YzFit

I was very excited to see that starbucks was now trying to carry healthy snacks.  Although you have to be careful with dried fruit as its easy to eat a large amount of it and the calories can add up. 

Out of any dried fruit my favorite is dried mango. 

However, I found myself extremely disappointed with the organic mango from starbucks.  At $2 a bag the mango was like chewing on leather.  I found that parts of it were hard and bitter.  It seemed to me that they found the stringiest mango, dried it and over charged for it.  Perhaps I got a bad bag; but when I looked at the other bags and compared they had the same appearance and most likely the same taste.  

Starbucks I appreciate the try but please try again. 

YzFIT Ep5 - Poison Ivy & Mangoes from YzFIT on Vimeo.

This is the way how I was taught to cut a mango, it is by far the best way to enjoy one. Mangoes are loaded with beta-carotene - which helps the maintenance of healthy skin, good vision, and a robust immune system. It is also a powerful antioxidant, and has been shown to help guard against cancer and heart disease.

Mango season and poison Ivy.  Mango season is always something I get very excited about. That sweet tender fruit that melts in your mouth.  But while the scrumptious fruit holds its health benefits, it also can pose a risk for some unlucky individuals.  Mango is actually in the same family as poison ivy.  For individuals who have strong reactions to poison ivy it is important to try to have as little interaction with the peel as possible, as it can create the same chemical reaction, creating a rash.  If you are extremely allergic to poison ivy you may need hold off on the fruit as well.  A few ways to lessen the chances of a reaction: 1. Do not eat the fruit off of the peel (I have personally witnessed what a reaction to the lips can look like and its not particularly appealing..) 2. If possible have someone who is not allergic or has never had a reaction to poison ivy cut up the fruit (if I am around I would love to just know I will want a piece)  3.  Make sure the peel is disposed of and that hands and surfaces dealing with the peel are cleaned well.
photo credit: todbaker