Get Red Hot for Spring Break

For Spring Break, many of you will be traveling somewhere far away from all this snow.  It’s the perfect time to head to Florida, Cancun - just about any place warmer than Buffalo!  If you take part in this yearly tradition among college students, you know that you’re likely to be doing your share of unhealthy eating.  However, during Spring Break, whether you’re at home relaxing or away on vacation, try to maintain some basic health habits of eating well, being active, and trying to get enough sleep.  Here’s a tip:  simply adding the following “red hot” fruits and vegetables to your diet can help refuel you with energy while also providing some other key benefits: 

Red Pepper

Red Peppers contain 3x as much Vitamin C and 2x as much beta carotene than any other type of pepper. These vitamin C power houses can help you fight off damage to your cells, making them a major health helper for your skin cells, too. They also boost your immune system - so less worry about catching a cold and ruining your vacation!

Watermelon

Watermelon contains energy boosting B-vitamins, potassium and fructose. In hot weather, you need to drink lots of water to keep up with your fluid needs.  Watermelon is not only sweet to the tongue, but also contains 94% water.  Thanks to this, you can stay well-hydrated.

Raspberries

It will be tempting over break to overindulge in less healthy options.  But don’t neglect those needed nutrients.  Raspberries are rich in minerals like potassium, manganese, copper, iron and magnesium. Add a few frozen berries to a snack or smoothie so you won’t be missing out on these important minerals. 

Apples

Apples contain fructose which is easily processed by our body to produce energy.  Apples also contain fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants which have a lot of energy-boosting power.  As we always say, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.”  Trying snacking on an apple every day this break.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are juicy, sweet and also beautify the skin. They contain lycopene which promotes healthy skin, keeping it glowing and firm.  Tomatoes also contain many vitamins and minerals which boost immune function, help reduce stress, and can detoxify your system.

This Spring Break – stay safe, stay healthy, and try to work in some healthy foods to keep you going!