Fox News announced Goji berries as among the top 10 super fruits for ’super’ health in 2009.

• Packed with antioxidants, pomegranates are a no-brainer when it comes to your health. In fact, some studies show the fruit, which has around 600 seeds, contains almost three times the total antioxidants in green tea and red wine.
• The acai berry, touted by Oprah as a ’super food,’ grows in South American rainforests. This dark berry has been shown to have twice the antioxidants found in blueberries, as well as omega fatty acids, protein and fiber. It’s so powerful, some studies have shown it kills off cancer cells in a lab setting.
• It’s not just about the guacamole when it comes to avacados. The egg-shaped fruit contains healthy monounsaturated fat, which has been linked to a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
• Native to North America, blueberries are a staple in this country. These little blue berries are loaded with antioxidants and have been also been linked to anti-aging, imprved vision and brain function.
• A favorite at Thanksgiving, cranberries aren’t just good at fighting urinary tract infections, the little berries are brimming with antioxidants which protect cells against compounds called free radicals.
• “Found in the Goji in China, Mongolia and in the Himalayas in Tibet, goji berries have been used for 6,000 years by herbalists to protect the liver, help eyesight, improve sexual function and fertility, strengthen the legs, boost immune function, improve circulation and promote longevity. The berries contain carotenoids that act as antioxidants to protect the retina of the eye.”

At http://www.wdbj7.com Lisa Spodak shares her tips for loosing weight:

• “I’m much happier with my weigh-in this week! I’ve been exploring more single serving versions of foods that I really like and need to control my portion of, but they’re so expensive. Then I came up with the idea of making my own.”

Here are Lisa’s ideas for individual snacks that help you control your appetite and yet, allow you to eat nutritious foods. Each one of these is an individual snack.

• 2T peanut butter with sliced apple

• 2T hummus with baby carrots or a sliced Arnold Sandwich Thin

• 2T tzatziki sauce with cucumbers sliced in half-circles

• 12 almonds

• 2T fat-free salad dressing with carrot chips

• 2T black bean dip or guacamole with 6 tortilla chips

• 1T (I eyeball half the container) olive oil with a sliced Arnold Sandwich Thin

• 2T reduced fat cheese to add to a salad or soup

• 2T goji berries or dried blueberries

• For a splurge (that’s still controlled)! 2T Nutella and 2 pretzel rods

Have fun experimenting with your own nutritious snacks!