Fresh, Colorful, and Packed with Super Star Nutrients!

One of the most glorious realities of modern medical science has been the recognition that we have enormous control over the rate at which we age.  Indeed, only about 25% of the process is dictated by your genes – which means the remaining 75% is largely determined by YOU and the dietary and lifestyle choices you make over your lifetime.

Most of the time we think about what to take out of  our diet or focus on the calories. Well now it is time to think about the power  foods to add into your diet that will actually heal and triumph on the anti – aging front. If we do that our body will naturally stay lean, healthy and vibrant!

Spring bridging into summer is a great time to nourish our skin in preparation for the fun we will be having in the sun.  Farmer’s Markets are opening and we are blessed with Mother Earth’s nourishing bounty! At this time of the year Watercress is something I’m putting in most of my salads and here is why –

Watercress is high in many minerals and  in vitamins A, B1, B2, C and E. I know,  watercress it is bitter! But it is totally  worth the effort! The key is to mix a little bit at a time with other greens . It is high in the beauty minerals of sulfur, manganese, calcium and iron, and has a high level of iodine which balances our thyroids. In the mustard family, watercress acts as an internal skin antiseptic and skin cleanser, as well as helping to clean the blood and increase the circulation and delivery of minerals to all the cells of the body. So it is a great detox for the whole body.  Wow! How’s that for such a small little plant!

Today I  focused on just  1 of the many anti aging power foods that are in season now. Stay tuned as I introduce you to more delicious spring and summer power foods.

Here is a beautiful and delicious way to add Watercress into your diet . Start today by making this colorful salad inspired by my friend Jennifer. Simply Beautiful!

Watercress, Avocado, and Almond Salad with Raspberry Dressing

 Salad

1 bunch  watercress, leaves and tender stems only

1 bunch baby romaine lettuce

1 cup  raspberries

1 ripe  avocado, diced

½ cup whole toasted almonds

1 ¾ cups raspberry dressing

Divide salad ingredients among four salad plates. Serve with Raspberry Dressing

Also for a special event or luncheon you can serve the salad in the unused avocado shell for a special event. So pretty!

Raspberry Dressing

1 cup fresh raspberries or frozen

½ cup white wine vinegar

2 teaspoons organic unprocessed pure cane sugar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Pinch of sea salt

¼ cup of olive

Place raspberries, vinegar, sugar, mustard, and salt in a blender or food processor and process until well combined.  Add oil slowly and process until creamy. Can be made 1 day ahead and stored, covered, in the refrigerator.

I Love, Love this dressing- So easy, packed with anti oxidants and colorful!  This dressing is the perfect summer dressing to have on hand  to drizzle over grilled chicken or shrimp.  So make a double batch while you are at it!