Healthful eating not only keeps you physically fit but mentally robust, too. Stay energetic by choosing healthful foods and drinks this summer.

Benefits from eating healthfully:

• Shed extra pounds with nutritious foods and drinks;
• Increase your vitality and energy;
• Invigorate your body with whole foods. Avoid processed foods as they have less food value; and
• Maintain firm, smooth skin by eating fresh fruits and veggies and drinking green tea or plenty of water.

“We encourage people to eat a ‘rainbow’ of colored fruits and vegetables to make sure they’re getting all of the nutrients needed for good health,” said Diane Giambruno, a registered dietitian at Central Minnesota Heart Center, St. Cloud Hospital.

“While fruits and vegetables are more abundant in the summer, so are ‘picnic’ foods, such as potato salad, coleslaw, brats, hotdogs, that have more calories and fat. There are alternatives to all of these items available at the grocery store, and many tasty, healthful recipes.”

Strawberry banana smoothie

Try this simple smoothie recipe.
Your body will thank you.

Ingredients:
1 small banana
3⁄4 cup skim milk
1⁄2 cup nonfat sugar-free yogurt (try strawberry)
1⁄4 cup orange juice

Directions: Blend the ingredients for two, 1-cup servings. Garnish with fresh strawberries.