by Elizabeth Pivonka, Ph.D., R.D., President, Produce for Better Health Foundation (NAPSA)—The USDA Food Guide Pyramid recommendseating 5 to 9 servingsof fruits and vegetables every day as part of an overall healthy lifestyle. Watermelon Pyramids show you just how easy and enjoyable that can be. The colorful, clever presentation yields a stellar dessert that’s packed with taste, visual appeal and yes, nutritional value. The name tells you, even before the first bite, there is something powerfp — fully wonderful going ! on here. Pivonka Watermelon is a nutrition marvel and a real taste treat. Usually sought after for its sweet, juicy flavor and crisp texture, watermelon will surprise you with its nutrition credentials. According to a recent USDAstudy, watermelon offers an amazing amount of lycopene—12,690 micrograms per two-cup serving. Lycopene is an antioxidant, being studied for its ability to help reduce the risk of age-related diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Watermelon is also an excellent source of vitamins A and C. With almost 65 percent of Americans either overweight or obese, achieving a healthy weight is critical. Weight-loss diets abound, each one professing to be the miracle answer. Fad diets like those promoting high-protein, lowcarbohydrate, high-fat meals concern many health experts because they may lead to increased cardiovascular risk factors, decreased kidney function and boneloss. To reach a healthy weight, focus on eating more colorful fruits and vegetables, and whole grains, eating less fat, especially saturated and trans fats, eating fewer sugary foods, and getting more physical activity. Fruits and vegetables are rich sourcesof vitamins, minerals, fiber, phytochemicals and water. They taste great and are naturally low in fat and calories—the perfect foods for a healthy diet. For more nutrition tips, recipes and great ways to enjoy watermelon throughout the year, visit the National Watermelon Promo- tion Board at www.watermelon. org. For information about 5 A Day The Color Way, visit www.d5aday.org and www.about produce.com. Watermelon Pyramids 8 1-inch thick slices watermelon 4 1-inchthickslices prepared fat-free pound cake 4 1-inch thick slices peeled kiwifruit 4 slices carombolafruit (starfruit) 4% cup prepared fat-free caramel topping Dark and white chocolate shavingsfor garnish, optional Cut four 4x4-inch and four 2x2-inch squares of watermelon. Cut four 3x3-inch square slices of pound cake. Cut four l-inch slices of kiwifruit. On each of four dessert plates, place 1 of the large watermelon squares. Then, on each square place a slice of pound cake, then place a smaller watermelon square. Top each with a slice of kiwifruit. Then, using a toothpick, secure the carombola slice on top. Gently warm the caramel topping and drizzle 2 tablespoons over each pyramid and garnish with chocolate shavings, if desired. Serve immediately. Serves 4. Nutritional information per serving (does not include optional ingredients): Calories: 355, total fat: 2.0g, saturatedfat: 0.2g, % calories from fat: 4%, % calories from saturated fat: 1%, protein: 5g, carbohydrates: 82g, cholesterol: Omg, dietary fiber: 4g, sodium: 321mg. ween nn ------------------- =ASa eee eee enn n eee e eee n nn ------ Note to Editors: Seventy-fourth in a series of monthly 5-A-Day columns, with more stories featuringfruits and vegetables at www.napsnet.com and search: “Pivonka.”
