Healthy Eating and Entertaining Tips

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Healthy Eating Tips

We all know that fruits and vegetables are a key component in a healthy life. Use the following tips to include more throughout your busy day:

  • Eat at least one vitamin A-rich selection per day. Examples include: apricots, cantaloupe, carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes.
  • An apple a day truly does keep the doctor away! Apples are rich in quercetin, a nutrient that helps keep the immune system high, even when energy is low.
  • Eat foods that are low on the Glycemic Index, a tool used to measure how much a fixed amount of carbohydrates from a certain food raises the blood glucose, or sugar levels. With a low score of 22, Stemilt cherries are a great choice.
  • It is recommended that adults in the U.S. get between 25-35 grams of fiber each day. One large pear has 6 grams of fiber, or 20 percent of the daily recommendations. Other fruits and veggies that are rich in fiber include: apples, berries, oranges, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and beans.
  • When cooking with vegetables, limit the amount of salt you add. Likewise, when cooking with fruit, refrain from adding excess sugar. The best way to reap the benefits of good-for-you fruits and veggies is to enjoy them naturally.
  • Fruits and vegetables are naturally low in calories, fat, sodium and cholesterol. They are also a great source for key vitamins, minerals and antioxidants!
  • Crunch before lunch! Research suggests that eating a whole apple before lunch may help you consume fewer calories overall.
  • Fruits like apples and pears are great to eat before or after a workout. Also, try blending soft fruits (peaches, nectarines, blueberries) with protein powder for a healthy, long-lasting snack.
  • Fiber, vitamin C, carotenoids and anthocyanins – Stemilt cherries are packed with cancer-preventing compounds.

Healthy Entertaining Tips

Hosting a party is lots of fun, but preparing for it can be quite a bit of work! We’ve tried to make it easy for you by providing some healthy entertaining tips:

  • Throw an apple “tasting” party! Visit your local store and buy several different apple varieties (including unfamiliar ones). Slice them up and place on numbered platter. Have each guest move down the table and “grade” each apple on a set scale. Tally it up and see which one comes out on top. It’s also fun to do this with different pear varieties.
  • For an easy appetizer, combine roasted pork tenderloin, apples and gourmet mustard on a mini burger bun. Arrange on a platter and you’re all set.
  • At parties, try serving raw or marinated veggies as appetizers instead of the usual meat and cheese choices.
  • Create a “build your own pizza” party with a variety of toppings, including red, green, and yellow bell peppers, pineapple cubes, spinach, zucchini and broccoli.
  • Have a chocolate fondue party with cut-up fruits, like bananas and strawberries.
  • Looking for a fun appetizer when you entertain? Try making spears of fruit by attaching strawberries, grapes, melon slices, or pineapple chunks onto small skewers. Use low-fat or nonfat yogurt for a dip.
  • Put some punch into your party by blending 100% fruit juices to create a refreshing new juice. Try mixing pineapple, orange, grapefruit or other fruit juices. Add a slice of lemon or lime as a garnish.
  • Here’s a quick fruit salad you can make in less than a minute: Open a can of juice-pack mandarin oranges and empty into a bowl. Add a sliced banana, a sliced apple and some blueberries or raisins.
  • Skip the candy and send kids home with a healthy party favor! Include kid-friendly fruits like apples and oranges in the party bag.
  • Pair your favorite apple and pear varieties with a wine and cheese that complements the fruits’ unique flavors.

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