Angeleans are owning their health in great numbers – and we couldn’t have been prouder! With nearly 300 people in attendance at our collaborative Health Fair with LPCC in Chatsworth, Ca this year, not only were people informed of healthy ways to live, but fun ways to accomplish their goals. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get real with your health!
Next week we will talk about getting active and Bodies on The Go. For now, here are some tips on eating healthy this summer:
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends fish, chicken breast or lean ground poultry and going skinless when possible.
If you are going to have a burger, may we suggest going with turkey or chicken breast and in a lettuce wrap for a refreshing twist to this American classic.
Here’s another great recommendation by the AHA. Have lots of color in your salad, and top it with some nuts. Instead of a potato salad, try a spinach salad with red and yellow bell peppers, carrots, and how about some broccoli? To add more crunch, top it with almonds or walnuts. And when possible, forgo the croutons.
There Is No Such Thing as Too Many Veggies
You might think your salad is enough. But how about grilling some asparagus or corn. Let’s be honest, we all feel like it’s not really a BBQ if our plate isn’t overfilled. So, fill it full of vegetables.
Fresh Fruit as An Alternative to Cake or Ice Cream for Dessert.
It can be hard to hear that you need to stay away from sugar. If you’re like many people – you like sugar. Instead of stuffing yourself with them, try grilling some peaches or pineapple instead. Yum – just remember, stay away from the sugar. Here are a few ideas to get you motivated:
This will be a new discovery for your taste buds as the texture, taste and temperature of your fruits will be different
GRILLED SUMMER FRUITS
- 2 peaches
- 2 nectarines
- 4 rings fresh pineapple
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 Tbsp. melted butter
- 2 cups any flavor sorbet or frozen yogurt
Cut peaches and nectarines in half and remove pit. Place on serving platter along with the pineapple rings. In small bowl combine lemon juice, sugar, and melted butter and blend well. Spread this mixture on one side of each piece of fruit.
When coals are medium low, place fruits, coated side down, on the grill. Do not move for one minute. Then, using tongs, carefully lift one piece of fruit. If it has brown grill marks and is sizzling, turn the fruits over. If the grill marks aren’t apparent, let the fruit cook for 1-2 minutes longer, then turn. Cook for 1-2 minutes on the second side. Place fruits back on serving tray and top each with a spoonful of sorbet or frozen yogurt. Serves 4-6
For better results, you should choose fresh, firm and ripe fruit.
Also note that some fruits are better suited to cooking than others. Peaches, plums and apricots are good choices as well as sliced apples, pears, oranges or even strawberries.
You can also try bananas and mangos but you must keep them in their skins.
PRE-PREPARATION*: It is also suggested to soak the fruit in cold water with lemon for half an hour before grilling. Use this juice later to brush your fruit during cooking. Keep them in their skin/peel.
Even if you add little extras to your fruits they will still be a better choice than store bought desserts.
You can also try freezing fresh fruit cubes for the kids to nibble on while waiting on the BBQ!
We hope these ideas help in your quest to own your health year-round. Another tip, remember that the more you fill up on healthy food, the less likely you are to give in to your cravings and eat unhealthy.