Frozen Can Be Fresher Than Fresh - Great Tips For Getting Your 'Five A Day'

This morning I was talking to a client about getting more fruit and vegetables into their diet. We agreed that one problem is that fresh food goes off so quickly. Even when you buy plenty of fresh produce all your good intentions can be wasted if it's all gone off by the time to get round to eating it.

I then came home from the session and started making my breakfast. I went to the freezer and got out the blueberries and the raspberries, defrosted them in the microwave and mixed them with my yogurt and muesli.... perfect! At least one of my five a day eaten with breakfast with no worries of gone off fruit.

Frozen fruit and vegetables offer us an incredible opportunity to get a good range of fruit and vegetables into our diets. Frozen fruit and vegetables are picked and frozen at their peak quality meaning many of the minerals and nutrients are preserved better than when they come from the supermarket shelf.

We can also get an amazing variety of frozen products. Fruits as diverse as blackberries, raspberries, apples, blueberries, mango and mixed summer fruits. Vegetables ranging from peas, beans, spinach, carrots, peppers as well as stir fry and casserole mixes. You can even find herbs and spices down the freezer isle. We can eat fruit and vegetables that aren't currently in season without worrying how many air-miles they have travelled from the field to our plate. This also means that we can get a great range of colours onto our plates - which means a great range of vitamins and minerals.

Did you know that 20,000 kg of peas can be frozen in just one hour? Meaning that farms can work round the clock through the 6-8 weeks of the pea harvest with very little waste.

It can take up to 14 days for fresh fruit and vegetables to reach the shop floor once they have been harvested, transported, sorted and transported again to their point of sale. All this means that valuable minerals and nutrients are lost.

Another benefit for the busy cook is that frozen fruit and vegetables require little or no preparation. You can also use as much or as little as you want, putting the bag back in the freezer for next time, which means very little is wasted.

I wouldn't advocate a diet based solely around frozen produce - I am a big fan of eating fresh food that is in season - but at the same time don't forget the freezer in your efforts to consume your "five a day". Frozen can sometimes actually be fresher than fresh!

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Healthy Eating - Snacks For The Whole Family

Anytime you change the way you eat it will take some encouragement and some preparation but you will find success by having a partner to got through the process with you. When you involve your entire household in the new healthy eating plan you are twice as likely to stick with it and have great progress. For healthy eating snacks for the whole family you can all enjoy the new diet and be getting healthier by the day together.

Snacks that the whole family will enjoy could be in many variations. You must think creatively and plan to prepare snacks for the entire day and not just limit them to one portion of the day or for one special event. 

Create fun snacks that are easy for little ones to eat such as finger snacks like vegetables cut up like celery or carrots with a fun dipping sauce for the kids to enjoy. The whole family will enjoy apples cut up with all natural, organic peanut butter to dip the slices into. 

Baked potatoes are also good snacks that you can slice up and place cheese on top of that is low fat or non fat cheese and even vegetables on top as well. 

Organic yogurts are always nutritious and kids and adults alike enjoy eating them when they are combined with chopped up fruits inside. This creates a healthy snack that is tasty and it fills you up for quite some time.

Soups that are made fresh at home are also enjoyed throughout the winter or just on a rainy day when the kids may really be seeking an activity to engage in such as helping create the soups. 

Just about every child enjoys Popsicles, and they should not be left out of the healthy snack plan for the entire family. You can create your own fruit pops in the freezer with a few Popsicle sticks and blending up your family's favorite fruits. You simply pour the mixture into the freezing trays and allow them to mold and in a few hours you have created an all natural healthy snack for everyone to enjoy on a hot summer day. 

Get your family involved in deciding which snacks they may be willing to try and with all of the input you can receive from everyone you can create a fun family menu for the entire week together! Allow the kids to help with creating all the snacks they would like to take with them for school lunches and for any sporting events and practices as well.

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8 Great Breakfast Ideas For People With Wheat Intolerance

Even if you have wheat intolerance, you can still have an effortless and guilt-free breakfast. You want to start your day off right, but you don't want to have to eat wheat to do it. These 8 breakfast ideas will have you waking up each morning actually looking forward to a new day!

Breakfast Idea #1: Omelets

This is one breakfast classic that doesn't belong on anyone's wheat intolerance "forbidden list". Grab some eggs (or egg whites), and mix in tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions. Pour it on a hot pan, fold the omelet, and you've got yourself a scrumptious gluten free breakfast!

Breakfast Idea #2: Gluten-Free Cereal

Although most breakfast cereals have gluten, there are many that don't. You have to be very diligent about label reading or call the manufacturer to be 100% sure.
Many organic cereal brands, like Nature's Path and Whole Earth, make cereal that is 100% gluten free. There are also specialty companies that produce gluten-free cereal made just for people with wheat intolerance.
The best part is that they taste great! They range from super-healthy crispy rice to indulgent frosted flakes.

Breakfast Idea #3: Fruit

As you already know, fruit is naturally gluten free. The best breakfast fruits are blueberries, strawberries, melons, bananas, and grapefruit. Fruit alone isn't' the most filling breakfast, so it's best used as a side.

Breakfast Idea #4: Gluten Free Toast

There are dozens of gluten free breads on the market today. Pick your favorite, throw it in the toaster, top with butter or peanut butter, and presto: toast is back in your life!

Breakfast Idea #5: Yogurt

Many flavored yogurts contain gluten, so it's best to go with the plain variety. To add yummy flavor, you can mix in frozen fruit, some honey and top with gluten-free cereal.

Breakfast Idea #6: Pancakes

Sure, most pancakes are made from wheat flour, but it doesn't have to be that way! To make an amazing gluten free pancake, just substitute wheat flour with rice flour, tapioca flour, or brown rice flour. Most classic pancake ingredients are gluten free, so this is actually the only change you need to make.

Breakfast Idea #6: French Toast

This is another traditional breakfast food that doesn't have to be sacrificed just because you have wheat intolerance. Combine the wet ingredients (eggs, milk, vanilla extract, nutmeg) like you normally would and let gluten free bread slices soak it up. To cook, throw the bread on a hot greased pan.

Breakfast Idea #7: Bacon

A real breakfast favorite! Most bacon is gluten free, although some companies use gluten as filler. This is another case where you have to check the ingredients label before giving it a go.

Breakfast Idea #8: Porridge

Porridge is great for staving off an appetite until lunchtime. Although oats are generally not advised for those with wheat intolerance, other grains like buckwheat and millet work just as well for porridge.

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Switching To Plant-Based Eating Is Not As Hard As You Think

A healthy plant-based diet is not really all that different from a healthy omnivorous diet. If you are thinking about transitioning to a plant-based diet or wanting to incorporate more plant-based food into your nutrition, it's much easier than you may think.

A healthy diet, whether you eat only plants or combine plants with meat, consists of a healthy emphasis on fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, beans and legumes. Even those who call themselves vegetarians or vegans can eat unhealthy by not choosing the best plants to eat. For example, pizza and ice cream (for those who eat dairy) are vegetarian foods, but they are not healthy choices. Structuring your nutrition properly is important, and the basis of that should be around whole natural foods.

The largest difference between an omnivorous diet (one that contains meat) and a plant-based diet is where your protein is coming from. Other than that, 80% of the diet is going to be the same (because that's what everyone should be focusing on). Many people eat meat 2-3 times per day. The best place to start is to limit your meat consumption to 2-3 times per week.

The biggest myth in eating a plant-based diet is that you do not get enough protein since you are not eating meat. There are plenty of ways to get great protein sources from plant-based foods. The one food that has the most protein you will find is tempeh (soy protein). One cup of tempeh has as much as 41 grams of protein, more than you will typically find in a steak. One cup of lentils has as much as 18 grams of protein, kidney beans have as much as 13 grams. Chick peas are another one, which have up to 12 grams in one cup. Nuts are also a great choice. A quarter cup of almonds have up to 8 grams of protein; a quarter cup of sunflower seeds has 6 grams of protein. You may be surprised to learn that even broccoli has protein in it! One cup of cooked broccoli has four grams of protein.

Protein is in almost anything that is a whole natural food. Many people only count animal protein in their protein grams, but you can actually get more protein from a plant-based diet than you can with a meat-based diet. Supplements are also available in powder form where you can add your protein to something like a smoothie. Some great ones to start off trying are brown rice protein and hemp protein.

Challenge yourself to begin this process of switching to a plant-based diet by watching where your food is coming from over the next week. 80% of your diet should come from natural sources (not processed foods). As Michael Pollan made popular in his book, "Food Rules," if it's made in a plant don't eat it, but if it is a plant you should eat it.

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Dried Fruit Nutrition: Educate Yourself On The Top 5 Dried Fruits

With the increasing awareness of the need to improve diet and carefully watch the foods we eat and the food we give our family, it pays to educate ourselves on dried fruit nutrition. Dried fruit can keep for long periods, it is easy to store, it is convenient to carry as a snack, and it can be quite economical.

Just exactly what is dried fruit? Fruit with a large proportion of the water content removed. The fruit retains a high nutritional value. The drying process can either be done naturally under the sun, or artificially through hot dryers or food dehydrators. In additional to equipping a kitchen with a quality cookware set, many also invest in a quality stainless steel food dehydrator and process their own fruits and nuts.

In this article we will consider five of the most common and most popular dried fruits. Educate yourself on these five and see how you can benefit from the nutritional value by working them into your weekly diet, for yourself and your family.

Dried Apricots

Dried apricots actually contain more nutritional value than fresh ones simply because the nutrient content is much higher. Dried apricots contain a high level of carotenes, good for lowering the risk of some cancers. This dried fruit also is a good source of vitamin C, silicon, iron, phosphorous, calcium and potassium.

Dried apricots are rich in iron and therefore helpful in the fight against anemia. They can also act as a gentle laxative and help avoid constipation. They even help with digestion.

Dried Dates

Dried dates are packed with nutrients which include phosphorous, magnesium, vitamin A, calcium, and potassium. They promote the existence of healthy bacteria in the intestines and they can help ease the problem of constipation, acting as a mild laxative.

Dates are an excellent source of energy and they can provide a quick energy boost, being full of natural sugars. Dried dates have less calories than fresh dates and therefore can be included in a healthy snack for those wishing to maintain a healthy weight.

Dried Figs

Dried figs are rich in potassium and therefore help control blood pressure. They are also an excellent source of fibre and can be incorporated in a weight management regimen.

Other minerals present in dried figs are: manganese, iron, copper, potassium, calcium, zinc and selenium. Both copper and iron and important in the production of red blood cells in the body.

Dried Plums - Prunes

Prunes contain vitamins A and C, chromium, potassium and iron, lutein and fibre. In practical terms they help with healthy bowel movements, contribute to healthy hair and skin, help maintain proper blood sugar levels, provide energy, and the lutein even helps prevent eyesight failure.

And here is something of interest to all those trying to lose weight: prunes are an appetite suppressor! Why? Prunes can help slow down the rate at which food leaves the stomach thereby giving the sensation that you are full. This can help in the fight against overeating.

Dried Grapes - Raisins

Raisins contain high levels of natural sugars, up to 72% of their weight. They are high in antioxidants - key factor in fighting cancer and heart disease. Why they can even contribute to healthy teeth and gums, fighting cavities and gum disease.

Raisins also help prevent constipation, and as they are rich in iron, help with the fight against anemia.

Motivation - Why Should I Bother?

If a family has been used to snacking on crisps, candy bars, and the like, it will take a considerable effort and mental shift to get out of unhealthy eating habits. However, thinking of the end result can be a powerful motivation. Dried fruit has a high nutritional content and when combined with dried nuts, it can provide a very healthy snack.

As with anything, it can take time to make an adjustment. If a person had a habit of putting sugar in tea or coffee and then decides to go without sugar, these beverages will taste unpleasant in the beginning. If the person persists however over the course of a few weeks, the taste senses actually change and become accustomed to beverages without sugar. After a period of time, when that same person is mistakenly given a cup of tea or coffee with sugar, they almost spit it out as a reflex action because it tastes so sweet!

So give yourself or your family a little time for the taste senses to adjust to your new healthy eating habits. It will pay rich dividends in an increased level of health, energy, and sense of well-being. Educate yourself on dried fruit nutrition and start improving your diet today!

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The Health Benefits Of Juicing

Juicing raw fruits and vegetables is by far the best way to give your body the nutrients it needs for youthfulness and disease-free living.

Much of the foods people eat, such as french fries, fried chicken, microwave popcorn, doughnuts, margarine, cookies and pastries contain an artery-clogging fat called Trans fat. This fat can lead to type two diabetes, high cholesterol and other health problems. If you desire to live a long, healthy, vibrant life, you have to take care of your body by giving it the proper nutrition. That is why I am such a strong advocate for Juicing.

Health Benefits

The benefits of consuming these freshly made, health drinks are many. They aid in keeping organs such as heart, liver, and kidneys strong and healthy. They also help prevent colon cancer and keep your digestive system in tiptop shape. This is because they are a great supplier of protein, vitamins and minerals.

These drinks also boost the immune system and promote good-looking healthy skin.

Another health benefit to consuming these drinks is they help you lose weight and lower cholesterol naturally.

Nutritional Health Begins On The Inside

I am a firm believer that if you work on being healthy on the inside it will show-up on the outside.

Sometimes when I run into old friends they tell me that I  look very healthy. I believe the juices that I drink has a lot to do with this.

I know a woman who smoked for many years. When she finally quit smoking I noticed in a short period of time, the skin on her face look healthier. There was almost a glow to it. Can you visualize what would happen if more and more people would work on being healthy from the inside out? I can!

Raw Vegetable juice Verses Cooked Vegetables

You might be saying to yourself I eat a lot of cooked vegetables with my meal why then should I consider juicing? Well allow me give you two reasons:

1. When you cook vegetables at temperatures above 114 degrees, heat destroys the enzymes. (Enzymes are naturally occurring chemical substances in the human body that help a chemical reaction take place). In other words enzymes are important because they aid in the digestion and absorption of food in your body.

Fruit and vegetable juice that are sold in a shop or supermarket must go through a pasteurizing process before they can be sold to you the customer. The reason for this pasteurizing process is to give these drinks shelf life. However during this process heat reaches about 120 degrees thus destroying the enzymes.

In contrast enzymes in raw vegetable or fruit drinks are live. So they are able to do the job they are intended to do.

2. When you juice, you separate the liquid from the fiber. Thus food value is available to the body in much larger amounts than if the piece of fruit or vegetable were eaten whole.

If you ate one raw carrot, your body would only be able to absorb about 1% of the available vitamin A (beta carotene). That is because most of the nutrients in a carrot are locked in its fiber. However if you separate the liquid from the fiber, your body would be able to assimilate 90% of the nutrients. Pretty amazing!

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Your Vegan Breakfast - Easy Ideas And Recipes To Kick-Start Your Morning

To all you vegans out there - be aware that there are many tasty, healthy and easy vegan breakfast recipes that you can prepare in no time and enjoy nutritious meal at the start of the day.

Easy & Healthy Vegan Breakfasts Ideas & Recipes:

Fresh Juice - If you have a juicer, be aware that making a vegetable and fruit juice for your breakfast is fast, easy and super healthy. You can juice celery, beetroot, carrots, apples, ginger, parsley, or any other fruit or vegetable of your fancy.

Vegan Smoothie - This is another easy and healthy vegan breakfast drink, however, you do need a blender.

For a chocolate banana smoothie, blend together 1 Cup rice/soy milk, 1 Tbsp. cacao powder, 1 very ripe banana, 2-3 Tbsp. soy yogurt, a drizzle of agave nectar and a pinch of sea salt. Add more milk if the smoothie is too thick for your liking.

For a berry smoothie, blend together 1 Cup rice/soy milk, 3-4 Tbsp. soy yogurt, ½ Cup frozen or fresh berries, a pinch of sea salt, and some ice-cubes.

To create your own vegan smoothie, blend together your choice of the following: soy/rice/coconut milk, soy/coconut yogurt, dates, raisins, sultanas, goji berries, crushed nuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, linseeds, maple syrup, agave nectar, sea salt, peanut butter, bananas, grated vegan chocolate, cacao powder, molasses, berries, and some ice-cubes.

Fruit Galore!
You can enjoy your fruit in so many wonderful ways, and if not in a juice or smoothie - some other delightful way!

Seasonal Fruit Salad - You can eat a large bowl of fresh, seasonal fruit by itself for a wonderful, fresh and easy vegan breakfast! Or you can fancy it up a bit with soy yogurt, chopped walnuts, Brazil nuts, pecans, macadamia nuts or almonds, and a drizzle of maple syrup or agave nectar! Your taste buds can really be treated with a gourmet fruit salad!

Fried bananas - Heat a couple of Tbsp's. Of olive oil in a frying pan and add some sliced bananas (sliced length-ways), along with a good drizzle of maple syrup or agave nectar. Fry for 1-2 minutes on each side. Serve warm on top of toast, with some crushed walnuts and an extra drizzle of maple syrup!

Vegan Cereal - The supermarkets and health food stores offer a wide range of vegan cereals nowadays, so you should try as many as you can and find your favorites! Enjoy your cereal with rice or soy milk and a dollop of yogurt. To make your bowl of cereal healthier, more sustaining and more delicious, add your choice of pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, linseeds, chia seeds, nuts, goji berries, raisins, sultanas or chopped dates! This will turn an ordinary bowl of cereal into a sustaining, healthy (and still easy!) vegan breakfast!

Toast - Many vegans find that they are stuck in a rut when it comes to their morning toast. But be aware that there are tons of toppings to enjoy! You are probably frequently eating your toast with vegan spread and jam. Try the following toppings also:
- Sliced avocado, sea salt and pepper
- Sliced tomato, sea salt, pepper, vegan cheese (put in the grill or jaffle maker to melt cheese)
- Vegan chocolate spread (from health shop)
- Brazil nut spread, almond spread, cashew spread, peanut butter with a drizzle of maple syrup or agave nectar
- Sliced banana, vegan chocolate spread, peanut butter (all three together = to die for! If you want you can put a slice of bread on top to make a sandwich, and toast it. The banana will cook and your chocolate spread will melt into a pool of taste-bud heaven!)

As you can see, if you let your imagination go wild there are an infinite variety of delicious, healthy and easy vegan breakfast recipes and ideas! Your morning never has to start off boring again! If you are still stuck on ideas, you can find a wide range of vegan recipes online, either on websites, blogs, you-tube, or professional vegan recipe e-books containing tons of yummy recipes!

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The Best Vegetables For Weight Loss And Fat Burning

When looking up more info on the best vegetables for weight loss, most people want a list of the healthiest veggies to get slim. If you wish to get trim and lean, you must lower your calorie intake and this is easily done with the top vegetables for losing weight. It is now widely known that low calorie meals decrease the levels of stored body fat so this becomes a highly effective approach in reducing your excess weight.

Earlier research also presented facts that plant-based food items such as leafy vegetables help to manage being hungry and also over-eating.

Leafy vegetables are likely to be high in h2o and also fiber. They possess a low-calorie content which makes their ingestion a highly effective tactic in diet planning and even more so when combined with virtually any weight loss pill or other dietary supplement.

The idea not only boosts the results of trimming down, but additionally improves digestion of food and also metabolic process.

Consuming more leafy vegetables is important for individual wellness. Yet what are the very best green leafy vegetables for weight loss? One can possibly like a wide variety of green leafy vegetables to select from. Many health professionals, in reality, advise including leafy vegetables to your meals and dishes for losing weight quickly and easily. They often recommend seven or more servings of leafy vegetables per day for excellent final results.

Even so, a list of the very best leafy vegetables for losing weight for some people is probably not of interest. There are some folks who don't like to eat the most nutritious leafy vegetables and some even gag at the thought. You can even find circumstances involving allergy symptoms as the body behaves to particular leafy vegetables therefore it is better to look for advice first. The most healthy leafy vegetables for you incorporate broccoli, spinach, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, and kale.

The apple is well known to be fiber rich and contains pectin. Pectin stops against taking in fat excess and also inhibits hunger. It has high water content that is very helpful in eliminating toxins. Celery ought to be ingested with skin unchanged as it gives plenty of fiber. On one hand, grapefruits may also be effective to shed weight. Based on recent reports, leafy vegetables consist of substances that reduced blood insulin stage by the body processes. It is just a metabolic process increases, thereby, it plays a part in weight reduction and burning body fat faster.

Collard greens, likewise, could be included on the list of very best leafy vegetables for losing weight. They really are packed with potassium that assists boosting levels of nourishment intake. It really is mostly h2o and vitamins and it has many health benefits for you.

On another similar note, one of the very best fruits for losing weight could be the kiwi fruit. It is just a low-calorie tasty fruit which is high in fiber. It includes equally disolveable fibers which inhibits your appetite and also insoluble fibers which helps with digestion of food. Melons are incredibly low-calorie food items which contain mostly h2o and also fiber. Berries including raspberries, blackberries and blueberries also speed up weight loss. These types of foods provide power and also burn up fat rapidly. Berries consist of fiber, low-calorie but high nutrient content and also antioxidants.

Acai berries, said as "an amazing diet plan key from the Amazon", could be the newest discovery which can help with weight loss. It really is composed of antioxidants, phytosterols, essential fatty acids, and also amino acids that really work with each other to get rid of fat efficiently and also helps to make meals less complicated.

Other leafy vegetables including cabbage, turnip greens and also spinach may also be regarded as very best leafy vegetables for losing weight. In addition, it's encouraged to step away from canned vegetables because these are generally packed with salt and are lower in nutrients. Dried up leafy vegetables get higher nutrient concentrations considering that their h2o compound is already taken out.

The top leafy vegetables for you are generally organic. Always use leafy green vegetables for greater final results as previously mentioned. Complement this specific tip with ongoing workouts and quick weight loss results will most certainly be reached. Consuming the best leafy green vegetables for weight loss will allow you to trim down whilst fat deposits burn off quickly.

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Summer Fruits And Their Benefits

Summer has arrived. It is the season of shorts, sunscreen, hit the beach, filling the coolers and many other things. But summer also brings with itself excessive heat and chances of dehydration. In this season you need to eat food that helps prevents above mentioned conditions from occurring. Here are a few summer fruits and their benefits.

Watermelon - Ripped only in summer, this big red ball of health is filled with water and taste. The amount of water present in this fruit helps you in being hydrated and keeps your body cool. Watermelon also acts as in defense and protects your skin from sunburn. You won't get food cravings after its consumption, it keeps your tummy feels filled. It is also good for people with high blood pressure, but in a limit. This one ought to be consumed almost every day in summer.

Oranges - Oranges are sweetest, juiciest summer fruit full of nutrients. Orange is low in calories and keeps your blood pressure in check. Orange is also a source of Vitamin C which is the most required vitamin in your body after an age. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that is also useful in skin damage caused by sun rays. Not only oranges, but their peel also performs wonders on your skin. It lightens your skin tone and erases all the scars and shades.

Mango - Mango is called the king of fruits. There are many reasons for calling it so and one of them is the long list of its benefits. It is proven by research that mango prevents cancer. Mango, when mixed with milk, becomes a source of strength. Mango shake increases immunity and gives you the strength to perform better. Vitamin A present in mango helps with good eyesight and stops night blindness. Mangoes have enzymes that break down protein and improves digestion. Like oranges, mango is also beneficial for skin. Those skin pores you can't get rid of, mango removes them.

Litchi - Litchi though arrives a little late in summer but is worth the wait. The taste and sweetness of litchi are exquisite, plus it is also a source of nutrients. Apart from the taste, litchi also excels in health factor. It is filled with Vitamin B & Vitamin C and minerals like magnesium and potassium. It is also proven to be helpful in asthma. The antioxidants present in Litchi have cancer-fighting abilities. The minerals help in proper blood circulation throughout the entire body. It prevents signs of aging and promotes hair growth as well.

Peaches - Peaches are also high in Vitamin C. The fiber present in peaches fills you up without increasing weight. Peaches also cure metabolic syndrome. It also lowers the risk of cancer. It is a mixture of all the nutrients - protein, carbohydrate, calcium, fiber, iron, magnesium, sugar and rich in various vitamins - A, C, E, and K. Though you should try to consume peaches that are canned in water and not the one canned in syrup. Peaches with syrup are not so healthy and can increase your sugar level.

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3 Cool Summer Foods To Hydrate Your Body

Summer is fun, hot and demanding on our bodies. It's easy to get dehydrated when we stay out in the heat. We are supposed to drink plenty of water during the day, but did you know you can keep your body hydrated with food too? 

Rejuvenate your immune system and stay hydrated with these 3 cool summertime foods:

1. Watermelon

Chock full of vitamins C, A, and B6 and potassium and magnesium, this watery fruit helps keep the water in your cells where it belongs. Ways to eat watermelon are in slices and chunks. If you cut a watermelon in chunks and store in a covered dish in the refrigerator, it will be easier to grab and eat when you are hungry. Another delicious way is to drink your watermelon. Make watermelon juice by putting slices in the blender with a few ice cubes.

2. Cucumber

Have you ever heard the phrase "cool as a cucumber"? Cucumbers are loaded with vitamin C, molybdenum, and vitamin A. The skin of the cucumber has silica which nourishes your skin and connective tissue. It is rich in potassium and magnesium which is essential for keeping hydrated. Add cucumber slices to salads or make a cold soup like Gazpacho. Just puree the cucumber with tomatoes, green peppers and onions. Add salt and pepper to taste.

3. Summer squash

Zucchini or yellow squash are prolific in summer gardens. They are full of manganese, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium and vitamin A. So both kinds of summer squash are a great vegetable to keep you hydrated. Grate the squash over salads or add to sandwiches. Serve with your favorite dips instead of chips. You can also shred zucchini to add to bread or muffin recipes.

It's easy to add these 3 foods into your summer fun. Cold soups and salads help you to stay cool, keep you away from the stove, and take minimal time to prepare. Don't forget the watermelon juice! It's better for the kids than sweet drinks and sodas which cause dehydration.

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