Food Focus: FRUIT

A healthy lifestyle is the key to longevity, optimum weight, abundance of energy and balance. By using fruit to satisfy our taste for sweetness we can leave behind the use of chemical, processed and refined sweeteners, while enjoying all the positive effects of incorporating fruit into our diet. Fruits are easy to digest, are cleansing and cooling and are great for those who are over-stressed and over-heated from excessive mental strain or hot climates. Fruits are filled with fiber and liver stimulants, which act as a natural, gentle laxative. Whenever possible, buy fresh, locally grown fruit as opposed to imported fruits shipped form far off places. This can keep you eating 'in season', which helps us to feel more in harmony with our environment and climate.

Eating raw fruit in summer months increases its cooling effect, while baking in the winter months neutralizes its cooling effect. Fruit in the form of juice is a great choice for cleansing the body, but be aware that juice rapidly raises blood sugar levels, sending you down an energy crash soon after. Frozen, whole, pureed or juiced fruit can make great summertime cool down treats, such as frozen grapes, banana-coconut smoothie popsicles or lime juice ice-cubes for ice tea!

Whether you are having fresh fruit for a light early morning breakfast, a mid day snack or evening treat, enjoy nature's sweetness and when ever possible buy organic!