Healthy Hollywood: Fab Food Friday – Joy Bauer’s Life-Changing Food Cures!

Healthy Hollywood’s good friend, nutritionist Joy Bauer, celebrates the release of her new book, “Joy Bauer’s Food Cures.”

“By eating the right foods, you can boost memory and mood, alleviate aches and pains, lower your cholesterol, get better sleep, combat migraine headaches, even achieve more radiant skin and stronger hair,” reveals Bauer.

Here are five powerful “Food Cures” you don’t want to miss out on.

#1 Boost your memory with BLUEBERRIES
Deeply hued blueberries are one of the top sources of brain-boosting antioxidants called anthocyanins. These compounds have been shown to help improve memory and prevent memory loss in studies, perhaps by shielding the brain against inflammation and oxidation, two damaging processes that age brain cells.

Sharpen your memory with my antioxidant-saturated smoothie. In a blender combine 3/4 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen, both have the same health benefits), 1/2 cup 100 percent pomegranate juice, 1/4 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and 3 to 5 ice cubes. Blend until smooth and frothy.

#2 Ramp up your energy with NONFAT GREEK YOGURT
Greek yogurt provides the ultimate fatigue-fighting combo of high-quality carbs to fuel your brain and muscles plus protein to stabilize blood sugars. Greek varieties have a leg up on traditional yogurt because they contain twice as much protein. Greek yogurt is strained to give it a thick, creamy texture, and this process also concentrates the protein.

You can enjoy a cup of nonfat Greek yogurt plain or topped with berries, chopped nuts, or flax seed, but my absolute favorite way to eat this creamy treat is by adding it to my “Vanilla Pumpkin Pudding.” It sounds decadent, but couldn’t be easier. Just combine a 6-ounce tub of nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt with a scoop of canned 100 percent pumpkin puree, sprinkle with cinnamon, and do a spoon-dive!

#3 Alleviate aches and pains with GINGER
This pungent, spicy root contains chemicals that work similarly to some anti-inflammatory medications, so it has potential to help ease everyday aches and pains. If your sore muscles or creaky joints are crying out for relief, try adding a hit of ginger to your menu every day.

Getting your daily dose can be as easy as steeping a few slices of ginger root in hot water to make a delicious “tea” (feel free to add a squeeze of lemon, too). Also try grating fresh ginger into stir-fries or curries, and adding fresh or ground ginger to smoothies, oatmeal, or a healthy muffin recipe.

#4 Combat migraines with SPINACH
The superfood of all superfoods, spinach is loaded with riboflavin and magnesium, two nutrients that may help reduce headache frequency and severity. If you suffer from migraines, aim to eat spinach with at least 3 to 4 meals a week to up your intake of these key nutrients.

To meet your quota, use tender baby spinach leaves as the base for salads instead of iceberg or romaine. Add sauteed spinach to omelets or scrambled eggs, or wilt fresh spinach leaves into warm marinara sauce before adding to pasta or other dishes.

#5 Beat bloat with CANTALOUPE
This juicy fruit is over 90 percent water, which is good news when you’re trying to de-bloat. Water is a diuretic, so it helps you flush out excess salt and keep things moving. Plus, cantaloupe is packed with potassium, which offsets the “water-retaining” effects of sodium in your diet.

Nothing beats a bowl of chilled, refreshing cantaloupe on a hot summer day…and now you have another reason to dig in!

For more great “Food Cures” to boost your health, visit www.joybauer.com.