7th Gen Blog

Blueberries are a sweet summertime treat that are also a helpful weight-loss aid. The juicy morsels are full of fiber, which helps you feel satisfied after eating, and which can help flush out your system so you don't get bloated. They also contain phytochemical C3G, which research suggest may help increase fat metabolism and stir up production of leptin, which decreases appetite.

Other benefits of blueberries are the vitamin C and antioxidants present, both of which help fight off cell-damaging free radicals, thereby helping to prevent illnesses such as cancer and diabetes.

Every few months, my daughter Chloe and I go through her toy box and book shelf to purge things she's outgrown or doesn't play with. I hope to instill in her the importance of giving (and also encourage her not to hoard stuff). The trouble? Not only does Chloe occasionally beg to keep certain toys for which she's suddenly sentimental, but I've also discovered that donating used kids toys is surprisingly difficult. A lot of places just won’t take them.

I hold a general policy of "if you want to make something better, melt some cheese all over it." And when it comes to spinach, this definitely holds true. Spinach tends to be seen as one of the more serious, un-fun foods. Even the popular Popeye cartoons showed the character hating spinach but agreeing to eat it in order to boost his strength.

Spring has finally arrived in Northern Vermont – well, at least it's trying. We still have our share of 30 degree nights, but oh those 60+ degree days! They hint of the incredible Vermont summer to come and turn my thoughts to one of my favorite summer treats – ice cream.