4 Healthy Alternatives to Junk Food
Sometimes, we just can’t help ourselves from indulging in our favourite unhealthy snacks. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Looking for healthier alternatives to treats? Here are some scrumptious swaps that are great for your overall (and oral) health.
1. Instead of purchasing store bought potato chips or crisps, bake your own. This way, you’ll know you’re eating whole-food ingredients instead of something overly processed.
2. Replace donut holes with protein balls. Mix rolled oats, nut butter, and honey together and then shape them into circles. These no bake treats are both delicious and healthy!
3. Trade candy bars for dark chocolate treats. You can even try dipping nuts or fruits like sliced strawberries or bananas in dark chocolate for something that’s sure to serve your sweet tooth.
4. Instead of soda, choose fruity flavoured seltzer water. You won’t just be cutting calories, but tons of sugar, which is great for your health-especially your teeth!
How to Stay Productive During Your Day
Ever feel like you’re slipping off track and falling victim to the dreaded mid-day slump? Instead of making it a normal part of your day, consider these helpful tips for staying productive.
• Make a list of what you need to accomplish each day. This will help you focus on what’s important. Keep your list nearby for easy reminders.
• Set aside dedicated time for specific tasks. Whether it’s an hour for email or 30 minutes for returning phone calls, sticking to a schedule is key.
• Take breaks throughout the day. Getting up and moving around will help you stay focused and avoid burnout.
• Delegate or outsource tasks that aren’t critical to your success. This will free up your time to focus on more important things.
• Keep a clean and organized work space. A cluttered desk can lead to a cluttered mind, so take some time each day to tidy up.
The Skinny on Saliva
While saliva probably isn’t on your mind much, it plays a crucial role in your oral (and overall) health. Without saliva, our mouths would be dry, sticky, and full of bacteria. In addition to keeping your mouth healthy, it also plays a vital role in digestion.
Here are a few other important roles that saliva plays:
1. It helps keep the mouth clean by washing away food and bacteria.
2. Saliva moistens the mouth. A dry mouth can lead to tooth decay, gum problems, and even tooth loss.
3. It helps to break down food. This makes it easier for the body to absorb important nutrients it needs for proper function.
4. Saliva helps to prevent tooth decay by neutralising acids.
5. It helps to heal your mouth as saliva contains antibodies that help fight infection.
