Start Your Day With A Powerful Blend Of Colorful Fruits And Walnuts by Elizabeth Pivonka, Ph.D., R.D., President, Produce for Better Health Foundation (NAPSA)—Fruit smoothies are an easy and delicious way to start the day, especially when you make them with California walnuts. Walnuts add a delightful crunch and a powerful array of nutrients to this Walnut Suna Se rise Power Blend ay smoothie. Frozen po fruits, banana, nonfat yogurt, honey and Pivonka —_——_ walnuts are tossed into the blender and in seconds you're ready to go with an energy and nutrient-packed drink to start the day. California walnuts are versatile, nutritionally unique among nuts, and high in antioxidants. They contain primarily “good” fat (polyunsaturated fat) and they are a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Mounting scientific evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids lower cholesterol and protect the heart. New dietary recommendations suggest people consume two types of polyunsaturated fatty acids every day: 1.6 grams of alphalinolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid) and 1.1 gramsoflinoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid). One ounce of walnuts, a small handful, contains 2.5 grams of alphalinolenic acid and easily satisfies the recommendation. Manyrecipes call for toasting California walnuts, which heightens their taste. To toast, place walnuts on a baking sheet in a 375F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. To toast in a microwave oven, spread walnuts evenly on a glass pie plate and microwave on high for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes. California walnuts can be great additions to salads, pasta, cereal and yogurt, or they can simply be enjoyed as a snack that gives an energy-and-nutrition boost. For more information on walnuts and a variety of recipes, visit www.walnuts.org. For information i @ Add color and crunch to your day with Walnut Sunrise Power Blend. about eating a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables each day, visit www.5aday.com. Walnut Sunrise Power Blend 1% cupsfrozen or fresh strawberries, halved 2 ripe peaches,pitted and quartered, or 2 frozen peaches,sliced or an additional cup of strawberry halves 1 small banana 1 cup nonfat yogurt % cup low fat milk 2 tablespoons honey % cup chopped California walnuts Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and frothy. Makes about 2% cups or 2 servings; 1 serving equals 1% cups and contains % oz. of walnuts. Serve with a slice of toasted whole wheat bread and your favorite jam for a “get up and go” breakfast. Nutritional information per serving—calories: 363, total fat: 11 g, saturated fat: 1.6 g, percent of calories from fat: 27%, protein: 13 g, carbohydrates: 58 g, cholesterol: 6mg, dietary fiber: 7 g, sodium: 118 mg. wee eee Poe eee eee Note to Editors: Forty-ninth in a series of monthly 5-A-Day columns. For previousstories featuring other fruits and vegetablesgo to www-napsnet.com and search: “Pivonka.”
