Driving through Old Mission Penninsula, we came upon a road side stand selling fresh cherries. After a long day at the beach, if felt like the best way to end the day so we stopped to purchase some. The attendant said they had just sold the last bunch but if we had a couple minutes to spare, they would bring some right out. Not in a hurry, we stayed and chatted with him until the cherries were brought up. “Fresh off the tree” he said. I took one and popped it in my mouth. “Mmmm…still warm from the sun.” “You betcha.” And we went on our way.
Cherries aren’t just a fruit in Northern Michigan — they are a way of life. In the spring, you can drive along any of our Penninsulas and see rows and rows of the blossoming cherry tree. Our farmers take pride in producing the best produce they can. For one week in July, they are rewarded by the celebration of the fruit of their labor – literally. For the National Cherry Festival is underway and growers are sending truck loads of cherries downtown every day. The cherries are used to make pies, crisps, juice, ice cream, trail mix, and even beer! And to leave none of the cherry to waste, there’s even a pit spit contest.
The cherry growers are not the only ones who benefit from this sumptuous fruit. Heard of “super fruits”? Well, the cherry is Northern Michigan’s super fruit. Anti-oxidants are in abundance in this little powerhouse. Tart cherries also contain beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, fiber, and folate. Cherries have been shown to improve many ailments including arthritis, gout, inflammation, and pain. New studies at the University of Michigan have suggested that cherries can help reduce your risk of heart disease.
Want to add more cherries to your diet? Cherries are for more than just pies and ice cream…You can add dried cherries to salads, parfaits, chicken entrees, sandwich wraps, and quiche. Or, puree cherries for sauces, sorbet, smoothies, and gelato. And, an ounce of cherry juice concentrate is just as good as any of those other “super juices” but costs a lot less!
Cherries are a way of life to us in Northern Michigan. We see them in our horizon…we eat them in our entrees and desserts…we drink them in our juices and smoothies. And we’ve come to find that our cherries are the best medicine Mother Nature can give us. You can’t be more Pure Michigan than that…
The hectic holiday season has come to an end. Hopefully this means most of us can get back to our daily routines and put a stop to the insanity that has been running our lives for the past few months. Whether you where good or bad over the holidays, let’s make it a goal to get back into the routine of being active! It’s February, and with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, why not be active with your loved one! I understand you and your significant other may be at different fitness levels but that doesn’t mean you can’t work out together! There are a number of reasons to give it a try.
Bring a dish to pass. This is your opportunity to guarantee at least one healthy dish is available. Be advised — you may want to make double the recipe. While many people may bring standard calorie loving dishes, when the healthy one arrives it is usually the first to go!!
Ready to change up the traditional Thanksgiving dessert this year? Instead of pumpkin pie, why not shoot for something healthier this season! A Yogurt Parfait with almond crunch granola is a healthier alternative compared to most pies, which are often packed with calories and fat. With this dessert you’ll get a serving of dairy with calcium, potassium and various other vitamins. In the granola, there are almonds which are high in protein, heart healthy, and a filling treat. Wheaties are full of fiber and can help curb your appetite!
This year, before you sit down to a big meal on Thanksgiving, stand up for a nice long hike, or an early morning weight training workout. By being active before eating, some of the calories you consume will be used to replenish those that were burned off earlier. Also, if you still feel like you ate too much, rise up before everyone else the following day and do it again! I am not saying that by being active, you can indulge in anything you like this holiday, but you can at least justify a few treats. Because when it all comes down to it, it’s about moderation and creating a lifestyle!
The American Council on Exercise just named kettlebells as one of the top fitness trends of the year, and for good reason!