Summertime Snacks For The Whole Family!
Jun 4th 2014
Weight Gain. Toxicity. Diabetes. Hyperactivity. Chemical Overload. Hungry Yet?
What if we told you that your favorite summertime snack foods are filled with ingredients that promote these negative effects? Low-calorie “snack packs,” sweet granola bars and processed bagged chips are just a few favorites that are loaded with synthetic ingredients and chemically formulated flavors. We believe that to feel good, you have to eat good. So lets dive into some of the healthiest, tastiest snack foods on the planet and get our feel-good on for the summer!
You worked hard for your poolside-ready body; why compromise it with misleading “low-calorie” foods? Did you know that most low-fat, low-calorie foods are made with an artificial sweetener called aspartame? A study conducted at The Yale University of Biology and Medicine observed a “positive correlation between artificial sweetener use and weight gain.”1 Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose actually enhance your appetite, and consuming artificial sweeteners has been shown to lead to even greater weight gain than sugar. Not to mention the toxic effects this sugary impostor has on your mind: Studies have shown that “the putative excitatory neurotransmitters and neurotoxin aspartate (Asp) destroy neurons in the brain.”2 Ditch the artificially sweet snack foods and opt for something that works to improve mind, body and soul! Check out our naturally sweet superfood cereals, loaded with flavors such as acai, ginger and cacao.Family Friendly & Delicious! 
Granola Bars are all time favorite at any age. Great for on-the-go parents and hungry kids, they are convenient and inexpensive. Let’s take a look at what convenience is worth these days…how about a dose of artificial colors and flavors? Artificial flavors are a mystery altogether; you never know what artificially went into your food to create that flavor. It could be one unnatural additive, or a blend of hundreds of additives. Another gamble we’re not willing to take is artificial colorants. According to one study, “every year, food manufacturers pour 15 million pounds of artificial food dyes into U.S. foods -- and that amount only factors in eight different varieties.”3 Currently in the United States, nine of the food dyes currently approved are linked with massive health problems ranging from allergies to hyperactivity in children. The same study also found that “Red #40, Blue #2 and Yellow #5 have been linked to hyperactivity, hypersensitivity and other behavioral effects in children.”3 Most parents will agree in unison—this is not what we want for our kids! Instead, try a natural, minimally processed granola alternative; Muesli is a family friendly snack that is versatile, fun to eat, and comes in 4 fun flavors!
Everyone loves a good trail mix!
Whether out on a picnic, at the beach or enjoying the summer weather at home, trail mix is a snack time staple. Pre-made trail mixes are often full of salt and strange looking shapes – but the most terrifying ingredients at the top of our list are Synthetic Trans Fats and Monosodium Glutamate (MSG).
Synthetic trans fats are common in trail mixes which contain partially hydrogenated oils that promote a longer shelf life and a desirable texture. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “consuming trans fat increases low-density lipoprotein [LDL, or bad] cholesterol. This risk factor contributes to the leading cause of death in the U.S. – coronary heart disease.”4 The study concludes with a profound statement: “…avoiding artificial trans fat could prevent 10,000-20,000 heart attacks and 3,000-7,000 coronary heart disease deaths each year in the U.S.”4
What About MSG?
Monosodium Glutamate, known more commonly as “MSG,” is a flavor enhancement often used in fast food and prepackaged snacks. MSG is an excitotoxin, which means it overexcites your cells to the point of damage or death, causing brain dysfunction and impairment to varying degrees. Take the risk out of your snacking! Choose an all natural, raw and organic trail mix – or better yet, create your own! We love the savory combination of Gopal’s Wraps, Living Intentions Garlic Nut Blend, Organic Raw Cashews and Botija Olives!
Don’t compromise your health for convenience—make your summertime snack experience unforgettable with these sweet and savory items!
Sunfood's "Natural Solutions" does not promote or suggest natural cures, natural healing or natural remedies for any disease, disorder or ailment thereof. This information should be treated as educational material gathered and discovered from various studies, clinical trials and customer reviews. It is designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, and independent conclusions in regards to natural products and alternative health choices. It is best to consult with your healthcare practitioner before attempting any form of natural cure, natural healing or natural remedy to any health issues.
SOURCES
1: Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine “Artificial sweeteners and the neurobiology of sugar cravings”
2: Medline Industries “Excitotoxic food additives”
3: Center for Science in the Public Interest “Food Dyes: A Rainbow of Risks”
4: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “Trans Fat”