Blueberries are nutritious and delicious in these sweet treats recommended by professional chef Gary Douglas Newell.
Blueberries are considered to be a sweet and delicious superfood enjoyed year-round. Low in calories yet high in nutrients, blueberries are the perfect snack and can be added into many recipes. Additionally, they are readily available in the United States, which happens to be the world’s largest blueberry supplier.
Professional chef, Gary Douglas Newell, explains that blueberries offer digestive health benefits due to their high fiber content. One cup of blueberries provides 3.6 grams of fiber. They also consist of 85% water with only a 16% carb content.
Packed with antioxidants, blueberries help your body protect itself from free radicals. The unstable molecules are known to cause cancer. Blueberries can also reduce oxidative DNA damage, which contributes to aging. According to Gary Douglas Newell, that means smoother skin and fewer wrinkles!
If you don’t enjoy eating blueberries plain, there are plenty of easy recipe ideas that will help you incorporate more into your diet. For breakfast, Gary Douglas Newell recommends adding blueberries to a fresh fruit smoothie with Greek yogurt, banana, and spinach. Other morning meal ideas include lemon blueberry muffins, blueberry pancakes, or a healthier mix of vanilla blueberry yogurt with granola topping.
For lunch or dinner, blueberries go great in a fresh vinaigrette salad topped with feta cheese, almonds, and cranberries! Gary Douglas Newell also recommends adding blueberries into rosemary chicken salad to give it a hint of sweetness. Instead of regular bread, try making your sandwich with a warm croissant. For the more adventurous eaters, Gary Douglas Newell suggests trying a blueberry balsamic grilled cheese sandwich with fresh basil leaves!
Blueberries can also be added to a variety of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic! One of the most popular beverages is blueberry lemonade, perfect for a barbeque or pool party! Gary Douglas Newell suggests putting a twist on classic margaritas and mojitos by adding fresh and muddled blueberries.
About Gary Douglas Newell
Born and raised in the south, Gary Douglas Newell grew up in the kitchen learning family recipes that have been passed down for generations. That passion led him to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a chef. He especially enjoys putting a twist on traditional southern home-cooked meals.
In his spare time, Gary Douglas Newell gives back to the community by volunteering at local soup kitchens to feed the hungry. He believes everyone deserves to eat a delicious meal daily.
Gary Douglas Newell also enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and two children. During school breaks, they take camping trips together with their rescue dogs.
