Live Fruitfully in 2012

It’s a well known fact that people should aim to get at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, however few of us do. Fruit is one of my favorite things to snack on or to accompany my meals as it provides numerous health benefits including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. Fruits are also low in fat and calories. Furthermore, fruits can help to decrease the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and hypertension.

Fruit can be fun and is so easy to prepare. Here are a few tips on how to increase your daily consumption and take advantage of the health benefits they provide. I am encouraging everyone to “Live Fruitfully” this year!

One of the easiest ways to get a few servings of fruit in when you’re on the go is with a smoothie. Jamba Juice has launched a new “Fit ‘n Fruitful” line of smoothies in line with their commitment to healthy and active living. Their smoothies are one of my favorite meal time substitutes or snacks when I’m on the go knowing that they provide balanced nutrition and are a good source of protein and fiber. The Fit ‘n Fruitful come in 3 delicious flavors:

• Berry Blend
• Strawberry/Raspberry Banana
• Peach Mango

Looking for other fun ways to incorporate fruit into your diet?  You can try making fruit these ways:

• Grill it: Cooking fruit at high heat caramelizes the natural sugar. I love grilled bananas and grilled pineapple!
• Bake it: Fruit is water rich so it stays moist when slowly baked at a low temperature. Did someone say peach cobbler?
• Poach it: Simmering fruit in liquid helps to enhance flavor and soften texture. It’s ideal for fruit that isn’t quite ripe.
• Saute it:  I have a great recipe in my book Pregnancy Cooking & Nutrition for Dummies for Apple Cinnamon Crepes. It’s just one of the 100 recipes in the book--good for everyone to eat, even if you don’t have a bun in the oven!
• Raw: You can’t go wrong with raw fruit.  Eat it whole or chop it up to put in a fruit salad. You can even dice fruit and add it to sandwiches, salsa or salads.

No matter how you eat it, fruit is one of the best foods out there to help keep you active, healthy and committed to everything you do! What’s your favorite way to eat fruit?