My top 10 fruits

My Top 10 Fruits

Strawberries

Tastes so good!  One of my favorite desserts of all time! The smell always make me think of happy summer thoughts especially once they are in my mouth! Could this be why they are so popular for Valentines paired with chocolate, they are perfect! Packed with vitamins, fiber, and particularly high levels of antioxidants known as polyphenols, strawberries are a sodium-free, fat-free, cholesterol-free, low-calorie food. They are among the top 20 fruits in antioxidant capacity and are a good source of manganese and potassium. 

Blueberries 

The color of blueberries always make think of skittles, These little SUPERFOOD gems are packed with antioxidants and feel good for you reasons not to eat these skittles.  A little candy from heaven is what I like to call these in my salad, cereal, yogurt or pancakes! Packed with antioxidants and phytoflavinoids, these berries are also high in potassium and vitamin C, making them the top choice of doctors and nutritionists. Not only can they lower your risk of heart disease and cancer, they are also anti-inflammatory.

Raspberries

These little beauties are a softer berry and little more tart and always make my heart smile with all the health benefits they pack. They provide potassium, essential to heart function, and proven to lower blood pressure. The omega-3 fatty acids in raspberries can help prevent stroke and heart disease. They also contain a mineral called manganese, which is necessary for healthy bones and skin and helps regulate blood sugar.

Blackberries

Their little tart dark in color beautiful berries contain a wide array of important nutrients including potassium, magnesium and calcium, as well as vitamins A, C, E and most of our B vitamins. They are also a rich source of anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that give them their deep rich color. HIgh in fiber to make you feel fuller longer and help with your digestive health. They are truly another SUPERFOOD you want added to your diet.

Mangos

A beautiful tropical fruit that tastes like heaven!  I have been known to suck on the seed or the peel to get the last of the pulp left and have juice dripping down my chin and elbows.  I am not sure why but usually the smell will get me at night when I am washing the dishes and I see it has ripened up on the countertop to a perfect golden color with hints of red, green, orange and softness about it that you know that if you don’t eat it now you may not have time to eat it at is peak moment of ripeness and you wonder if anyone else in your family has noticed it ready to be devoured or demolished RIGHT now!  My husband is allergic to mangos so I know once I have started peeling and slicing it open one of my children is bound to smell it as well and ready to help me enjoy it!  Loaded with antioxidants that offer a healthy glow to the skin especially after you have to scrub all the evidence off your face and hands.  I love this fruit in salads, mango salsa and especially a chicken mango wrap in rice paper with a sweet chili sauce that is a seasonal item at my favorite Thai restaurant.  

Pineapples 

Juicy delicious fruit!  Love this paired with yogurt or cottage cheese. Pineapples are high in vitamin C and loaded with fiber. I pull on a leaf and if it pulls out easily then I know it is ripe and ready to be sliced and eaten.  Colorful, full of antioxidants and a natural sweetener.  Can be used in salads or as a desert. 

Coconuts

Rich in fat but not stored as fat but stored as ENERGY to fuel your workouts to help increase your metabolism.  Yes, that is correct coconuts raw or dried can help you lose weight.  Not only are they tasty for you but they help with metabolism boosting effects.  Helps you feel fuller longer, low in calories and tastes delicious.  I love fresh coconuts shredded or milked into my soups or thai food.  

Watermelon

Watermelon always reminds me of summer and 4th of July!  What a truly delicious and wonderful smelling fruit this is.  I remember doing watermelon seed spitting contests at family picinics.  Taking photos of the children eating and enjoying holding their first watermelon slice in their hands and juice running down their chins and becoming a sticky mess.  This truly is a fruit that is meant to bring a smile to the face either the memories or the wonderful taste.  

Watermelons are low in calories, have amino acids, and are hydration-supportive, making them one of the best fruits to eat. They are best for weight loss not only because they are low in calories but also because 90% of watermelon is water. On top of that, the amino acid called arginine helps burn fat in your body.

Cantelope

Cantalope has weight loss benefits because it is a nutrient dense, low-calorie fruit that is ideal for weight loss. Cantaloupe has always been recognized as a nutrient dense source of a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals. This quite ordinary melon is a common diet food that is low-calorie, low-fat and a natural diuretic. Pairs well with cottage cheese if you want to add some protein along with it.Tastes great by itself or in a fruit salad as well.

Jicamas

One of my favorite fruits to eat.  I enjoy peeling and slicing jicamas into thin potato like slices and adding lemon juice and a little salt on them.  Our kids love to snack on these while watching a movie kind of like chips except healthier option. Jicama is a healthy food to include in your diet. It’s high in several nutrients, fiber and antioxidants, which may provide health benefits, including improved digestion, weight loss and a reduced risk of disease. Plus, jicama is tasty and crunchy and can be eaten by itself or paired with many other foods or salads.  Goes really well with seafood!