BLOG NUTRITION, FOOD, HEALTH
April 24, 2013
Sunshine Means Fruit Time!
Fruits, like veggies, are a staple food in a healthy meal plan. As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, an abundance of fresh fruits fill local farmer’s markets and grocery stores. Fruit is lovely as-is, but consider trying these ideas to boost your intake of this healthy food!
Salsa
Mango, peach and pineapple make especially zesty salsas. For a quick & easy fruit-filled salsa, combine the following: black beans, diced mango, diced red onion, diced bell pepper, diced jalapenos, lime juice and chopped cilantro. Excellent with a Mexican-inspired meal!
Frozen yogurt
Froyo does not have to be an indulgence any longer! Make it a homemade balanced snack or dessert by mixing Greek yogurt, vanilla, fresh fruit (any combo works!) and ice in a food processor, then freezing 1-2 hours. What a refreshing and healthful way to cleanse your palette after a spring-time meal!
Spritzer
Keep that palette refreshed and cleansed by enjoying a sparkling water, spiked with fruit, alongside your meal. Simply mix a splash of fresh-squeezed juice and sliced fruit to your bubbly water for a fresh twist!
Bean Salad
Bean salads can be super easy to make, very light-tasting and very nutritious! Served cold, they can be an excellent accompaniment to your meal on a sunny day. Try this recipe: mix black, kidney and garbanzo beans with halved cherry tomatoes, halved cooked small red potatoes and a light Italian dressing.
Greens
A fresh fruit, low-fat cheese and toasted nuts mix is always a winning combination for a light but satisfying green salad. Don’t be shy about exploring new fruit combinations- just keep with the season! Apple, mandarin oranges, figs, papaya, peach and pineapple are just a few fruits that pair very well with seasonal green salads!
Spring-time is the perfect time to keep exploring ways to incorporate fresh fruits into your meal plan!
MEDICALLY-BASED