Sunday, August 28, 2011

ENERGY FITNESS by josh September Newsletter


I can’t believe we are saying “good bye” to summer and “hello” to fall. I don’t know about you all, but I am excited about welcoming some cooler weather and of course, football season. This fall is going to be an extremely busy one for ENERGY FITNESS by josh…the state USA pageants will be in full swing and I am very excited to share some exciting news about a BIG project that I have been working on. I can’t wait to reveal the secret and share with you all very soon. Stay tuned…

I wanted to invite you all to participate in several events that I will be a part of the next couple of months. The first one is a Boot Camp in Memphis, which is geared towards actors, models, pageant girls, etc. I will be conducting the fitness/nutrition segment. The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 17th in Memphis, Tennessee. For more information, contact Leah Massee Walker @ lrmassee@yahoo.com.

I am excited to announce that the original Boot Camp for Beauty Queens will team up once again for an event in Nashville, TN on October 14th and 15th. This is the first time in the past couple of years that we have offered this event due to our hectic schedules. We are excited to be back together and have several tricks up our sleeve! Spots fill up fast! Reserve your spot by contacting Shanna Teel Purkey @ shannapurkey@att.net.

The holidays are just around the corner. Make sure that you are looking ENERGY FIT!!! Take advantage of one of my fall specials:
• Buy 20 Personal Training Sessions @ $1200 and receive 1 free session.
• Buy 25 Personal Training Sessions @ $1500 and receive 2 free sessions.
• ENERGY FITNESS by josh is now offering ½ hour training sessions—Single Session: $40; 10 Sessions: $380; 20 Sessions: $700.
• Join me for a bootie kicking workout in my group fitness class on Monday & Wednesday @ 6:00 pm @ A Game—215 Gothic Ct. Franklin, TN 37067. Cost is $15 per class.

Want an extra boost to look ENERGY FIT this fall? Join the ViSalus Body by Vi 90 Day Challenge. See how these amazing products have helped Americans lose over 8 million pounds in a little over two short years. Join the Body by Vi 90 Day Challenge TODAY…visit www.jrogers.bodybyvi.com for more details or contact me for more information.
Please, help ENERGY FITNESS by josh donate to children and families who don’t have the means to get the nutrition they need each day. Go to www.jrogers.visalusgiving.com. Donate 30 meals for only $24, and ViSalus will match every donation, meal for meal. My goal is for ENERGY FITNESS by josh to donate 2,000 meals by the end of the year. Thanks for your generosity and support!

Stay up-to-date with all the latest news, promotions, etc. from ENERGY FITNESS by josh @:
• www.energyfitnessbyjosh.com
• www.energyfitnessbyjosh.blogspot.com
• www.twitter.com/energyfitbyjosh
• www.facebook.com/energyfitnessbyjosh.com

ENERGY FIT News/Shout-Outs:
• Check out my monthly fitness column in Nashville Lifestyles Magazine. To order your subscription, visit www.nashvillelifestlyes.com.
• Attention Miss/Teen Tennessee USA Contestants: I am offering Fitness Consultations on Saturday, September 10th after orientation in Clarksville. Time is limited due to the activities of the day, but I will block out enough time to accommodate as many consults as I can. Those of you not in the Middle Tennessee area, this will be a great time for you to take advantage of this opportunity. Appointments will be based on a first come, first serve basis. Contact me ASAP to book your appointment.
• Congratulations to Tiffany Love, Mrs. Georgia United States, on placing 1st runner-up @ the Mrs. United States Pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada.
• Congratulations to Randi Strong, Miss Tennessee Teen International, on winning the fitness award and placing among the top 10 finalist @ Miss Teen International.
• Special shout-outs to Erin Landherr, Miss Kentucky Outstanding Teen, and Madison Snipes, Miss Tennessee Outstanding Teen, on representing their respective states at the Miss America Outstanding Teen Pageant in Orlando, Fl.
• Thanks to Tiara Magazine for selecting me as one of the 100 Most Beautiful and Influential People in the Industry. I am very honored and humbled by the recognition.
• To everyone celebrating a birthday, anniversary, special occasion, etc. this month—Congratulations and Best Wishes!
• And here’s the BIGGEST shout out…to all of you for being ENERGY FIT and FABULOUS!!!



Quote of the month:
“One of life's mysteries is how a two-pound box of candy can make a woman gain five pounds.”

Until next time…

COMMIT 2 BE FIT,
Josh Rogers

Friday, July 29, 2011

ENERGY FITNESS by josh August Newsletter


WOW! Summer is cruising right along…I can’t believe it is already August! And thank goodness we are going to have an NFL season to look forward to this fall. Go Titans!!! You still have another month to take advantage of one of ENERGY FITNESS by josh’s Summer Specials. After all, there are another couple of months of bikini weather here in the South…
Summer Specials:
• Buy 20 Personal Training Sessions @ $1200 and receive 1 free session.
• Unlimited Group Fitness Classes for the month of July for $100 (Regularly $15 per class).
Schedule: Monday/Wednesday @ 6:00 pm cst @ A Game (215 Gothic Court Franklin, TN).
• ENERGY FITNESS by josh is now offering ½ hour training sessions—Single Session: $40; 10 Sessions: $380; 20 Sessions: $700.

Stay up-to-date with all the latest news, promotions, etc. from ENERGY FITNESS by josh @:
• www.energyfitnessbyjosh.com
• www.energyfitnessbyjosh.blogspot.com
• www.twitter.com/energyfitbyjosh
• www.facebook.com/energyfitnessbyjosh.com


Transform your life with the ViSalus Body by Vi 90 Day Challenge. Want to lose weight, tone up, or just get healthy? See how these amazing products have helped Americans lose over 7 million pounds in a little over two short years. Join the Body by Vi 90 Day Challenge TODAY…visit www.jrogers.bodybyvi.com for more details or contact me for more information.
Please, help ENERGY FITNESS by josh donate to children and families who don’t have the means to get the nutrition they need each day. Go to www.jrogers.visalusgiving.com. Donate 30 meals for only $24, and ViSalus will match every donation, meal for meal. My goal is for ENERGY FITNESS by josh to donate 2,000 meals by the end of the year. Thanks for your generosity and support!

ENERGY FIT News/Shout-Outs:
• Check out my monthly fitness column in Nashville Lifestyles Magazine. To order your subscription, visit www.nashvillelifestlyes.com.
• ENERGY FITNESS by josh was well represented @ the 2011 Miss Teen USA Pageant in the Bahamas @ the Atlantis Resort. Congratulations to Kristen Robinson, Miss Georgia Teen USA, on her top 15 placement. Also, BIG shout-outs to Rae Williams, Miss Alabama Teen USA; Sarah Bobo, Miss Mississippi Teen USA; and Kaitlin White, Miss Tennessee Teen USA.
• Congratulations to Ann Blair Thornton, 2011 Miss Kentucky America and Preliminary Swimsuit Winner.
• Best of Luck to all the ladies competing in the Mrs. United States Pageant this week in Las Vegas! Congratulations to Tennessee’s own, Rachel Juillerat on a successful reign as the 2010 Mrs. United States.
• A BIG shout-out to my client Devin Grissom, she is the lead on the reality show “Sweet Home Alabama.” Check the show out on CMT every Thursday @ 8 pm cst.
• To everyone celebrating a birthday, anniversary, special occasion, etc. this month—Congratulations and Best Wishes!
• And here’s the BIGGEST shout out…to all of you for being ENERGY FIT and FABULOUS!!!


The Top 10 Fitness Myths You're Probably Wrong About
www.fitnessmagazine.com

Think water flushes toxins out of your body? Think it's crucial to stretch before a workout? Think again.
Here, the most popular fitness and diet myths you've bought into -- and why they (and you) are wrong.

Myth 1: Drinking water can help you lose weight
Fact: Many sources tout drinking copious amounts of water to be the all-curing panacea of the Gods. If you've heard that drinking lots of water improves your skin tone, or that it flushes toxins from your body, you know what we're talking about. But the fact of the matter is, the evidence for such catch-all health benefits is lacking.
Doctors at the University of Pennsylvania have found that both the aforementioned "benefits" simply aren't true. Another myth is that drinking lots of water will make you less hungry. Sorry to tell you this -- you may eat less because you're too busy trucking back and forth between the bathroom and dinner table, but that's about it.
Oh, and that whole "recommended eight glasses a day" thing? Also false. You should drink only when you're thirsty, and this is done just to replace the amount of water a healthy adult loses every day -- about four to six glasses.

Myth 2: Stretching before working out is crucial to preventing injury
Fact: Stretching after a workout can be beneficial, but stretching before a workout actually doesn't increase your range of motion. In fact, some studies suggest that stretching destabilize muscles, making them less prepared for strenuous exercise, especially if you're doing something like weight-lifting. Instead, do a warm-up, which gets your blood pumping.

Myth 3: Vegetarian diets are healthier than meat-inclusive ones
Fact: Sure, eating lots of veggies is healthy. But in general, cutting out an entire food group -- even if it is one that can be high in saturated fat -- is bad idea. Meat is a key source of iron, which keeps your energy levels up, allows you to think clearly, and produces enzymes that fight infection. Moreover, researchers at Pennsylvania State University have shown that iron deficiency increases a woman's risk for postpartum depression.
Vegetarians often try to get their iron fix through lentils, beans, fortified cereals and tofu. However, you're still missing protein. Make sure to eat eggs, dairy products, or soy at every meal to get your animal-friendly dose.

Myth 4: Lifting weights will make you look bulky
Fact: If you've been avoiding the free weights for fear of becoming the Incredible Hulk, no need to flee anymore. When it comes to increasing muscle size, testosterone is key. Men have 20 to 30 times the more testosterone than women, which is why they can bulk up so noticeably. But for you to reach Arnold Schwarzenegger proportions would require you to do far more weight-lifting than the average woman, plus have some sort of hormone imbalance (either genetic or synthetically induced, as with steroids).
In fact, "strength training will help you lose weight faster and keep it off in the long run," notes Jeffrey Janot, PhD, an assistant professor of exercise physiology at South Dakota State University in Brookings. If you also do cardio, it'll help you retain muscle as you drop fat, as well as prevent your metabolism from slowing. So don't focus all your efforts on the elliptical machine -- some bicep curls could actually help you reach your ultimate goal.

Myth 5: Sports bras are just to prevent painful bounce
Fact: Wrong -- sports bras are to prevent painful bounce and permanent breast sag. That's right -- it's not just old age and gravity that'll weigh your chest down. High-impact activities, like jogging or aerobics, can stress your Cooper's ligaments (the connective tissue that keeps breasts firm), causing your breasts to sag more quickly.
According to the American Council on Exercise, compression bras work best for smaller-busted women; the more well-endowed (typically a C cup or larger) should opt for an "encapsulation" bra that supports each breast separately. Replace workout bras every six months to a year.

Myth 6: A hot bath will prevent muscle soreness
Fact: Cold water is a better bet, says Marty Jaramillo, CEO of the I.C.E. Sports Health Group. "Immersing yourself in chilled water is like an ice pack for your entire body," he says.
When you exercise, your blood vessels open wider and stay that way for at least an hour afterward. Soreness occurs when waste products like lactic acid settle in your muscles through these dilated vessels. Colder temps constrict vessels, limiting the amount of waste product that accumulates, explains Jaramillo.

Myth 7: Running is counterproductive to strength training
Fact: Sounds like you need to find a new trainer! "Running is definitely not counterproductive to building muscle, unless you're looking to dramatically increase muscle mass," says Gregory Florez, CEO of FitAdvisor.com. "In fact, as a weight-bearing exercise, running helps develop more lean muscle mass in the lower body -- which also keeps your bones healthy."
That doesn't mean it's a substitute for strength training, though. "Include lower-body strength moves like squats and lunges and upper-body moves like push-ups and pull-ups to reduce injury risk, increase stamina, and boost metabolism," adds Florez.

Myth 8: Holding weights while doing cardio increases calorie burn
Fact: Yes, but not enough to make it worthwhile. The added intensity of holding weights while doing cardio does bump your calorie burn slightly, but it can also lead to elbow and shoulder injuries. "The risks outweigh the benefits," says Douglas Brooks, an exercise physiologist in Mammoth Lakes, California. "You'll expend more energy if you increase the weight you carry, but excessive or uncontrolled movements can damage the joints or cause muscle injury."
A better option for blasting extra calories: Increase your speed or resistance level on either the treadmill or the elliptical machine.

Myth 9: Fresh fruit is better than frozen fruit
Fact: Actually, no. "With shipping and storage, fresh fruit can often sit around for as long as two weeks before it hits your supermarket," says Suzanne Henson, RD, director of the University of Alabama at Birmingham's EatRight Weight Management Program. "During that time, it can lose a lot of its nutrients, especially vitamin C."
In contrast, frozen fruit is often picked and frozen at the peak of freshness. It's also a better choice for concocting smoothies. But watch out for frozen fruits in syrup -- it packs extra calories.

Myth 10: Doing crunches and ab workouts will get rid of belly fat
Fact: You can do crunches till you pass out, and you still might not get a six-pack. Why? If you have a high percentage of body fat, your abs will be covered with -- you guessed it -- fat. And no, doing ab exercises won't necessarily make you lose that belly fat, either. The truth is, you can't spot-train (otherwise, wouldn't we all be running around with flat stomachs and slim thighs?). In order to get visibly toned abs, you have to first reduce your overall body fat, which means plenty of cardio, coupled with strength training for faster results. After that, the fruits of your labor should start becoming apparent.

Until next time, have a great August Peeps and stay ENERGY FIT…


COMMIT 2 BE FIT,
Josh Rogers

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Congrats to Ann Blair Thornton, 2011 Miss Kentucky America and Preliminary Swimsuit Winner...

ENERGY FITNESS by josh Representing @ Miss Teen USA...





ENERGY FITNESS by josh was well represented @ the 2011 Miss Teen USA Pageant in the Bahamas @ the Atlantis Resort. Congrats to Kristen Robinson, Miss Georgia Teen USA, on her top 15 placement. Also, shout outs to Rae Williams, Miss Alabama Teen USA; Sarah Bobo, Miss Mississippi Teen USA; and Kaitlin White, Miss Tennessee Teen USA.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

ENERGY FITNESS by josh July Newsletter


I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July holiday! After all the cookouts, vacations, and living foot loose and fancy free it is time to get those sun kissed booties back in gear! There is still time to take advantage of one of ENERGY FITNESS by josh’s “Summer Specials.” After all, we still have another 3 months of bikini weather here in Middle Tennessee.
Summer Specials:
• Buy 20 Personal Training Sessions @ $1200 and receive 1 free session.
• Unlimited Group Fitness Classes for the month of July for $100 (Regularly $15 per class).
Schedule: Monday/Wednesday @ 6:00 pm cst @ A Game (215 Gothic Court Franklin, TN).
• ENERGY FITNESS by josh is now offering ½ hour training sessions—Single Session: $40; 10 Sessions: $380; 20 Sessions: $700.

Stay up-to-date with all the latest news, promotions, etc. from ENERGY FITNESS by josh @:
• www.energyfitnessbyjosh.com
• www.energyfitnessbyjosh.blogspot.com
• www.twitter.com/energyfitbyjosh
• www.facebook.com/energyfitnessbyjosh.com

Transform your life with the ViSalus Body by Vi 90 Day Challenge. Want to lose weight, tone up, or just get healthy? See how these amazing products have helped Americans lose over 7 million pounds in a little over two short years. Join the Body by Vi 90 Day Challenge TODAY…visit www.jrogers.bodybyvi.com for more details or contact me for more information.
Please, help ENERGY FITNESS by josh donate to children and families who don’t have the means to get the nutrition they need each day. Go to www.jrogers.visalusgiving.com. Donate 30 meals for only $24, and ViSalus will match every donation, meal for meal. My goal is for ENERGY FITNESS by josh to donate 2,000 meals by the end of the year. Thanks for your generosity and support!

ENERGY FITNESS by josh was well represented @ the 2011 Miss USA pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada. BIG shout outs to 1st Runner-Up, Ashley Durham–Miss Tennessee USA; 2nd Runner-Up, Madeline Mitchell–Miss Alabama USA; Top 15 Semi-Finalist, Kaylin Reque–Miss Georgia USA; and Keeley Patterson–Miss Mississippi USA. It was such an honor to be a part of your journey to this prestigious event. I wish you all much continued success as you begin the next chapter of your young lives. Also, congratulations to our new Miss USA, Alyssa Campanella from California. Go win the Miss Universe crown, so Ash can take over Miss USA duties…no pressure!!!

ENERGY FIT News/Shout-Outs:
• Good Luck to my ENERGY FIT girls @ Miss Teen USA: Rae Williams, Miss Alabama Teen USA; Kristen Robinson, Miss Georgia Teen USA; Sarah Bobo, Miss Mississippi Teen USA; and Kaitlin White, Miss Tennessee Teen USA. Make sure to tune into the live webcast on Saturday, July 16th @ www.missteenusa.com. You can vote for one of the top 15 semi-finalists by logging onto www.missteenusa.com.
• Check out my monthly fitness column in Nashville Lifestyles Magazine. To order your subscription, go to www.nashvillelifestyles.com.
• Good Luck to all the ladies competing in the 2011 Miss Kentucky America Pageant this weekend in Lexington, KY. Congrats to Djuan Trent on a great year! You made us proud, Sugar Foot!
• Good Luck to all the ladies competing in the Teen, Miss, and Mrs. United States Pageants later this month and the first of August in Las Vegas, Nevada. Special shout outs to Mrs. Tennessee United States, Amanda Sekulow; Mrs. Mississippi United States, Hope Campbell; Mrs. Georgia United States, Tiffany Love; Miss Alabama United States, Stormi Henderson; and Miss Teen Alabama United States, Aleigha Brown.
• Congratulations to the 2011 Miss Tennessee America, Erin Hatley.
• A very, very special shout out to my sister and brother-in-law, Kayla and Mike Daniels, on the birth of their daughter, Maggie Kay Daniels. As everyone can tell by all the pics, posts, etc. on facebook and twitter, I am a little obsessed with my precious niece!!! And just for the record, she will not be doing any toddler and tiara pageants—I am just saying!!!
• To everyone celebrating a birthday, anniversary, special occasion, etc. this month—Congratulations and Best Wishes!

I wanted to share a very humorous joke (fitness related of course) forwarded to me by my good friend and fraternity brother, Steve Thornton.
An older man, not in the best physical condition, asked the Trainer in the gym, "I want to impress that young beautiful girl. Which machine should I use?"


The trainer replied, "The ATM machine at the bank across the street."

Thanks for the laugh, Steve!


Until next time…here’s to an ENERGY FIT Summer Body…


COMMIT 2 BE FIT,
Josh Rogers

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Miss USA 2011





WOW! I just returned home from the 60th Anniversary Miss USA Pageant. It was the best show to date, which the ratings prove accurate. Congratulations to the Miss Universe Organization on an amazing event! I am soo very proud of all my clients. ENERGY FITNESS by josh was well represented in the final telecast. BIG shout outs to 1st Runner-Up, Ashley Durham--Miss Tennessee USA; 2nd Runner-Up, Madeline Mitchell--Miss Alabama USA; Top 15 Semi-Finalist, Kaylin Reque--Miss Georgia USA; and Keeley Patterson--Miss Mississippi USA. It was such an honor to be a part of your journey to this prestigious event. I wish you all much continued success as you begin the next chapter of your young lives. Also, congratulations to our new Miss USA, Alyssa Campanella from California. Go win the Miss Universe crown, so Ash can take over Miss USA duties...no pressure!!!

Monday, May 23, 2011

ENERGY FITNESS by josh June Newsletter


Summer is here…Time to show off those “ENERGY FIT” bodies that you have been working so hard for!!!

Keep that flat stomach and those buns of steel by taking advantage of one of my “June Specials:”

· Buy 20 Personal Training Sessions for $1200 and receive 1 free training session.

· I will now be offering ½ hour training sessions for $40 per session; 10 sessions for $380; or 20 sessions for $700.

· I want to offer a Summer Boot Camp on MWF mornings (6 or 7 AM) and/or MW evenings (6 pm). Cost would be $15 per class or $100 for unlimited classes for the month. Group discounts available. Contact me ASAP if you are interested…

Stay up-to-date with all the latest news, promotions, etc. from ENERGY FITNESS by josh @:

· www.energyfitnessbyjosh.com

· www.energyfitnessbyjosh.blogspot.com

· www.twitter.com/energyfitbyjosh

· www.facebook.com/energyfitnessbyjosh.com



Leann Fray and I of RESULTS fitness will offer one “Boot Camp in the Park” this month on Saturday, June 4th @ 7:30 AM @ Centennial Park by the Parthenon. Cost is $20. Come join us for some fun in the park…

Transform your life with the ViSalus Body by Vi 90 Day Challenge. Want to lose weight, tone up, or just get healthy? See how these amazing products have helped Americans lose over 4 million pounds in two short years. Join the Body by Vi 90 Day Challenge TODAY…visit www.jrogers.bodybyvi.com for more details or contact me for more information.

Please, help ENERGY FITNESS by josh donate to children and families who don’t have the means to get the nutrition they need each day. Go to www.jrogers.visalusgiving.com. Donate 30 meals for only $24, and ViSalus will match every donation, meal for meal. My goal is for ENERGY FITNESS by josh to donate 2,000 meals by the end of the year. Thanks for your generosity and support!



ENERGY FIT News/Shout-Outs:

· Good Luck to my ENERGY FIT ladies @ Miss USA: Keeley Patterson, Miss Mississippi USA; Ashley Durham, Miss Tennessee USA; Madeline Mitchell, Miss Alabama USA; Kaylin Reque, Miss Georgia USA; and Kia Hampton, Miss Kentucky USA. Make sure to tune into the live telecast on Sunday, June 19th on NBC from Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada and see who will be crowned Miss USA 2011. You can vote for one of the top 15 semi-finalists by logging onto www.usa.com. I will be posting pics on facebook and my blog from the competition.

· Check out my monthly fitness column in Nashville Lifestyles Magazine. To order your subscription, go to www.nashvillelifestyles.com.

· Good Luck to all the ladies competing in the Miss Tennessee America Pageant later this month in Jackson, TN.

· Congratulations to Tiffany Love, 2011 Mrs. Georgia United States!

· I can’t wait till June 9th, which is the due date of my baby niece, Maggie Kay Daniels. Congrats to my sister and brother-in-law, Kayla and Mike Daniels! I can’t wait to spoil her rotten! I will be posting pics on FB and my blog. Stay tuned…

· To everyone celebrating a birthday, anniversary, special occasion, etc. this month—Congratulations and Best Wishes!




I stumbled upon this great article and wanted to share it with you all. Warning…your mouth is going to water!!! Make sure to click on the bold words for delicious recipe ideas. ENJOY!!!


Ten Healthy Summer Foods That Won’t Break the Bank
By: Brie Cadman (View Profile)

Eating fresh, local, and in-season foods couldn’t be any easier than it is during the summertime. Fruit seems to drip off trees, vines burst with red and golden tomatoes, and yellow zucchini blossoms give way to long tubes of green. Whether you get your goods from the farmer’s market, a roadside stand, or your own backyard, the following ten seasonal fruits and vegetables are some of the healthiest and easiest to incorporate into your diet. What’s more, most of them are at their cheapest during the summer—running about a mere dollar or so per serving—making eating well as inexpensive as it is enjoyable.

1. Watermelons
Composed of about 90 percent water, sweet watermelons are an easy way to stay hydrated during the hot summer months. They also pack in nutrients, including vitamin A, B6, and C. In addition, watermelon, like most melons, is rich in antioxidants such as lycopene and citrulline. Researchers have also recently found that watermelon has “Viagra-like” properties, helping to relax blood vessels and even increase libido. As if eating it wasn’t exciting enough! Blended watermelon makes a refreshing drink, served plain or with a kick.

2. Tomatoes
A vine-ripened tomato, plucked straight from the plant, is arguably the ultimate summertime treat. (Peaches and cherries also vie for the title.) And full of vitamin C, beta carotene, and lycopene, tomatoes are nutritional powerhouses. Their versatility makes them easy to incorporate into many meals, and because they’re so prolific during the summer, farm fresh fruits are usually well-priced. Try them in pico-de-gallo salsa, cool down on a hot evening with healthful gazpacho, or try a simple caprese salad.

3. Berries
Berries are at their sweetest and juiciest during the warm summer months, and because there are so many varieties out there, you’ll never run out of options and tastes. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, gooseberries, blackberries … the list goes on. All berries are low in calories, high in vitamin C (with strawberries being the highest), and a good source of antioxidants and fiber. Some berries, like raspberries, can be relatively pricey, but if you’re near the woods or even an unkempt yard, free berry options abound! They’re great in sweet classics like blueberry muffins or in savory dishes like blackberry



4. Peppers
Though peppers are available year-round, they are most flavorful and inexpensive during the summer, when they’re in season. Sweet bell peppers, especially the yellow and red varieties, are packed with vitamin A, C, B6, and fiber. Chili peppers are no wimps when it comes to nutrition, either. In addition to containing the same vitamins and antioxidants as sweet peppers, spicy peppers have been shown to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Sweet peppers are delicious skewered and barbequed; chili peppers give this nopalita salad a bite.

5. Peaches
Growing up I had a peach tree in the backyard, and during July and August the tree would become so laden with fruit, we had to prop up the branches with sticks. I used to average around two peaches a day, and their sweet, juicy flavor is one that, for me, as with many people, is closely associated with summer. Taste alone is reason to eat them, but they’re also high in vitamin C and A, a good source of fiber and antioxidants, and contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which might prevent age-related macular degeneration. Try them in smoothies and in peach cobbler.

6. Squash
Summer squash, including zucchini, crookneck, and patty pan (roundish ones) are high in manganese and vitamin C, and a good source of many other nutrients, including vitamin A and B. They’re low in calories and since most squash plants produce more bounty than one person can handle, they can be easy to come by in garden-friendly neighborhoods. At my local farmer’s market, I was able to pick up four small squash for one dollar—not bad! Perfect in zucchini lasagna.

7. Basil
Basil’s heady fragrance lends itself to numerous dishes and goes well with another summertime favorite, tomato. In addition to adding a flavorful punch, it’s also a good source of vitamin K, A, and calcium. Studies have also found that fresh basil has anti-microbial properties. Usually a buck or two per bunch, basil is easily incorporated into dishes, as in this fresh corn salad or homemade basil-infused oil.

8. Figs
Though some are averse to their texture, for those that love figs, they are a heavenly delicacy. Available from June into fall, figs are a favorite of Mediterranean climates like California. They range in color from the blackish-purple Mission to the greenish-yellow Calimyrna. High in potassium, fiber, and antioxidants, figs go well in sweet and savory dishes and are a nice accompaniment to goat cheese.

9. Plums
Never lacking in the variety of color, textures, and tastes, plums season lasts from about May to October, and during this time you’ll find a huge assortment in the markets. Plums, like apricots, peaches, and nectarines, are considered drupes, or fruits that have a hard stone pit. High in vitamin C, A, and fiber, they are also rich in antioxidants. The dried form is best known for its laxative properties. Plums are plentifully and most people with trees don’t know what to do with the excess, so obtaining them for free is easy, if they grow in your area. With all the leftovers, they can be eaten straight, sliced in a fruit tart, or made into plum jam.

10. Green Beans
Green or string beans are usually found year-round at large grocery stores but the summer and early fall is when you’ll find them at their best—crunchy and extra sweet. Rich vitamin K, C, manganese, and a good source of beta-carotene make them an excellent addition to a summer’s meal. An easy side dish is this green beans with roasted almonds.

Truthfully, it’s hard to limit this list to just ten. Almost all of the fresh produce you’ll find in the summer is healthful, and it’s just a matter of what’s available—cherries rather than berries, nectarines instead of peaches, or parsley instead of basil. If it’s colorful, fresh, and in season, you really can’t go wrong.


Until next time, here’s to an ENERGY FIT summer…



Commit 2 be FIT,

Josh