Get Colorful

My dinner tonight consists of grilled ribs and
grilled fruits and veggies (various peppers, onions,
pineapple and mango)

We're finally seeing warmer temps. My one of my favorite things about warm weather is being able to fire up my grill and throw down! Grill your food instead of frying or sauteing it. Oil and butter contribute to your fat count. Make your sides colorful. The more color in your fruits and veggies, the better. Different color veggies have various benefits.

Red 

Red fruits and veggies are packed with a ton Vitamin C.  Red peppers have twice as much Vitamin C as an orange.  Adding spices aids in digestion. Hot red peppers like cayenne have substance called capsaicin that breaks down mucus and even may play a role in curbing appetite.  They're also known to help lower blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, and even reduce tumor growth.  Reds are also known for bone and joint support for arthritis patients.

Suggestions: apples, strawberries, watermelon, beets, tomatoes, cranberries, pomegranate, red onion, red pepper

Blue and Purple

Purple veggies offer anti-cancer and anti-viral  benefits. They're great for boosting your immune system.  Purple veggies are packed with B-Vitamins that also aid in skin cell regeneration and improve your digestion. Eating blue and purple fruits and veggies also improves your body's ability to absorb calcium and other minerals that are essential to your body's optimal functioning.

Suggestions: blueberries, blackberries, grapes, plums, pomegranate, figs, purple cabbage, raisins, purple grapes.

Orange and Yellow

Orange veggies have carotenoids, like beta-carotene, in them that provide you with a little extra defense against UV rays.  You're also going to find Vitamin C in orange fruits and veggies.  Orange fruits and veggies are also known for reducing LDL cholesterol and blood pressure levels.  They also promote healthy collagen development for healthy joints.  Oranges and yellowx also help promote healthy bone formation.

Suggestions:  apricots, butternut squash, cantaloupe, grapefruit, lemon, mangoes, sweet potatoes, orange and yellow peppers, tangerines, corn, pumpkin, rutabaga

White

White fruits and veggies share many similar benefits to orange and yellow.  They're also great for kicking that immune system into gear.  They activate the B and Killer-T Cells that your body needs to fight off infections, viruses, etc.  They also work to balance your hormone levels and prevent hormone-related and prostate cancers.

Suggestions: bananas, brown pears, cauliflower, garlic, ginger, mushrooms, onions, shallots, white corn, turnips

Green

Greens are my favorites!  The darker, the better!  Green veggies are packed with a ton of fiber, calcium, folic acid, flavanoids, and other stuff.  Greens are known for their ability to reduce cancer risks.  They lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels, support vision, and boost immunity.  They're also known to aid in digestion (get you regular).  The cool thing about greens is that you get a ton of health benefits packed in to low calorie options. Yay for weight loss!  Greens are have antioxidants and also aid in collagen growth (and prevent its breakdown). It's great for getting healthy, clear skin, with fewer wrinkles.

Suggestions: collards, spinach, avocado, artichokes, asparagus, arugula, green apples, green beans, green cabbage, green grapes...the possiblities are endless!

Contact: Tabitha Artis

www.facebook.com/healthierdivas

www.tabartis.myitworks.com

twitter.com/healthierdivas

Instagram: @tabsmiles

healthyisthenewbeautiful@gmail.com

Late Night Cravings?

Are you up late and hungry?  You're probably thinking about that ice cream in your freezer, or maybe a bag of chips. Something quick and easy, right? Oftentimes,  quick and easy isn't the best solution. You often fill yourself up with stuff that will make you regret that move in the morning. Here's a little information to help you find a guilt-free snack.

First off,  WHY are you hungry late at night?  Late night food cravings can be linked to a few different causes.
Dehydration is a big cause for your late night hunger pains. Increase your water intake during the day to keep you from reaching for bad stuff at night.
You could simply be bored. I know that I, personally yes to reach for snacks when I get bored and i'm not necessarily hungry.
Low sodium or sugar levels. Now, that doesn't mean you bo grabbing for your chips or cookies just yet!!
A lack of or low levels of protein.

Niw that you know some of the potential causes for your hunger, you can begin to really think aboutmhealthy snacks that will hell you fill up. Change your mindset. Don't think about what it is that you WANT to eat, but what it is that you SHOULD eat. This eventually becomes easker with time,  almost like second nature. Remember that late night snacking contributes to weight gain if you don't do it right.

Because dehydration plays a role in late night hunger binges, try drinking water first. If you don't feel better,  then you can start thinking about food. .. but what to eat? ?? You want protein rich snacks. Snacks with a lot of protein include yogurt, granola bars,  cheese and crackers, cereal eith skim milk, a healthy and nutritious sandwich, veggie sticks, and fruit.

Eating healthily doesn't always have to be a chore. Eating well doesn't have to be a hassle, nor does it have to taste bad. You'd be surprised at how simple it can be. You are not limited to my suggestions. Find protein-rich snacks that work for you. The possibilities are ENDLESS! Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Contact: Tabitha Artis

www.facebook.com/healthierdivas

www.tabartis.myitworks.com

twitter.com/healthierdivas

Instagram: @tabsmiles

healthyisthenewbeautiful@gmail.com