We read and hear often about the necessity of eating well to maintain our priceless good health.

Being a firm believer that if we eat from the major food groups, exercise regularly and stay away from processed and fast foods, we stand a fair chance at living well and longer.

That viewpoint was confirmed again this week when I read about a healthy diet on the Good Housekeeping magazine website.  They outlined six things that can help people lose weight and turn back the clock.

Not surprisingly, the top food category was produce – fruits and vegetables.  The article talked about the importance of fruits for their low calories, high nutrient content and because they make you feel “full”  — a great benefit when you’re dieting.

Blueberries were mentioned by the authors, two registered dietitians, saying the buzz over these berries is all about their memory-boosting potential.   Fruits typically contain Vitamin C – another antioxidant that fights free radicals, they wrote.

The online article went on to name the other five things that are important health benefits for their longevity diet:  protein, Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, whole grains and red wine plus regular exercise.

Among the top picks for the best fruits are;  Blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, apples and cherries.

And FruitFast products have them all covered!

Many of us will be traveling for spring break soon.  Oftentimes, a week long vacation means a vacation from not only home, but also from our exercise and diet routines.

It’s hard to not be tempted by the fast food stops at every exit, the airport food, and the idea of a week-long respite from exercise.

But we all know that it’s the start of a slippery slope when we stop the routine we’ve been working so hard to maintain.  So why not incorporate it into your vacation?

Pack healthy snacks for traveling to curb the candy bar temptations and make exercise a part of your vacation.  Try some of our travel-friendly FruitFast products:

-    FruitFast Softgel Capsules -  Made from whole fruit, the 60-count bottles are small enough to fit in cosmetic bags and don’t require mixing or refrigeration.
-    FruitFast Bars -  They are easy to pack, convenient, need no refrigeration yet withstand heat well and they provide 2 servings of fruit in every bar.
-     Dried Fruit -  A perfect on-the-move treat that’s easy to pack in a suitcase, purse or backpack and it’s a great addition to granola or trail mix or toppings for cereal and salads.

We hope your spring break is filled with fun and that you are able to continue your healthy lifestyle – with FruitFast – while traveling!

There are many interesting and healthful ways to use FruitFast products and we hear about these new ideas almost daily.  This recent tip comes from a customer who is a young mother of a two-year-old.  (That’s Ellie pictured below)

With toddlers and babies, it’s normal for most everything they come in contact with to end up in their mouths.

Imitation dough or “play dough” is no exception.  Most little ones enjoy playing with this childhood staple, but it usually ends up being tasted by the preschoolers.  The smell of the commercially produced toy dough is objectionable to some parents as are the unknown dyes, stabilizers and preservatives it contains.

Kids can even help you make this dough substitution in your own kitchen:

1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1 cup water
2 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons cream of tartar
A few drops of FruitFast Liquid Fruit Supplements – Cherry, Mixed Berry or Pomegranate

Mix flour, salt and oil, and slowly add the water.  Cook over medium heat, stirring until dough becomes stiff. Turn out onto wax paper and let cool.  Knead the play dough with your hands until of proper consistency.  Use as is, or divide into balls and add a few drops of any FruitFast Liquids – Pomegranate, CherryFlex or Mixed Berry – for a red or rosy pink coloring.
And then don’t worry if your child decides to “taste” their latest dough creation.

Have another FruitFast idea?   We’d love to share yours next.

America’s Super Fruit – the Red Tart Cherry – is increasingly in the spotlight.  And not just this month, which happens to be National Cherry Month.

The reason for the accolades for this vibrant-colored, tart-tasting fruit has everything to do with its natural attributes. You’ve heard about the antioxidant compounds — called anthocyanins — that give tart cherries their brilliant color and continue to demonstrate heart-health benefits.

Now the push by consumers wanting to know where their fruit comes from is a big factor in the growing notoriety of red tart cherries.  The Cherry Marketing Institute says that 95 percent of cherries consumed in this country are American grown.  That means production from field to processor to consumer is scrutinized and regulated for safety and closely monitored to meet federal quality standards.

Buying local and buying American is a trend that holds real importance for consumers.  It’s always been the criterion used by Brownwood Acres/ FruitFast dating back to both of our  companys’ beginnings in the 1940s.  We use ONLY American grown fruit for our popular softgels, bars and dried fruits.  We trust the quality.

So here’s the deal…

To commemorate National Cherry Month, FruitFast has special pricing through February 28 on CherryFlex Softgels.  This natural product made from whole fruit is on sale for just  $16.95 per bottle – a savings of $2.00 as well as free shipping on 12 or more bottles.

In addition to the CherryFlex savings, we are offering a discount on the 1 lb Montmorency Dried Cherry products.  During February, 1 lb packages of Montmorency Dried Tart Cherries can be purchased at $7 along with 1 lb packages of the chocolate covered dried cherries. Choose between dark chocolate or milk chocolate -  the perfect sweet gift for your Valentine.

Products can be ordered online at www.brownwoodacres.com.  Be confident with the home-grown quality FruitFast products provide while “Delivering the Power of Fruit.”

This being the month of romance and remembering that certain someone in your life, don’t be caught empty-handed, empty-headed and unprepared.

There are plenty of options for gifting your sweetheart from flowers and cards to singing telegrams and dining out.  But here is one suggestion that is practical and delicious and one that will certainly be appreciated.

One of America’s Super Fruits – Red Tart Cherries are the perfect gift for all your Valentines.  Brownwood Acres Dried Montmorency Tart Cherries are top quality and versatile as an out-of-hand snack or a great addition to recipes.

Here’s the best part…for the entire month of February, they are on sale and there are several Valentine varieties of one pound bags to choose from:
• Dried Tart Cherries
• Dark Chocolate Covered Dried Tart Cherries
• Milk Chocolate Covered Dried Tart Cherries

You’ll save $2 on every bag and pay just $7.00 for this healthy and delicious treat that’s sure to bring pleasure to all your Valentines.

Delivery is quick and easy so call us toll free at 1.877.597.3101 or order online at www.brownwoodacres.com for a Healthier Happy Valentine’s Day!