berry delicious

Debrucque Farm Stand...Check it out!

Aren't these ceramic crates adorable! I stole the idea from my cousin Kim, and Crate and Barrel!

While I'm forever trying to stay in the best shape (mentally and physically) before gravity completely sets in and I TOTALLY give up, I sometimes forget that my diet does just as much good for me as my fitness. I can have a great workout week but if I sneak in too many indulgences, I still don't feel my best. However, summertime seems to help me reach for healthier treats than in the colder months. Having access to so many fresh fruits and vegetables is something I look forward to. And although it wouldn't be uncommon for me to be sautéing some zucchini for my daughter and I for breakfast, (yes, breakfast...it's delicious!) I'm prone to making a healthy smoothie.

Fresh berries in the summer are my favorite. I use frozen berries for smoothies all year long, but there's nothing like fresh ones! I love farm stands and right now you can find them almost anywhere. I try to buy organic as much as I can, but when it's not available I like to support local farmers.

Smoothies are just one of the many things I enjoy making with fresh fruits. Recently I was at a friends house and she made us berry bowls with chia seeds. If you've never tried one, please do. (Thank you Miss Alice!) Of course I add chia seeds to everything now because I need all the extra health benefits that I can get, but they are a wonderful addition to a great morning breakfast.

HOW DELICIOUS DOES THAT LOOK????

Now to be fair, this isn't the exact one I ate, but you get the idea. And it's gorgeous, how can you not love it?!

Desserts are a staple in my household and that's never going to change, however this time of year my desserts are a bit lighter, but just as good. And as much as I am a chocoholic, fresh berries with a dollop of whipped cream will still do the trick OR yogurt with berries and some shaved chocolate...even better! (I mean dark chocolate IS good for you!) Regardless of how you incorporate berries into your diet, they are in fact a healthy staple and if you haven't added them in yet, it's worth doing so before pumpkin season comes...

Okay those don't look delicious? C'mon people!

5 Nutritional Fun Facts on Berries

1)Berries are loaded with antioxidants

2)Berries may help improve blood sugar and insulin response

3)Berries are high in fiber

4)Berries provide many nutrients

Vitamin C: 50% of the RDI.

Manganese: 47% of the RDI.

Vitamin K: 36% of the RDI.

Copper: 12% of the RDI.

Folate: 9% of the RDI.

5)Berries have strong anti-inflammatory properties

***PLEASE SHARE YOUR FAVORITE BERRY RECIPE IN THE COMMENTS BELOW. I LOOK FORWARD TO TRYING SOMETHING NEW!!!