Taste the Seasons

To ensure the best tasting and lowest prices on fresh produce, eat by the seasons. Ever eat a peach in February? No comparison to a fresh picked peach in July, right? Along with the benefit of optimal taste, seasonal and locally grown produce costs less and aren’t preserved with pesticides.

Some fruits and vegetables require higher amounts of pesticides if not grown organically. Buying and eating the following foods in season or from a farmers market is a healthier and inexpensive choice:
-Strawberries
-Apples
-Peaches
-Cherries
-Pears
-Nectarines
-Potatoes
-Spinach
-Celery
-Bell peppers

RECIPE

Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients:
20 medium organic tomatoes (red and orange)
5 leaves of finely chopped basil
Sea salt
Ground pepper
½ cup organic heavy cream

Directions:
Place whole tomatoes in a large pot over medium heat. Allow to cook until they give off their liquid. Using a fork, pull off and discard skins.

Stir often. Reduce heat to low. Add basil leaves chopped with sea salt and pepper to taste.

Continue stirring. As the soup becomes creamy, add slowly the ½ cup of heavy cream until completely blended.

Fuel for Thought

Your brain needs energy in a steady flow for optimal performance. An even supply of glucose (energy) during studying and periods of intense concentration is important. Many students complain that in an exam situation, their mind goes blank and they can’t remember a thing. In many cases, it may be that their brains are low on glucose fuel, resulting in poor concentration, reduced mental energy and lowered alertness. The best foods for supplying the brain with fuel are complex carbohydrates found in whole grains and vegetables. The first step towards excellence in academics is a diet rich in whole wheat and millet pasta or whole grains and fruits such as, apples or oranges. As well as nuts, seeds and broccoli or carrots.

Sustaining the brain energy takes proteins and smart fats. Found in lean meats and fish, eggs and low-fat cheeses. Along with the fruits and vegetables, these nutrients work together to optimize brain function, including increased alertness and improved memory.