The countdown is on, right? Christmas is literally right around the corner. This month on Social Media, my Facebook lives and even in my newsletters, I have been focusing on ways you can stay healthy, stress less, and beat the “bulge” ahead of the new year.
I have not been doing such a good job of this myself lately. It is so hard when we go into this festive season and foods are all around us that seem to call our names. That has been happening to me. Yeah, I hear you. I should know better. But it is much easier to get off the right pathway than it is to get back on it! So, although struggling, I am determined to get back onto a healthy way of eating and get out of that “stinkin’ thinkin'” pattern. You know the one — “What’s the point of even doing it before Christmas, there are so many parties, so much food being freely given, and then comes Christmas dinner.”
The point is that eating healthy in between those events will impact our lives more than we think. Instead of gaining 5-10 pounds over the holidays season, if we do it the right way, we probably will only gain a couple of pounds. So are you with me? Let’s stay on track and think of those social events and family gatherings as one-off events so that we stay on the right track throughout the rest of 2018.
In this blog I am going to talk about a simple food…..you’ve guessed it. Blueberries!
While you can get many berries year-round, especially if you live somewhere with a mild climate, blueberries are especially tasty in the winter. They allow you to get tons of nutrients, including antioxidants and vitamin C, while also sweetening up dishes without using added sugar.
Benefits of Blueberries
1. If you eat blueberries regularly you can help fend off heart disease, cancer, brain aging, and much more. … Blueberries pack huge health benefits in a tiny package. While spring and summer are prime seasons for fresh blueberries, what I do (since blueberries grow in abundance in the spring) is, I buy much more than I need when it’s time to pick, and then I simply throw the extras in the freezer. And guess what! You don’t even have to wash them. Throw them in the freezer just as they are. They freeze much better that way. Of course, here in Florida (and maybe in your neck of the woods too), blueberries can be found at produce stands and the grocery store pretty much year-round, although they are not locally grown.
2. Recent study findings suggest that blueberries may have an effect on genes which regulate fat-burning and storage, helping reduce abdominal fat and lower cholesterol.
3. Blueberries might also lower triglycerides and improve blood sugar levels according to some research — each benefits of a comprehensive weight loss program.
4. Scientists have begun studying blueberries and their potential to help reduce body fat. … Sweet, fat-free and delicious, one serving of blueberries provides as many health-promoting antioxidants as five servings of broccoli, a mere 80 calories and a host of vitamins and nutrients.
As you can tell, I love blueberries! ?
I am going to give you some ideas on a few ways you can use blueberries for your winter recipes so that you can maximum their health benefits even through the winter months!
Make a Superfood Smoothie
This is probably the easiest way to use blueberries each day during the winter. While many people think of smoothies as something you enjoy during the spring or summer, they really can benefit you year-round. With a smoothie, it is easy to make, simple to bring with you to work or other functions outside the house, and contains tons of nutrients. They are perfect when you seem to fall behind on fruits and veggies, and want a simple way to get more of them in. You can make winter smoothies with fruits and veggies that are available this time of year, including blueberries. These berries taste great with many smoothies, from mixed berry to berry and pomegranate.
Use Them as Toppings
Another excellent use of blueberries in the winter is by using them as toppings. Blueberries are great because they are small, sweet, flavorful, and don’t require any cutting or chopping. Unlike strawberries where you have to remove the stem first, you can just throw blueberries on just about anything to make it taste better. Top breakfast foods like cereal or oatmeal, add them to the top of your smoothie bowl for a pretty and nutritious topping, or create healthier dessert toppings with your blueberries.
Make a Salad with Blueberries
You might not imagine a salad with fruit like blueberries, but this is actually one of the best ways to use them during the winter. You are getting so many nutrients and antioxidants not just with the berries, but the other veggies used in your salad. You can make a small, light salad for a side dish or lunch, or go extravagant with a big dinner salad. A good salad with blueberries is made with spinach, broccoli, feta cheese, blueberries, and cranberries. At this point, you can choose any dressing you want, add in more fruits and veggies, or even top with some chopped nuts.
If you are a dessert person, blueberries are wonderful when making baked goods like crumbles, pie, scones, and muffins.
Ingredients:
• 1 frozen banana
• ½ cup frozen blueberries
• ½ cup almond milk
• 2 teaspoon ground flax
• 4 teaspoon cacao nibs reserve 2 tsp for topping
• 1 teaspoon goji berries
• 1 teaspoon coconut flakes unsweetened
• 1 teaspoon hemp seeds
• 8 blueberries
Directions:
Pour the almond milk, frozen banana, and frozen blueberries in the blender and liquify the mixture. Stir in the 2 teaspoons of flax and 2 teaspoons of cacao nibs until mixed in thoroughly. Pour the mixture into a bowl, and place the 8 blueberries in the center of the bowl. Sprinkle the hemp seeds, coconut flakes, Goji berries, and remaining cacao nibs on the surface of the smoothie.
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