Saving money on fruit !!

Well we all know that fruit is so important to us, and to our children ... well how do we buy fresh and beautiful fruit for our children, and ourselves, (and our daycares) and get the most for our money ??

Well I don't have all the answers ..... but I do have a few good tips !

#1) Buy local when things are in season. No brainer right ?? Well I am always amazed to see children munching on apples that have been shipped to Canada in the fall !! Seriously it happens. Why eat something that was ripened on a truck back, when you can but local fresh picked apples right in our own back yards ?

Did you know that because apples (and other things) cold store so well I have seen Ontario apples for sale in stores in the middle of the winter !!

So try to stock up on local produce, and make that the focus of your children's snacks. I bake apple, or carrot, or pumpkin goodies in the fall ... all local and organic :)

In the spring rhubarb muffins it is .... and on and on.

** and it is no secret how I feel about picking your own. Children respect food so much more if they understand it comes from the earth, and from the farmer's hard work ... not just the store ... lol !!

Tip #2) Buy stuff that you can freeze when it is on sale ! I will use for example ... grapes.

Grapes are either really cheap ... or like 8$ a bag !! So when they are on sale I but a BUNCH and clean up some to go in a bowl to munch on as is ... and the rest I cut in half and freeze on cookie sheets and put in Zip lock bags (or vacuum sealer bags if you have a sealer).

Grapes are like candy when frozen .... and are wonderful in smoothies ;)

And last tip) When you bring strawberries home .... take them out of the container and hull them right away. Kids waste SO much if you let them eat around the greens ..... then save the green part for a smoothie !! NOTHING WSTED. Just freeze on a cookie sheet and put in a bag to throw in your next smoothie !!!

Well those were the major tips I had been wanting to share ... if you have any for me lemme know in the comments box !!

Happy munching ;)

B.

Yummy breakfast smoothie (for grown ups ;)

I know grapefruit is one of the best fruits to eat for beauty. Clear skin, cellulite reduction, shot of vitamin C ... well you get the picture. I love to eat them for breakfast .... but I am trying to have a smoothie every day for breakfast instead of cut up fruit.

It is easier for your body to absorb the nutrients from blended fruit. Also I find if I make a large smoothie I will sip it through the morning and it is satisfying right till lunch time !!

Ingredients are :

2 large grapefruit (any kind will do .... but I like pink )

2 oranges

1 cup frozen grapes (these little gems add some pretty colour and sweetness without using any sugar !)

and water to get your machine going.

So .... blend ... pour .... and enjoy !!

Now you could add a little Romaine or spinach to this, and the flavours would remain the same (pretty much) but I really like the look of a breakfast smoothie without it. Lunch + spinach for me. But I am having smoothies 2x per day. If this would be your only smoothie of the day I would throw in a handful of your favourite greens for sure !!

Let me know if you try this yummy wake you up smoothie !!

Happy blending !!

B.