Veggie of the Month

No matter how you prepare it, spinach does a body good. One cup of spinach (cooked, boiled, drained) has a measly 41 calories, yet provides 987% of the DRI for Vitamin K! It also has 66% the DRI for folate and 49% the DRI for magnesium, not to mention 34% the DRI for Vitamin B6, 23% the DRI for Vitamin C, and 17% the DRI for fiber.

Vitamin K is essential for bone health and blood clotting. Research also shows it may decrease inflammation (helpful for arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes).

Fruit of the Month

Summer is around the corner and the kiwi is calling your name! This deliciously tart yet sweet fruit packs a whopping 219% of the DRI (daily reference intake) for Vitamin C and 21% of the DRI for fiber, with only 108 calories and under 1 g of fat per cup (approximately 2 large kiwis).

Fun fact: Kiwi actually originated in China during the 14th century, where it was called the gooseberry. It was renamed when New Zealand started producing it commercially.

Fruit of the Month

Pears are our in-season fruit choice of the month. One pear will provide 103 calories, 6 g fiber, 212 mg potassium, and 8mg Vitamin C!

Select the right pear for the occasion:

• Bosc - ideal for pies, poaching, and crisps due to its firm flesh


• Anjou - eat raw or cooked (this pear has a semifirm texture and a mellow flavor)


• Bartlett - this variety is ultra-juicy and super-sweet, works well in salads

Lose Weight by Eating Fruit?

A new study out of Brazil showed that women who snacked on fruit instead of high fiber cookies lost 2 pounds over 10 weeks (while the cookie eaters gained 2 pounds over the same amount of time). Both snacks contained 200 calories and 6 grams of fiber. Researchers say that the high water content and low energy density in the fruit helped keep the women feel more satiated...which led to less eating throughout the day.