Ciao Bella Diva
Happy Post Memorial Day and Happy Almost Summer! Is it just me or is 2018 super speeding by?! Well, I guess we better make the most of it!!
A simple topic this week: The Pineapple ???? Most of us love this naturally sweet fruit and sometimes you read…”don’t eat fruit in your diet” or “only eat berries” because they are lower sugar! YEAH…I once was on that awful mind-set as well.
ALL fruits have wonderful nutritional value that the strong fit diva needs. SO if there is a fruit you LOVE, then eat and just be mindful of your portion!
Stages of the Pineapple
Before we go over some Diva-licous yummy recipes here are some interesting facts on the Pineapple!
Did you know…you can grow your OWN???? Oh my and if you live in a climate like I do in Florida, it is a must. Once you taste your own home-grown lil pineapple you will never want one from the store! Words cannot describe the sweet, juicy taste.
So how do you plant your own?
Keep the top of your pineapple and let it dry out for a few days. Plant it as you would a regular herb or plant. Lots of water and sunshine are a MUST!
- Newly planted pineapple top
- About 6 months growth
It takes almost 2 years for a single pineapple to reach its fullest state so you MUST be patient. When the pineapple is ready to begin its growth It starts with a beautiful purple & orange flower. I never knew this and was blown away on how gorgeous this cute fruit began.
- This BEAUTIFUL image truly came from our backyard plant last year
- So CUTE!
The images above are all the stages this pineapple went through before we twisted it off and had it for dessert!
How to properly cut a pineapple
Ever get confused on how to properly cut up a pineapple? After chopping off the top and the bottom, stand the pineapple up and use a sharp knife to shave off the skin. The sweetest part of the pineapple is the outermost flesh, however, which means you should slice the skin off the sides as thinly as possible and you should leave the eyes (brown spots) or you will lose too much yumminess. You’ll notice that the eyes all line up in diagonal rows and you can easily cut them out in a small “V” cut to preserve as much outer flesh as possible.
When you put the pineapple on its side again and slice it, you’ll notice the rounds look like flowers because of the”V” cuts. You can keep the core in (it’s edible and healthy) or you can cut it out. Most throw it away because is the toughness but it has so much nutritional value.
Pineapple Health Benefits
Pineapple cores contain high levels of bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme, which has a whole slew of health benefits.
Bromelain has been shown to be an effective anti inflammatory, digestive aid and it also includes chemicals that interfere with the growth of tumor cells, making pineapple a good food to prevent cancer.
Diva-licious Recipe
Who doesn’t LOVE fish tacos??? I made this pineapple slaw several times now for fish tacos! OMG! So GOOD. Plus great as left overs for salad or over grilled chicken. For fish tacos you can use: mahi, snapper, cod..any light fish you like!
Chop up the following:
- 1 cup of Pineapple
- 1 cup of green or red thinly sliced cabbage
- 1 medium cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Directions:
- Mix well
- Add 1 tablespoon lime juice
- sea salt & pepper to taste
- Let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour.
This combo is how I balance out my dinners, so I am NEVER EVER on a ‘diet” and it tastes SO amazing!!!! This is what I also try to teach all my clients so you can stop the craziness in your head. The more you think you can’t have something, the more you crave it. You just have to get creative with simple foods and try new things.
Above is one gluten-free taco shell with pan seared cod, pineapple slaw & hot sauce & greek yogurt as sour cream. The other the same minus the shell and a few brussels sprouts.
Simply Diva-licious
If you would like more ideas leave a comment or maybe you can attend the next Diva-licious recipe makeover class June 15
Have a fabulous last week of May Fit Diva & get creative with your foods!!!!
Ciao
Cores are good to freeze and put in your blended smoothie!!!
Ohhhh cool!!!!! Thanks! Marylou and I were just talking about u today ????
About my fit diva deck cards.
If you go onto fitdivadecks.com and enter your email on the pop up.. I’m raffling off a free deck! You would love! Full website will be launching next week. Yay.