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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
With all of the great summertime crop shares and farmer’s markets, the summer months are the best time to stock up on great and fresh superfoods.
These summertime fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of “keep-you-full” fiber, and essential vitamins like A, C and E. These foods can be eaten alone, or added to smoothies, salads, sandwiches, or can even be the star of your seasonal barbeque.
They are:
- Kiwi
- Asparagus
- Watermelon
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Cherries
- Eggplant
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
(Continued from Part I…)
While you can eat cicadas, some people should avoid eating them like:
- People with shellfish allergies. Cicadas are considered “land shrimp” as they are related to shellfish.
- People who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Cicadas accumulate mercury, which can harm an infant’s brain.
- Anyone with gout or at risk for gout. Cicadas can cause gout flare-ups.
What do cicadas taste like?
Some people say that they have a nutty flavor. Others call them gushers, but not in a good way.
Should I fear cicadas?
Cicadas are biologically fascinating, have no negative impact on people, and are important to the ecosystem.
If that doesn’t ease things for you, keep in mind that they typically only emerge amongst long-term vegetation in late spring and early summer. If you are still afraid of encountering cicadas, then it is best to avoid the areas where they are known to emerge during this time frame.
How long will they stick around?
Cicadas will be around for roughly four to six weeks. During that time, they will mate, lay eggs, and feed. Then they will either die of cicada old age or they will be eaten by predators.
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
It has been over 200 years since the last time that two groups of periodical cicadas have emerged at the same time… and it’s about to happen again.
While there are over 3,000 species of cicadas in the world, there are 7 different species in North America that emerge either every 13 years or every 17 years. But this May and June, Cicada Brood XIX (13-year cycle) and Brood XIII (17-year cycle) will surface at the same time. These two species have some of the largest populations, and together, will cover most of the eastern United States.
This article will focus on all things cicadas and will hopefully enlighten you on these interesting creatures.
Where can you find cicadas?
You are likely to find cicadas in places that are heavily populated with trees and shrubs that have been there for at least 13-17 years.
Are cicadas loud?
That likely depends on how active they are. Some reports say that they can omit a noise that sounds like a siren, whine and/or a roar. You may hear the more in rural areas, than suburban areas. Cicadas are daytime insects, so you likely won’t hear them at night.
Can cicadas bite or spread disease?
Cicadas only feed on plants and trees. They do not bite or sting and don’t spread any diseases to humans, plants or animals. In the off chance that a cicada lands on you, it’s likely not on purpose as they aren’t interested in hanging out on people and won’t stick around long.
Can you eat cicadas?
Surprisingly, you can eat cicadas and there are lots of recipes online.
(Continued in Part II…)
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
Everyone knows that your kidneys are two vital organs in your body. Located in your lower back, your kidneys work as blood filtration, keep a balance between minerals, eliminate waste from blood and water, excrete waste materials from the body through the urinary tract, produce hormones, and more.
These organs are very important and without both kidneys, humans would not survive much longer. While they are vital organs, they are very prone to many diseases caused by food items, hereditary diseases, blood pressure, diabetes, and more. If food is not damaging your kidneys directly, it will damage them indirectly.
That’s why is it super important to maintain a kidney-healthy diet
This includes eating all kinds of healthy, fresh, herbal, homemade, and farm-fresh foods.
The following foods should be avoided for the health of your kidneys:
- Processed food
- Salt or sodium food items
- Beets
- Tomatoes and tomato seeds
- Fast food
- Sugary foods
- Alcohol
- Lentils and beans
- Junk food
- Frozen food, ready to cook food
- Artificially flavored juices
- Potatoes
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
With 30 days in the month of June, it is the perfect time to take on this next challenge- the Jiggly June Triceps Challenge. This “jiggle” that we referring to is that jiggly area underneath your arms – the triceps.
Triceps dips can easily be done at home with these easy steps:
- Sit on a chair. Keep your hands wide and your elbows slightly bent.
- Stretch out your legs with your knees slightly bent.
- Using your arms, lower your body to the floor.
- Raise your body to the starting position, making one full rep.
Here’s how to complete the challenge. Perform the following reps each day and say goodbye to that jiggle.
Day 1: 5 dips
Day 2: 10 dips
Day 3: 15 dips
Day 4: 20 dips
Day 5: REST
Day 6: 20 dips
Day 7: 25 dips
Day 8: 30 dips
Day 9: 35 dips
Day 10: REST
Day 11: 35 dips
Day 12: 40 dips
Day 13: 45 dips
Day 14: 50 dips
Day 15: REST
Day 16: 50 dips
Day 17: 55 dips
Day 18: 60 dips
Day 19: 65 dips
Day 20: REST
Day 21: 65 dips
Day 22: 70 dips
Day 23: 75 dips
Day 24: 80 dips
Day 25: REST
Day 26: 80 dips
Day 27: 85 dips
Day 28: 90 dips
Day 29: 95 dips
Day 30: 100 dips