Choosing a Tasty Pineapple
In the past week, a discussion came up about pineapple.
How do you choose a tasty one? Well, for those inquiring minds, here you go. 
How to choose a tasty pineapple
- Look for a bit of yellow, which should be present at the eyes at the base of the fruit, but a green tint elsewhere is fine. The leaves should be a vibrant shade of green.
- Squeeze it. The body of the pineapple should not be soft. It should be firm and give slightly with pressure.
- Sniff near the stem. It should smell sweet. No scent means it’s not ripe. If it smells like vinegar or alcohol, put it down. It’s past its prime and you don’t want anything to do with it.
- The heavier, the better. As with melons, there’s more water so it’s juicy.
- I also read that if you store it upside down before you cut it, the sweet juice from the bottom which was connected to the plant, circulates throughout the pineapple.
I have been known to let a pineapple sit on my counter for a few too many days, allowing it to spoil. If you’re not ready to cut a ripe pineapple, put it in the fridge to help keep it from going bad.
If you have trouble cutting a pineapple, check out one of the videos on YouTube. It’s much easier than trying to explain it. Cutting a fresh pineapple is not hard once you know how to go about it.
It is definitely worth the effort.
Dealing with negativity
This was another topic that showed up in conversation: dealing with negative friends, co-workers and family.
I know, it’s quite a contrast from pineapple. It’s all real-life stuff that happens.
There are people on the planet who tend to have a negative attitude about everything—even happy news.
We all have a bad day (or week) on occasion. Negative folks can’t find relief—ever.
Nothing you say will help them see the light. When you are in their presence, you feel a drain on your energy.
We must learn to set boundaries, love from a distance, let go of any guilt. Not easy to do.
If you have the option, only spend time with negative people when your positive emotional bank is full, and you feel confident. Limit the time spent with them so that you don’t take on their negativity. 
Be compassionate and kind, then move on. Remember that their unhappy state has nothing to do with you.
Surround yourself with positive people most of the time. When you find yourself in a mood that is unbecoming, take on an activity that helps improve your state.
Sometimes we simply need sleep, healthy food, and a dose of Seinfeld.
Sending you love,
Health Coach Carol
“Letting go doesn’t mean that you don’t care about someone anymore. It’s just realizing that the only person you really have control over is yourself.” – Deborah Reber