The 8 Healthiest Fruits

Since before we can remember, our parents shoved the "eat your fruits and veggies" rule down our throats. No I'm not here to say that this is not the case or that fruits are secretly horrible for you and killing our youth! I have always been curious as to which fruits are actually the best ones for you. 

So here they are. The 8 Healthiest Fruits.

#1 Strawberries

-Great source of vitamin C

-Helps control type 2 diabetes

-helps fight off heart disease and inflammation

#2 Red Grapes

-Source of resveratrol (a powerful antioxidant that helps fight heart disease)

#3 Kiwi

-Lots of vitamin C

-Lower the risk of cancer

-Protects from DNA damage

#4 Apples

-Skin has a high source of fiber (soluble and insoluble)

-Filled with antioxidants

#5 Oranges

-Lots of vitamin C (almost a full day's worth)

-Lots of potassium

-Source of hesperidin (lowers cholesterol)

-According to research, the sent of oranges is calming

#6 Blueberries

-Rich in antioxidants that prevent cancer and macular degeneration

-Protects against urinary tract infections

#7 Papaya

-Source of papain (helps improve your digestion)

-Lots of vitamin C

good source of folate 

#8 Bananas

-High in potassium

-Low in sodium

-Lowers rush of high blood pressure and stroke

-Helps prevent stomach ulcers

Bloggers, Redheads and Zombies for Obama

In celebration of Obama's re-election, my dad sent my brother and me a link to a Democratic merchandise website and said we could get one thing, whatever we wanted. I decided to get THIS because I love Michelle and think this quote is something everyone should keep in mind.

It reads:

"Success isn't about how much money you make, it's about the difference you make in peoples' lives."

-Michelle Obama

What I thought the best part about this website was the long list of "Special Interest" Obama buttons. Here were some of my personal favorites:

(I'm a redhead if you didn't guess.)

Click HERE! to see more crazy Obama pins or HERE! to go on the Democratic Stuff website!

More on the Paleo Diet

This morning, I received an email from this health blog I follow and one of their recent articles was on the Paleo Diet! In case I didn't do a sufficient job in explaining what it is to you, here is another source with a little more information on this diet.

Click HERE! for the link to "What to Expect on the Paleo Diet" by Calorie Count.

If you are like me and don't always actually reading the whole thing, here are the highlights:

1. You will have more energy
2. You will feel full longer
3. Grains are in everything!! (aka: Eating Paleo is hard)

10 Healthy Food Myths Busted

Although I have passed the age of 17, I still receive daily emails from Seventeen Magazine, and yes, they are still very helpful and relevant. The topics of the short articles range from dating advice to my favorite, FOOD!

Here's a straight-forward slideshow that was send to me today about healthy food myths, so naturally, I had to share it with all of you! Whether you have not yet become a teenager or are long out of the teen years, healthy food tips apply to you, so I encourage everyone to check out this article below!

Seventeen's "10 Healthy Food Myths Busted"

Here are some of the myths that shocked me when I saw they were actually false:

Reduced-Fat Peanut Butter

I love peanut butter! If I was stranded on a desert island and I could bring only one food, it wouldn't be a question what I would choose. Peanut butter is my love. 

Whole wheat bread

I did not expect this one at all, but it's totally true! I have heard from many people (including my nutritionist Bonnie that whole grain is actually the best way to go. 

Fruit Smoothies

Jamba Juice lied to me! All this time I thought my Caribbean Passion and Razzmatazz smoothies were giving me a heathy boost! I for one will NOT cut smoothies out of my diet. They are a staple! Especially post workout. Nothing tastes better. What's better to do is make your own smoothie at home. That way you know exactly what goes into it so you can ensure it's healthy qualities.

Click HERE to go to Seventeen Magazine's Health Page!