Grapefruit: Why its a GREAT fruit!

Ruby Reds, nature's multitasker!

When it comes to fruit, Grapefruit is one of the greats ;). Sure, you may be discouraged by the tart bitter taste, but when you consider all the great things a Ruby-Red can offer, you just might start consuming these gems on a regular basis...

• A natural fat burner- Doctors are looking into the possibility that grapefruit is a direct promoter of weight loss. Eating half a grapefruit before a meal can actually help with burning fat if you're dieting or trying to maintain your weight.


• A GREAT source of vitamin C- With the onslaught of cold season at the start of fall, consuming fresh grapefruit or its juice can help combat those annoying germs. The abundant Vitamin C concentration in grapefruit can weaken the severity of cold symptoms, and other diseases as well. Because Vitamin C combats plaque, an artery clogger, eating grapefruit on a regular basis also lowers your risk for heart disease and promotes cardiovascular health.


• A great antioxidant- Like tomatoes, Ruby Red grapefruits are rich in lycopene, a natural antioxidant. This combats free radicals that can damage/age your skin and tumor growth/activity. Encourage your hubby-love to try grapefruit too ;). Studies show men who consume the fruit on a regular basis are less likely to develop diseases such as prostate cancer.

Grapefruit does other great things like lower cholesterol, prevent kidney stones, and protect against Colon Cancer, but I love it mainly because it keeps me going through the colder months. I discovered it when I was pregnant and couldn't take any medication; it really got me through cold season. Its rated as one of the most excellent existing sources of Vitamin C, and trust me it works!!! The taste is definitely a love-it-or-hate-it one. But, when you consider all the good things a slice of grapefruit can do for you, it may be easier to swallow....LOVE!!!

Detoxing on Mondays

I don't know about you, but it seems like weekends are getting more and more hectic. With less and less time to get things done during the week, and events scribbled in every weekend for the next lifetime...weekends are getting used to their fullest potential. Whether you spent this past one hanging and partying with friends, or catching up with people or errands, or maybe even a little of both, chances are you need some down time. And nowadays Sunday isn't always that lazy day anymore is it? So what do you do? Improvise on Monday. If you have to go into work or you can't just lay in bed because you've got kids to tend to find a way to rejuvenate yourself for the week ahead. Treat yourself to a power nap...at your desk during lunchtime or when the kids are sleeping. On days when you feel burnt out...relax and reenergize. Not allowing your body the time it needs to recoupe will only make you cranky(ier...lol). Don't overload yourself on caffeine....it will be a crash and burn later. Of course, give your body the energy boosts it needs to keep you functioning, but think rest not overstimulation.

• When you do finally have some down time...use it. Relax by dimming the lights and lighting candles. It sounds cliche but it actually works. Scents like chamomille, lavender and vanilla are good for relaxing.
• Steam yourself in a shower. Adding a lavender scent to a hot shower releases a chemical that reduces cortisol...a trigger of stress. And as always a warm shower or bath is relaxing in and of itself.
• Turn off your cell and television and turn on your iPod. Play songs that are going to soothe you, or that resonante happy memories. Have a glass of red wine. The melatonin in red wine will actually induce sleep. Try Merlots, Chiantis or Cabernet Sauvignons which are rich in melatonins.
• Blow out the candles and get some uninterrupted sleep. Once you're down stay down! ;)
• Re-energive yourself in the a.m. with a natural energy drink and a good breakfast. Regain all the energy you lost this weekend by refueling yourself with Vitamin C, protein and natural energy boosters like Ginseng and Green Tea. Light a citrus scented candle while you're getting ready or preparing breakfast in the morning.

With life being as fast paced as it is and weekends being venues of craming it all in, its important not to forget to rest and take time to reenergize your body. Sleep is important to your body's overall wellness and important functions such as your metabolism and immunity. Don't forget to detox after a full weekend....its also important for your mood, beauty, and happiness!!!LOVE

Don't really know just how important sleep is to your health? Check out this link and find out why rest is soooooo important!

http://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/HEALTHbeat_011806.htm