So What’s in Season?

Grapefruits are, that’s what.

You should notice them as soon as you enter your grocery store about this time of year as they’ll be coming in from Arizona and Cali. And just how do you pick a good one? “Heavy in the hand” is what they say.

Now the thing about grapefruits is that they’re not only delicious when they’re perfectly in season, but that they’re a whole food packed with fat-burning enzymes and they’re low in calories. In addition, it’s been noted in research studies that they actually help with weight loss. (I’m sure we’ve all heard about the grapefruit diet. Despite it’s questionable legitimacy, there may actually be some truth to it.)

A study on the effect of grapefruits on weight and insulin resistance published in the Journal of Medicinal Food stated that consuming fresh grapefruits helped those with metabolic syndrome lose weight and improve their insulin resistance. Researchers admittedly say they’re not sure why this occurs but it would seem reasonable to include grapefruits in a weight-loss diet.

So eat more grapefruits as part of your breakfast and know that you’re providing your body with a fat-free food that’s high in vitamin C.

If you can’t get past the tangy sweetness, maybe this recipe can help you out!

Broiled Grapefruit Crisp (2 servings)

Ingredients

• 1 large grapefruit, cut in half
• 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Dash of salt
• 2 teaspoons butter

Directions

1. Preheat the oven’s broiler and set the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
2. Remove all visible seeds from the grapefruit and loosen sections from membrane with a sharp knife. Place grapefruit halves cut side up in a baking dish.
3. Stir the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt together in a small bowl; add the butter and mash with a fork to incorporate oat mixture into the butter. Spread about half of the butter mixture over the top of each grapefruit half.
4. Cook under the broiler until the topping is golden brown, about 10 minutes.

Amount Per Serving

Calories: 161 | Total Fat: 4.7g | Cholesterol: 11mg