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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. |
