fats from the nuts and nut butter. The micronutrients come from the turmeric, desiccated coconut, and dates. The combination of macros and micros can help you remain full between meals and keep you from experiencing a sugar rush and crash.

If you are not the biggest turmeric fan, this is a great entry point. It can be a little bitter and very strong, which is why you may not be a turmeric latte lover. The dates and dried mangos provide sufficient sweetness to balance turmeric’s naturally bitter flavor. Plus, the cashews and cashew butter add a pleasant nuttiness that not only enhances the flavor of the energy balls, but also gives them a chewy and creamy texture.

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There are many foods, both unhealthy and healthy, that can easily spike blood sugar levels. If you have type 2 diabetes, then you probably know those foods pretty well, as counting carbohydrates can help you control blood sugar levels. The number of carbs in a certain food, however, is not the only determining factor that affects blood sugar. 

All carb-rich foods convert into sugar in the body, but a food’s fiber, fat, and protein all influence that food’s impact on blood sugar levels. All of those nutrients play a role in a food’s glycemic index (GI), which is a ranking of how drastically it can raise blood sugar levels compared with pure glucose. Pasta and sports drinks, for example, rank high on the list of high-GI foods. Lettuce, dark chocolate, peanuts, and other foods have a lower GI rating. Below, you’ll learn about six foods that tend to spike blood sugar levels, in addition to better ways to approach them to regulate blood sugar.

Fast Food

The common thought is that hamburgers and French fries are calorically dense and rich in unhealthy fats. That is true, but these foods are also rich in sugar and refined carbs, both of which can raise blood sugar levels. Many popular fast food chains sell burgers that contain as much sugar as a candy bar! A cheeseburger from a fast food place may contain seven grams (g) of sugar and 32 g of carbs, compared to a two-ounce Snickers bar, which contains 29 g of sugar and 35 g of carbs. Unfortunately, there is no recommendation for approaching fast food places in a healthy way. We recommend that you avoid these establishments at all costs.

Dried Fruit

Fruit can spike blood sugar levels if you consume a lot of it, but you don’t have to completely eliminate it from your diet. Many fruits offer fiber, beneficial vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants that help protect cells. When you do consume fruit, make sure that you only enjoy a single serving, as opposed to an entire bowl of fruit salad. Choose whole fresh fruits because they are not processed and don’t contain added sugars. Plus, you have the added nutrients that may help you manage type 2 diabetes. 

Dried fruit tends to have a lot of sugar and processed ingredients. That is especially true for the varieties in trail mixes and such. A whole apricot, for example, contains a little over three g of sugar, while half of a dried apricot has nearly two g. If you want to enjoy dried fruit, choose the varieties that are free of preservatives and added sugars. 

Starchy Vegetables

In large amounts, starchy vegetables like corn, potatoes, and peas can have a greater amount of carbs than non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. Don’t eliminate starchy vegetables from your diet; rather, eat them in moderation. Starchy vegetables still provide beneficial nutrients and are usually higher in fiber than non-starchy vegetables. Pair your starchy vegetables with foods that contain healthy fats, fiber, and lean protein. In doing so, you will dramatically reduce the likelihood of a big blood sugar spike. 

Sugar-Sweetened Drinks

We get it: soda and other sugar-sweetened drinks are delicious. It is very difficult to control your blood sugar if you drink those beverages, though. Ignore the heavy amounts of sugar in soda, sweetened juices, or teas for a second. These beverages do not contain any fiber, protein, or healthy fats. They also do nothing to fill you up and they may even increase the risk of dehydration on sunny days. The only thing they may be beneficial for is if someone needs to quickly raise blood sugar when experiencing acute hypoglycemia. Instead of drinking sugary sodas, opt for soda water, which is sugar-free and still provides carbonation. You can also add fresh fruit to water to naturally flavor the water and increase the healthy benefits. 

Some Non-Dairy Milks

Some people decide to consume non-dairy milks to reduce their consumption of dairy products. In an effort to be healthier, people who drink more non-dairy milks may raise their blood sugar levels. These milks are not low-GI foods, with oat milk being the highest in sugar. Rice milk is the second highest in sugar, exhibiting a GI of 86. If you want to drink a non-dairy milk, opt for unsweetened versions. Unsweetened soy milk, for example, contains 0.5 g of sugar and 3.5 g of protein per serving.

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