by Velonda Thompson, Ph.D

Hot fun in the summer time! Vacations, picnics and family reunions are in full effect. What a great time to start or pass on healthy traditions that will last for many generations. Family reunions are the perfect opportunity to enjoy your loved ones with healthy food and activities that will ensure they all return to future family gatherings. Reunion organizers should make plans that involve movement activities like walking, hiking, dancing, biking, tennis, and bowling. A part of your health is dictated by your history. Choosing to incorporate healthy foods and physical activity into your reunion plans is a great way to help prevent or control any history of family health issues.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggest giving your favorite comfort food a makeover by “discovering how fruits and vegetables can give your all time favorite a new healthy twist” (Recipe-Remix, CDC). For a jump start on revamping picnic favorite visit http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/activities/recipe_remix.html

What’s a summer family reunion without the grill? Top tips for healthy summer grilling:

• Veggies, veggies! Buy them firm, slice ‘em, brush with olive oil, and grill in place of  meat
• Zucchini, Portobello mushrooms and onions are easy to handle and don't get mushy
• Use grilling tools, such as a grill wok for chopped vegetables, wire snake for food chunks or a grilling basket.
• Fruit for dessert. Grill peaches and nectarines and top them off with some vanilla yogurt. You can also enjoy the avocado key lime crunch recipe below

FOOD SAFETY

COOK: Cook meat, poultry and eggs thoroughly
SEPARATE: Don't cross-contaminate one food with another.
CHILL: Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
CLEAN: Wash produce and hands

Keep cooked foods above 140 degrees because bacteria love foods in the 40- to 140-degree range.


Avocado key lime crunch

FILLING
5  ripe avocados

1/2 cup agave nectar
2/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
2 teaspoon vanilla

4 to 6 Tablespoons coconut oil, melted

**

Combine avocados, agave, lime juice and vanilla in a blender or food processor, blend until creamy. Continue to blend as you pour in coconut oil at a constant stream. Let filling chill for a bit as the coconut oil will solidify and help the filling to be a little thicker.

Hazelnut and pecan crunch

1/2 cup of filberts (hazelnuts), finely ground

1/2 cup of pecans, finely chopped

Combine ground and chopped nuts. Spoon crunch into small serving bowls, top with filling and serve.

To book a “Make & Taste” workshop visit www.befitinc.com or contact Velonda Thompson, PhD 313-874-2348
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Velonda Thompson, PhD
Nutritionist, Professor and Speaker
Author of "Pass the Sweet Potatoes, Please!" and "Calm under Fire" 
313-874-BFIT (2348) 
www.befitinc.com
drvelonda.blogspot.com
calmunderfire.posterous.com