3 Ways to Enjoy Cranberries

December 12, 2012 at 2:34 pm
By mohrresults

Photo by Lynn Klapperich

Since it’s cranberry season and the little fruits are loaded with antioxidants, we wanted to share a few ideas of how to enjoy them…other than getting out your can opener. Cranberries are very tart on their own — our daughter Ella tried one around Thanksgiving and made the cutest, scrunched up face — your best bet is to incorporate cranberries into other foods.

Here are three ways to enjoy the nutrient dense, super healthy berry into your diet:

• Add a handful to a smoothie.  Mix 1/4 cup whole cranberries, 1 cup unsweetened coconut almond milk, 1 cup frozen blueberries, 1 scoop whey protein powder and a splash of your favorite juice (Welch’s 100% purple grape juice works well).  Blend until smooth and you reach desired consistency.

•Try a Cranberry SOYJOY bar. These  bars include whole fruit and are one of our must-haves for when we take long drives.  With 140 calories, 2 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein, SOYJOY is a great snack on the go snack.   While heating them isn’t an option the car, when at home, unwrap them and put them in the microwave for 10 seconds for a really great treat.

•Add dried cranberries to a bowl of oats.  Now the key here is to read the label to find the ones sweetened without sugar; some brands sweeten with apple juice, which is a better option.  Fresh is always best, but it’s a little tougher on the palate with cranberries.

There you have it.  A few options to incorporate this great for your berry into your diet, outside of just the gelatinized sauce in a can.

Happy Holidays!

-Chris and Kara Mohr, mohrresults.com

Related from FITNESS: Top 10 Healthy Foods with Antioxidants