Healthy Recipes with Peaches

Does your heart begin to race when you're in the produce section and spot that freshly picked, plump and perfectly, well, peachy peach? If so, you probably understand my absolute passion for this fruit! Peaches are one of my favorite summer staples.

A close relative to the nectarine, this juicy bad boy is packed with fiber, which we know helps us feel full and keeps everything, ahem, moving. The peach can also brag about its vitamin A and C content, both of which help protect our skin from the summer sun's rays.

Go to your local farmer's market or at least to the produce section of the grocery store to buy your peaches, instead of working through that stockpile of canned fruits from the winter. While one medium peach has roughly 60 calories and 15 grams of sugar, a half can of peaches in syrup packs about 200 calories and 46 grams of sugar. Or choose frozen fruit, which can be just as nutritious as fresh. Throw frozen peaches right in the blender as the star of your smoothie – no ice necessary!

Here are three ways to embrace one of summer's delights. I'm sure they will leave you feeling just peachy (ha)!

Fresh and Fruity Face Mask

The vitamins and minerals in the peaches will leave your skin feeling exfoliated and hydrated.

• One small, ripe peach
• 1 egg white
• 1 teaspoon honey

Peel, pit and slice the peach into 1 inch cubes. Blend peach, egg white and honey until smooth.

Apply to skin and leave on for 10 minutes, making sure the mask soaks into the skin for best results. Rinse face with cold water.

Just Peachy Frozen Fruit Bars

In need of a refreshing summer snack? These treats will do the trick. And kids love them, too!

• 1 cup low-fat yogurt
• 2 cups peaches, peeled and pitted
• 1/2 cup strawberries
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• Ice treat molds or ice tray

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Pour into molds or tray and insert sticks. Freeze and enjoy!

Grilled Peach Salsa

I love finding new ways to jazz up salsa. By grilling peaches, you caramelize their natural flavors, making them taste even sweeter. Add this on top of your turkey burger or grilled chicken, or enjoy with baked, whole-wheat tortilla chips!

• 1 peach
• 1 tomato
• 1/4 cup red onion
• 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 avocado
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• Pinch of salt

Peel the peach, cut it in half and remove the pit. Grill over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes until charred lines appear. Set aside to cool.

Chop the tomato, red onion, avocado and cilantro, and add to a bowl. Once cooled, chop peach and add to the bowl. Squeeze lime juice into mixture and add a pinch of salt to taste.