Plenty of experts agree that the solution is simple — sneak nutritious foods into dishes where they’ll be least expected. And a summer smoothie is a great way to do it. Kid-friendly and convenient for on-the-go adults, smoothies are the essence of summer refreshment. When you load them up with fresh superfoods — ingredients recognized for offering positive health benefits — smoothies also become a great way to take full advantage of summer’s nutritional bounty.

Blended with just the right balance of ingredients, practically any superfood will work in a smoothie. Here are a few ideas for what to toss in the blender:

• Blueberries – High in antioxidants like vitamins C and E, blueberries help boost the immune system naturally, combat free-radical damage and possibly even ease the effects of aging. Fresh or frozen, they’re a flavorful, health-filled addition to any smoothie recipe.
• Fresh ginger – For thousands of years, Asian cultures have relied on fresh ginger to aid in digestion. It’s also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties as well. You can use ground ginger, but most supermarkets now carry the fresh root, which will deliver the full flavor and health benefits.
• Egg whites – Egg whites are an unbeatable source of pure, fat-free, cholesterol-free, high-quality lean protein. A convenient option in a pourable carton, AllWhites brand 100 percent egg whites are pasteurized for safety, providing an easy way to add lean protein to a smoothie. Oprah Winfrey trainer Bob Greene incorporates AllWhites in his “Best Life Diet,” noting their ability to help keep your appetite in check.
• Honey – Not only is honey a great, natural alternative to processed sugar or chemical-based sugar substitutes to bring sweetness to your smoothie, its glucose is easily absorbed by the body and helps produce energy. It’s also thought to provide antioxidant and antibacterial benefits.
• Ground cinnamon – Studies show cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar, act as an anti-inflammatory and even an anti-bacterial. A popular flavor among kids, it’s also high in nutrients like iron and calcium.
• Sliced almonds (or other nuts) – Nuts are a good source of high-quality protein. Sprinkle a handful over the top of your smoothie to add protein and a fun crunch.

Here’s a health-filled summer smoothie recipe with ingredients designed to help boost productivity:

Blueberry Ginger Productivity Protein Smoothie

Preparation time: 5 minutes.

Ingredients:
1 cup frozen wild blueberries
1 container (6 ounces) fat-free vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup AllWhites 100 percent liquid egg whites
1/2 cup skim milk or soymilk
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons grated fresh gingerroot
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons sliced almonds

Directions:
Combine all ingredients except almonds in blender. Cover and blend on medium speed until smooth. Sprinkle each serving with 1 tablespoon almonds. Serve immediately.

Makes two eight-ounce servings. Nutrition per serving: 124 calories, 18 from fat; 2 grams total fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 2 mg cholesterol; 87 mg sodium; 22 grams total carbohydrates; 3 grams dietary fiber; 7 grams protein.

For more great recipe ideas, visit www.betterneggs.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

The first step in maintaining a healthy lifestyle starts in the refrigerator – but it can be difficult when it is filled with tempting, unhealthy foods. The Freshen Up Your Fridge program sponsored by Daisy Brand Cottage Cheese encourages Americans to remove unhealthy items and add fresh, nutrient-rich foods that are all-natural.

Delicious Berry Parfait

Simple steps to eating healthy

To make freshening up your refrigerator even easier, find foods that are low in fat and only contain all-natural ingredients. New Daisy Brand Cottage Cheese, for example, is offered in both low fat (2 percent) and regular (4 percent), and contains only all-natural ingredients – no preservatives, and without added growth hormones. (No significant difference has been shown between milk from rBST-treated and untreated cows.)

“So many Americans try to eat healthy, but don’t realize that many foods contain unnecessary additives and preservatives,” says Kim Galeaz, registered dietitian. “I’m partnering with Daisy Brand Cottage Cheese to show how simple it can be to freshen up your refrigerator and live a healthier lifestyle.”

Galeaz’s fresh refrigerator tips include:

• Fill your refrigerator with fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are packed with disease-fighting antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Load up on in-season apricots, blueberries, strawberries, broccoli, green beans, snow peas, spinach and baby greens.
• Just 90 calories per serving, Daisy Brand Low Fat Cottage Cheese is naturally high in protein and low in fat, making it a favorite among active, nutrition-conscious adults. With its versatility in recipes and nutritional benefits for every age, consumers can feel good about making one purchase that is valuable in so many ways. One half-cup serving is packed with 14 grams of high-quality protein, and compared to other proteins, is very budget friendly.
• Know what foods are nutrient-rich. Naturally nutrient-rich foods provide valuable vitamins and minerals, and have fewer preservatives and additives than most other foods. Fruits, vegetables and cottage cheese are three convenient and nutrient-rich snacks to keep on hand in your refrigerator for growing kids, teens and active adults.
• Focus on high-quality protein. High-quality protein sources such as skinless fish, poultry, lean beef and pork, cottage cheese and eggs, provide all the essential amino acids necessary for building and repairing the body’s cells and boosting immunity.

Get creative

Fast foods don’t have to be unhealthy or expensive. Make refrigerator staples work for you by adding them to recipes or pairing them with a variety of foods. The versatility of cottage cheese allows for many meal and snack options that can provide gratification when that “snack attack” hits.

For a delicious summer treat, try the Berry Parfait recipe below.

Prep time: Five minutes
Time to table: Two hours, five minutes
Serves: Four

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Daisy Brand Cottage Cheese
• 2 cups mixed berries such as sliced strawberries, blueberries and raspberries
• 1 cup granola
• 4 tablespoons chopped almonds

Refrigerate fruit mixture two hours before assembling. In four serving dishes, layer 1/4 cup of cottage cheese, 1/8 cup of granola and 1/4 cup of mixed berries. Repeat layers in each dish. Top each parfait with one tablespoon of almonds. For a sweeter taste, try adding one teaspoon of vanilla and 3/4 teaspoon of Splenda to fruit and stir.

You can learn additional recipe ideas and tips by visiting www.FreshenUpYourFridge.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent