By Stefanie Cassetto

Swimsuit season is in full force. During the summer months we are much more aware of what our bodies look like. We do not have the advantage of big sweaters, scarves, and jeans to cover up what we don’t like about ourselves. In fact, most of us are looking for a way to shed a few extra pounds and boost our confidence before visiting the beach or the pool. If you are looking for a boost in metabolism and a food that can actually help you lose weight—then this week’s superfood is for you!

Grapefruit contains a fat-burning flavonoid—that can even aid in burning off the belly fat. Grapefruits are also loaded with vitamin C. This helps to speed up the rate at which your body burns fat. This high in fiber, low in calorie citrus increases the metabolic rate, lowers the insulin levels, and helps to satisfy hunger while curbing the temptation to overeat. While the most successful way to burn fat is through a combination of diet and exercise, it is helpful to know that there are foods that can help the process.

Grapefruits are available at grocery stores all year long and their peak season is winter and spring. These sweet and tangy fruits that make our lips pucker are packed with phytonutrients, antioxidants, and flavonoids that help to protect our bodies, fight off disease, and lower cholesterol. It also contains potassium, lycopene, calcium, sugar, and phosphorus.

As mentioned earlier grapefruit is a powerful source of vitamin C. Most of us know that vitamin C helps to promote a healthy immune system. But vitamin C also plays an important role in reducing the risk of asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, stroke, and cancer. It assists human body to fight against various diseases like fatigue, fever, malaria, diabetes, constipation, indigestion, urinary problems, acidity and many more.

Most commonly eaten sliced in half in the morning for breakfast, grapefruit can also make a flavorful addition to a salad or salsa. Peel it like an orange for a snack or prepare it a night ahead for a healthy breakfast.

If your ready to give your body a boost with vitamin C and get your fat-burning regimen off on the right foot—it’s time to add more grapefruit to your diet. You can’t go wrong with one of nature’s most tart—and nutritionally rich—citrus fruits.

RAW KALE SALAD WITH GRAPEFRUIT

Ingredients

Preparation

Chop the kale into thin ribbons. Drizzle the olive oil onto the kale and then massage the kale with your hands. Sprinkle with salt, then add lime juice and vinegar. Add grapefruit to kale and toss salad. Allow to sit for 15 minutes so that kale softens and flavors integrate. Serve.

Link to recipe:
http://www.elanaspantry.com/kale-salad-with-grapefruit/

Online references:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=25
http://www.livestrong.com/article/32462-foods-burn-belly-fat/
http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-grapefruit.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/277337-pink-grapefruit-health-benefits/