By Liliana Moyano for Shine Latina

Growing up in a Latin country, it was very common to eat rice, beans and some sort of protein for lunch five days a week. Sometimes, un batido (a shake) and dessert were also part of our weekly menu. It sure tasted great, but was it always the healthiest option? Once I turned 15, I realized that I needed to change my eating habits if I wanted to maintain an optimal weight and a healthy lifestyle. Today, I try to always incorporate at least one vegetable serving in my meals. I also tend to avoid carbs, especially when I eat a heavy lunch and want to work out at night without feeling bloated and heavy.

Last week, I paired a good piece of churrasco (skirt steak) with mushrooms and asparagus, and an apricot and goat cheese salad. Since I can't grill in my apartment, I marinated the steak in beer to tenderize it and make it easier to cook on the stove. After I ate my delicious churrasco and salad, I didn't feel like a needed coffee to stay awake,

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We sat down with Miami-based dermatology specialist Dr. Francisco Flores and asked him to elaborate on effective sun protection for all shades of skin, especially during the summer.

An unhealthy myth

If you thought that just because you have an olive or darker skin tone you don't need as much sun protection as your more fair skin counterparts, you're wrong according to Dr. Flores.

"This is a common myth among Hispanics and other ethnic groups," says the dermatologist. "They think they have an inherent protection against the sun because of their darker skin tones. Latinos in this country also tend to believe that they don't get skin cancer, but their rate for this disease has gone up 300% during the last ten years."

VIDEO: Get a great tan without burning

Consequences of disregarding sun protection

Dr. Flores explained that the after-effects of inadequate sun protection can be seen both in the short term, as well as in the long run. "If you don't protect your skin fr

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If you're only drinking traditional Coca-Cola or Sprite at your barbecue, you're missing out. Come along as we introduce you to some of the most popular Latin American fizzy drinks you should be drinking this summer. You'll be surprised at their unique and unusual flavors; plus, your palate will appreciate a little change for the exótico.

MALTA: Known as the "children's beer" throughout the Caribbean, malta is a non-alcoholic brew, similar in color and carbonation to its harder counterpart. It's very sweet in taste with some brands containing up to 45 grams of sugar per serving, but be in the lookout for "Malta Light" with significantly fewer calories. It's also rich in vitamin B, making it a favorite among old-school mamás who would mix malta with a raw egg to make ponche, a concoction thought to fatten up skinny kids.











JUPINA: A soda made with pineapple juice or jugo de piña (thus the name) is a drink brought to the states by Cuban immigrants. Its bright sweetness lends itself perfec

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No one wants to sit down to a piping hot soup in the summer; here's an unusual and tasty option: have yourself a little strawberry soup! Not only are strawberries a greater source of vitamin C than oranges, they are also packed with antioxidants and nutrients like potassium, folate and fiber. Enjoy this recipe which takes this delicious berry to the next level.

(Serves 4)

Ingredients

4 cups fresh California strawberries, hulled and quartered

1 tablespoon honey

Zest of 1 medium orange or 1 lemon

4 chopped mint leaves

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

2 to 3 tablespoons orange juice or lemon juice

1/2 cup water

1 cup low fat plain or vanilla Greek yogurt

1 cup evaporated skim milk or any low fat milk

4 mint sprigs (for garnish)

1 cup sliced strawberries (for garnish)

RECIPE: Party it Up with a Cool "Mojito Rojo"

Preparation

Combine strawberries with honey, zest, mint, vanilla, juice and water in a small sauce pan and simmer over med

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By Charleen Gonzalez for Shine Latina

A sexy tan at home

Having beautiful bronzed skin in the summer is easily attainable for any skin tone, even for some of us fair Latinas who tend to burn quickly. The best part: you don't have to spend any time under the sun's harmful UV rays. The easiest way to get a summer glow is to use a body self-tanner. I tested out many different brands, and the one self-tanner that didn't leave me orange, didn't have a bad smell and dried fairly quickly is LORAC's SelfTANtalizer Body Bronzing Gradual Self-Tanner. This self-tanner instantly adds a sun kissed look that can gradually be built up for a full-on tan. I recommend applying it after getting out of the shower; just wait about five minutes before putting your clothes on.

VIDEO: Watch my tutorial on how to get a great tan without the sun.

A beautifully bronzed face

Now we want the face to match our faux-bronzed skin, and to achieve this you can use a gradual facial self-tanner like LORAC's F...Read More »