Blissful Blueberries - Three New Ways to Enjoy Them!

Ahhh, summer. There are many reasons why it's my favourite season of the year. Hot days, warm nights, and life just seems to go at a slower pace leaving me with a feeling of having more ease in my life.  But do you want to know what my secret favourite thing about summer is? Blueberries baby! Here in Ontario, July and August is wild blueberry season which means on any given day of the week you'll find me with a little purple mustache, purple teeth, purple fingernails and, most certainly purple stains on my light coloured clothing. But who cares? The season is short so my daily goal is to go big or go home. Get 'em while the gettin's good, am I right?

Blueberries taste amazing and that is a super important reason to eat them. Food should be delicious and bring us joy! But with that gorgeous taste explosion comes some pretty amazing health benefits that make including blueberries in the diet a powerful boost to our health and well-being.

Rich in plant flavonoids called "anthocyanidins" which are responsible for the deep blue, purple and red pigments, blueberries provide a great deal of antioxidant protection for just about every system of the body. In fact, a Tufts University study which looked at over 60 different fruits and vegetables concluded that blueberries offered the highest amount of antioxidant protection. This antioxidant activity has been shown to:
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• Protect the brain against oxidative stress and may reduce the effects of age-related disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's.
• Improving vision and protecting against age-related macular degeneration. Studies also show that blueberries help improve night-time visual acuity, symptoms of cataracts and glaucoma.
• Provide therapeutic relief from vericose veins, hemorrhoids, peptic ulcers, urinary tract and bowel disturbances.

Blueberries are also high in vitamin C to help boost the immune system and provide antioxidant support to the cardiovascular system and boost collagen production. They are also an excellent source of soluble fiber, insoluble fiber, manganese, vitamin E and riboflavin.

​Looking for new ways to include these magical little berries into your life? Check out these three quick and simple recipes:

Vegan Wild Blueberry French Toast

Kale Blueberry Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing

Blueberry Ginger Lime Sparkling Water

I hope you enjoy these blissful blueberry recipes as much as I do.

Now...is anyone else starting to get excited for peach season? (wink, wink)
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Want more delicious meal ideas? Check out my Quick 'n' Easy Meal Plan for an entire week's worth of nutrient-dense recipes that includes some of the hydrating foods in this article. You'll also get a comprehensive shopping list and handy preparation guide to keep  you on track and organized. Eating healthy has never been easier or faster. Get in, get nourished, and be on your way in less than 30 minutes per recipe!

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If you would like to explore how working with a nutritionist can help you reach your health and wellness goals, book your free 30-minute consultation session where we can discuss how I can help.