Tag Archives: blueberries

Red, White, and Blueberry Turkey Burger Sliders Recipe for Summer Cookouts

I’m a pretty all-American girl, I like to think. I love running around barefoot in the summer, classic rock ‘n roll, a hot grill, and cool drinks. Summer is my season and I, admittedly, love to eat and drink my way through it.

I also, admittedly, like to remain relatively close to the same size at the end of the summer as I am at the start of the summer. That means a few trade offs. I (mostly) gave up beef burgers years ago. Turkey is where it’s at now. And I say this as a pretty picky eater. If I can be sold on a turkey burger, the rest of you should already be on this train.

With Memorial Day unofficially kicking off the summer this weekend, I’m ready to enjoy everything I love about the warm days ahead, minus a few unnecessary calories. So I hope you’ll join me in devouring a few of my Red, White, and Blueberry Turkey Burger Sliders.

The great thing about sliders is the automatic portion control. One or two of these little guys is all I need, and I still have plenty of room on my plate (and calories) for corn on the cob, potato salad, grilled fruit, and maybe even a little ice cream. I found the whole wheat slider buns at Kroger, but even small dinner rolls will work. (more…)

Posted on May 22, 2023 by Natalie K

5 Good Reasons to Eat More Blueberries

By Delia Quigley for Care2.com

July is National Blueberry Month, a fitting tribute given that’s when these wholesome, juicy little berries come in to the peak of their season. Learn more about the nutritional and health benefits from this tiny blue food, and find several healthy blueberry recipes.

1. Blueberries’ Antioxidant Force

The first thing to point out is that, although blueberries are loaded with taste and antioxidants, they are also low in calories and high in fiber. This makes them the perfect food for dieters and anyone looking for a nutritious snack. One cup of blueberries provides you with the equivalent antioxidant content of five servings of carrots, broccoli, squash, and apples. What this means for your health is a lower risk of heart disease, vibrant, firm skin, and a boost in brain power.

The primary force behind blueberries’ super power is the phytonutrient anthocyanin, a particular type of flavonoid—the one that gives blueberries that deep blue pigment. These antioxidant benefits of anthocyanin are thought to protect your body against the damaging effects of free radicals and the chronic diseases associated with the aging process. Based on data from the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, blueberries are among the fruits with the highest antioxidant activity. Using a test called ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), researchers have shown that a serving of fresh blueberries provides more antioxidant activity than many other fresh fruits and vegetables. (more…)

Posted on July 7, 2023 by GuestBlogger

Natural Alternatives to Potentially Dangerous Artificial Food Dyes

The Food and Drug Administration determined many years ago that there was no definitive link between artificial food colorings and health problems in children or adults. However, it recently decided to review the evidence and consider possible policy changes that include placing warning labels on food containing the artificial colorings.

Dr. Jeffrey A. Morrison, MD, author of Cleanse Your Body, Clear Your Mind has studied the links between toxins and chemicals in our food and environment to health and behavior. He advises his patients to avoid all artificial colorings and food dyes whenever possible.

“Artificial food colorings and dyes have been used for many years but only recently have they been under investigation with the FDA,” Morrison said. “In particular, red dyes have been known to cause hyperactivity and gastrointestinal discomfort in children and adults.”

(more…)

Posted on April 28, 2023 by Maris

Eat Right With Color: Blue and Purple Fruits and Veggies

Jane Schwartz Harrison is a registered dietitian and lifestyle writer for www.myOptumHealth.com. She is also the editor of their Nutrition and Healthy Weight, Healthy Kids hubs, and provides nutrition expertise through writing articles, developing menu plans and recipes, and supporting a nutrition column. Working in the nutrition field for the past 20 years, Jane has maintained a successful private practice and lectures regionally.

Feeling blue? In nutrition circles, this would be considered a good thing! Blue and purple fruits and veggies are colored by natural plant pigments called “anthocyanins.” Anthocyanins, part of the flavonoid family, are powerful antioxidants.

A recent survey found that adults who eat purple and blue fruits and vegetables have reduced risk for both high blood pressure and low HDL cholesterol (the “good” kind); they are also less likely to be overweight.

(more…)

Posted on March 20, 2024 by GuestBlogger

Improve Your Skin with a Healthy Diet

We all know that what we eat impacts our body weight but what some of us might not know is that what we eat also impacts the quality of our skin. While some skin conditions are determined by genetics, others can be controlled with your diet. For skin that is soft, fresh and unblemished, look to your diet to help feel great from the inside out.

So, what should you eat to keep your skin looking vibrant and young?

“In general foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins will help keep skin healthy, ” said Dr. Tess Mauricio, a cosmetic dermatologist, author and physician educator. “Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and decaffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages will help keep your skin cells healthy.”

(more…)

Posted on March 16, 2024 by Maris

January 28 is National Blueberry Pancake Day

Pancakes might be delicious, but they aren’t usually billed as one of the most nutritious foods. You can up the health value of your favorite flapjacks by using wheat flour instead of white flour and today, National Blueberry Pancake Day, add some berries for an extra nutrient boost.

While most of us love to eat pancakes, many of us aren’t quite sure how to cook them with prowess.

The first step is choosing the right equipment. The key to a perfect pancake? The pan. Choose a pan that has an advanced nonstick surface that is durable and metal utensil safe, so foods that are prone to sticking, like pancakes, easily slide off, even when little or no butter or oil is used.

(more…)

Posted on January 28, 2024 by Maris

Blueberries Offer Nutrition and Flavor All Year Long

If you’ve been longing for the fresh fruit from your local farmer’s market, there might be a viable substitute right in your local supermarket. While most regions of the United States are currently suffering frigid temperatures, areas of South America, including Chile, are in their prime for the production of fruit and vegetables.

Particularly, Chilean blueberries are at a peak and unless you’re a die-hard locavore, will let you add fresh flavor to your table no matter what the weather looks like outside. Fresh blueberries need no pitting, peeling or chopping- just a quick rinse and they’re ready to toss with your favorite yogurt, oatmeal or even eaten plain.

(more…)

Posted on January 24, 2024 by Maris

Vanilla Yogurt Parfait with Blueberries and Strawberries

Even in the winter, when you wake up craving a warm meal, a yogurt parfait can be a surprisingly satisfying choice. Yogurt is full of calcium and protein and when you need a quick breakfast before work or school, it’s easy to make a parfait that tastes gourmet with whole grains and fresh fruit.

If you like to get your kids involved in the kitchen, you can make a fun event out of prepping your parfaits – set out bowls of granola, fresh and dried fruit and other favorite toppings and let them compile their own tasty morning treats.

My favorite combination is vanilla yogurt, fresh blueberries and strawberries but off-season, frozen fruits will work in a pinch.

(more…)

Posted on December 6, 2023 by Maris

Healthy Recipes for Your Labor Day Party

As the summer draws to a close, Labor Day is the perfect time to gather all of your loved ones and celebrate the last days sunshine with relaxation, fun and, like any get together, food.

Labor Day doesn’t have to make or break your diet. By taking advantage of the fresh produce in season this summer and offering healthy, fresh and delicious dishes to your guests, you’ll be able to enjoy your party, guilt-free, without worrying about busting anyone’s swim suit seams.

Running low on ideas? Here are a few of our tried and true recipes that will satisfy your guests’ taste buds without expanding their waistlines.

Barbecued Corn What’s a summer celebration without corn on the cob? Instead of drenching it in butter, try topping your corn with a bit of Parmesan cheese, pepper or a little garlic. (more…)

Posted on September 4, 2023 by Kelly

Black Rice is New Antioxidant Star

You’re plenty familiar with white rice. And maybe you occasionally indulge in brown rice. But have you heard of black rice? If not, there could be good reason to track some down for your next meal.

According to new research, anthocyanin antioxidants are found in black rice, which are also found in blackberries and blueberries. Black rice is also rich in iron and fiber.

“Just a spoonful of black rice bran contains more health promoting anthocyanin antioxidants than are found in a spoonful or blueberries, but with less sugar and more fiber and vitamin E antioxidants,” says Zhimin Xu, PhD, of Louisiana State University Agricultural Center. (more…)

Posted on August 30, 2023 by Jason

Secret Weight Loss Power of Blueberries

blueberriesThe health benefits of blueberries have long been touted. They are flavor-filled and nutritious, while still being very low in calories. In fact, researchers at Tufts University analyzed 60 fruits and vegetables to find out more about their antioxidant powers. Blueberries ended up at the top of the heap, rating highest in their capacity to destroy free radicals.

Canadian researchers have now found that “biotransformed” blueberries with bacteria from the berry’s skin may help people fight obesity and diabetes.

In an animal study, diabetic and pre-diabetic mice saw a reduction in hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). (more…)

Posted on September 13, 2023 by Jason