| Slimming
down in the summer is ever so much easier. The warm air is inviting,
the sun is shining and you don't have to dress like an Eskimo
just to get the mail. You want to show off your fresh pedicure
and that sassy new pair of summer sandals, don't you? Fresh vegetables
and fruits are beginning to ripen in your backyard garden. If
you don't have a garden of your own, fruits and vegetables are
always available in the produce section of your grocery store.
You'll also find a colorful bounty of fresh organic produce at
your local natural foods store. Craving
fresh fruits in the warmth of summer is only natural. We don't
usually think of tomatoes as a fruit, but that's what they are.
This nourishing food is full of nutrients, one of which is lycopene,
which gives it that deep red color. Tomatoes are naturally full
of antioxidants, which are great for fighting free radicals
inside the body, thus keeping you healthy and energized. Lycopene
is also responsible for the bright red and orange of fresh ripe
peppers.
One of the best ways
to start a diet is to learn a new snack recipe or try combining
foods in a new way. Choose firm and bright orange, green and
red peppers. Cut the stem off with a sharp kitchen knife. Clean
the seeds out, and slice the pepper in half, then in long strips.
Keep them on hand to eat instead of crackers or chips, for a
refreshing, delicious-tasting snack that's good for you, plus,
won't add pounds to your hips.
Dip your pepper slices
in fresh hummus for a real treat. You might like to make this
as a simple dinner or low-calorie, nutritious side dish. This
middle eastern staple food is simple to make and will keep fresh
when refrigerated. Open one can of garbanzo beans, rinse under
fresh cold water and drain. In your blender, pour half the can
of garbanzos with enough olive oil to allow it to blend into
a wet liquidy mix. easily. Chop up a fresh organic garlic clove
(or two). Toss in the remainder of the garbanzo beans, the chopped
garlic, and blend. Sprinkle on salt and ground black pepper
to taste. |
