BOOST YOUR METABOLISM 

The secret to boosting your metabolism is FEEDING your body what it needs.  

You must eat the right foods, in the right quantities, to get your metabolism working for you, rather than against you. The amount of water, fat, fiber, protein, carbohydrates, sodium, cholesterol, EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids), and vitamins & minerals you consume on a daily basis will either increase your metabolism or your waistline.

The third one in our TOP 10 FAVORITE FOODS TO BOOST YOUR METABOLISM is BLUEBERRIES!

BENEFITS OF BLUEBERRIES

Photo by Karen D

How many blue foods can you name?

  Of course there’s the obvious, blueberries, but there aren’t too many more!  That’s what makes blueberries a super food.  The rich bluish, reddish colored fruit provides antioxidants and phytochemicals that help prevent heart disease, stroke, and cancer – three of the top 10 causes of death in America. 

WE NEED TO EAT MORE BLUEBERRIES!

Here are a few bonuses of eating a diet rich in blueberries:

 1. They are the ULTIMATE BRAIN FOOD

Research has found that blueberries improve memory, not just your short-term memory, but also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. 

2. They are SNEAKY

The brain normally protects itself and doesn’t let anything in, but the phytonutrients in blueberries are actually able to cross the blood brain barrier to “nourish the brain”. 

3. They HELP WITH PREVENTION

Here is the metabolic kicker.  Blueberries have been found to lower blood glucose levels, meaning daily consumption is consistent with better glucose regulation, which is ideal in the prevention of diabetes. 

Here are some ideas to eat more blueberries to help optimize your health and metabolism:

• Swap out the usual OJ for blueberry juice in the morning to give your brain a memory boost.
• Eat blueberries daily, fresh or frozen.
• Look for creative ways to incorporate blueberries.  Try adding blueberries to yogurts, oatmeal, salads, cottage cheese, smoothies, fruit salads, etc.

Caution with blueberries in syrup (or in pies), this nearly triples the calories!

BLUEBERRY RECIPES 

Cooking Light- July 2002

Photo by Becky Luigart-Stayner

Blueberry Cobbler

While variations abound, a traditional cobbler is a baked, deep-dish fruit dessert that’s topped with a biscuit sprinkled with sugar to give it a bit of crunch and color. This blueberry cobbler is a similar version that uses a light, dumpling-like topping instead of a dense biscuit.

YIELD: 8 servings

Ingredients

• Filling:
• 6 cups fresh blueberries
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
• Topping:
• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 5 tablespoons chilled butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 cup fat-free sour cream
• 3 tablespoons 2% reduced-fat milk
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Preparation

All-American Chicken Blueberry Salad Platter

By the Blueberry Council

http://www.blueberrycouncil.com/recipes-popup.php?id=80

YIELD: 4 portions

In a large bowl, combine vinaigrette, marmalade, and mayonnaise; set aside 2 tablespoons. Stir chicken, blueberries, red pepper, and scallions into remaining dressing in the bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Place one slice toast on each of 4 dinner plates; divide salad onto toast. Arrange lettuce and tomatoes beside sandwich and drizzle with reserved dressing.

Per Portion: Calories 410; Protein 32 g; Carbohydrate 36 g: Fat 16 g; Fiber 6 g;
Calories from Fat 34%