Summer diets may be about getting swimsuit ready, but there
are a few more benefits to cutting down on sugar and eating healthier.  While the post-holiday season is when most
people pledge to start a new diet, by spring the New Year’s resolutions are often
all but forgotten and the majority are back to eating carbs and sugar.
 The summer months are
especially filled with sugary temptations, be they the sweet BBQ glaze at  backyard cookouts, that favorite 4th
of July Apple Pie, or the quart of ice cream stocked in the freezer.
Now you don’t need to forgo all summer treats, but cutting
down on sugar could save you from another cavity found during your next teeth
cleaning.
Here are a few tips to help you cut sugar from your daily
diet:

  • Look
    out for added sugar:
    It seems like a no brainer, but many foods and
    beverages that appear healthy and claim to be ”all natural” often contain
    processed sugars.. Be sure to check the packaging to make sure no sugar has
    been added to the natural ingredients.
  • Drink
    more water:
    Not only is it extremely important to stay adequately hydrated
    through the summer – but rinsing your mouth with water after eating
    particularly sugary foods is a great way to ensure that plaque doesn’t build up
    quite as quickly. Additionally, dry mouths are the perfect environments for
    cavities to form – especially after eating.
  • Grill
    the veggies, too:
    Evening barbeques are one of the best things about summer.
    In addition to chicken and burgers, throwing some veggies on the grill with
    olive oil and herbs is a great alternative to the sweet marinades that you
    might be putting on your meats
  • Make
    your own popsicles:
    These nifty kits are cheap, easy to use, and let you
    know exactly what’s going in to your icy treat. Load them with fresh fruits to
    get a sweet taste without processed sugars.

Making a few simple changes can cut down on sugar intake and
help you achieve that beach ready body, along with a cleaner brighter smile
through the summer!