Sneak a little pomegranate into your diet!

Written by Alexandra Oppenheimer   


I’ve loved pomegranates since I was a kid, long before they were recognized as Superfood leaders for their antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Once the weather gets cool, I spend lots of time eating pomegranates. If you’ve never had the adventure of eating one, I suggest you head to the store and buy one now — it’s fun, but don’t wear a good shirt! Here is a good reminder about how to eat a pomegranate. In honor of the end of the season, here are some fun ways to include pomegranates in your diet today. Enjoy!

Eat up: If you have the option between the fruit and the drink, always choose the fruit. Both have the same health benefits, but the fruit contains natural fiber. When drinking juice, it is easy to drink a lot more calories than you realize, so be aware of the portion size. 

In a cocktail: Did you know that grenadine can be made from pomegranates? Instead of adding this high sugar additive to your cocktail, substitute some 100% pomegranate juice (I love POM Wonderful)! It will give you some of that delicious flavor with a lot less sugar and great antioxidants to protect your body. Add it to a Shirley Temple with club soda for a delicious twist.

My new favorite pomegranate fix: Chobani Pomegranate Greek Yogurt. This fabulous fruit-on-the-bottom Greek yogurt has a bit more sugar and calories than its plain counter-part, but it’s still a much better option than many of the other yogurts on the market. And this yogurt has real pomegranate seeds at the bottom that give you sporadic little crunches of juicy goodness. I love adding Kellogg’s All-Bran Bran Buds to my pomegranate Greek yogurt to make it a meal and get my fill of fiber. For the combo: 210 calories, 1 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 45 g carbohydrates, 13 g fiber, 16 g protein! 

As a dressing or marinade: Put this Skinny Pomegranate Vinaigrette over your favorite mixed greens, then top with some pomegranate seeds and chopped walnuts for an added crunch! This dressing also makes a great marinade for roasted vegetables, a whole grain salad, chicken, seafood, or meat (remember to choose a lean cut). This simple recipe is perfect to enjoy the pomegranate flavor year round!

Skinny Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Makes: About ¾ cup of dressing
Serving size: 2 teaspoons

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup 100% pomegranate juice (like POM Wonderful)
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon country Dijon mustard (or your preference)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Whisk all ingredients together well. Use as a marinade or toss with salad, this recipe makes more than enough dressing — save extra dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition content
Per serving (2 teaspoons): 39 calories, 4 g fat, .5 g saturated fat, 1 g carbohydrates, 30 mg sodium