According to CBS News, while many Americans purchase fresh fruit from their local supermarkets, Davis Burns, Matias Viegener and Austin Young have developed a better idea — one that can save you money and even bring communities together.

Seven years ago, these three friends launched an art experiment known as the “Fallen Fruit Collective” — participants in the project found and mapped fruit growing in their local, public spaces.

Originated in Los Angeles, California, the experiment has picked up momentum; communities across the U.S. have come together to develop fruit maps of their local towns and cities. Neighborhoods in Boulder, CO, Salt Lake City, UT and San Francisco, CA all have fruit maps; Fallen Fruit Collective has even reached Colombia, Mexico, Austria and Sweden.

The maps include hot spots for the freshest figs, grapes, tangerines and other fruit in your town — all you have to do follow the map and pick the fruit yourself!

To find out if there is a fruit map of your town or one close by, visit Fallen Fruit’s Facebook page here. If your town doesn’t have a fruit map, you and your friends are invited to make one. Then, share it with Fallen Fruit so your neighbors can find the freshest and cheapest fruit in your area.

But this seasonal treat is often described as being fattening, sugary, and packed with calories. And sometimes—we just can’t resist.

This season, if you’re trying to stay fit, you don’t have to deprive yourself of your favorite summertime dessert. According to EatingWell.com’s article, “Healthier Homemade Ice Creams,” you can make your own ice cream at home—without the saturated fat and calories of store-bought ice cream! Blueberry-cinnamon swirl, roasted mango, and papaya-lime are just a few of many yummy flavors you can prepare in the comfort of your own kitchen.

What about cupcakes, cookies, and cobblers? If you’re thinking healthier—you don’t have to skip out on those either! CookingLight.com provides recipes for summer fruit cobblers here. Made with seasonal peaches, berries, and plums, these scrumptious desserts are sure to make your mouth water. Follow this recipe to make your own lattice-topped blackberry cobbler. Raspberry-swirl cupcakes, chocolate-coconut meringues, and strawberry rhubarb pie are some healthier and delightful summertime desserts that you can prepare at home. All of the flavor—without the waistline. Mmmm Mmmm delicious!

If you want to eat healthier this summer, don’t think you have to pass up all your much-loved desserts. Life is too short! Even your favorite frozen treats can be both healthy AND delectable. Read EatingWell.com’s recipes for homemade popsicles and freezer pops—all for 100 calories or less. Go ahead, indulge yourself!

This year, instead of a necktie or a new set of golf clubs, why don’t you surprise your Dad with a delicious (and healthy) treat—made just for him?

On his special day, think about serving your Dad breakfast in bed—with half the calories. And no, we aren’t talking about cereal or a bran muffin. According to mrbreakfast.com, a healthy breakfast doesn’t have to be boring. Cream cheese, fruit explosion, and peanut butter oatmeal pancakes are some health-conscious alternatives for a Dad that loves hot cakes in the morning. You can’t go wrong with these recipes!

And no—pancakes aren’t the only option. How about baked apple-cinnamon French toast you can prepare the night before? Or, an egg-loving Dad is sure to appreciate artichoke-scrambled eggs benedict, a Southwestern omelet wrap, or an herb and onion frittata. Fruit-filled crepes, multi-grain waffles, and maple-nut and pear scones are some more scrumptious and healthy options.

photo courtesy of Eatingwell.com

If your Dad isn’t much of a breakfast guy (or he just wants to sleep in on his special day), don’t worry—you’re not out of options. Keep Dad’s heart healthy while showing how much you care. Top off the night with a healthy dessert for your Dad on Father’s Day! Eatingwell.com provides some mouth-watering desserts that are better for Dad’s health: a rustic berry tart, strawberry shortcake, and a frozen pineapple upside-down cake are just a few of many delicious options.

Father’s Day comes once a year. Make the day special for your Dad by whipping up a scrumptious and healthy surprise he won’t forget!

In this weather, a cool drink in hand almost isn’t enough. Experts say drink a minimum of eight glasses of water a day to stay healthy. But did you know—certain foods can keep you hydrated as well?

According to an article published by EatingWell.com, “4 Fresh Foods to Keep you Hydrated,” water isn’t the only way to keep your body full of fluids. Eating cucumbers, salad greens, strawberries, and a summer favorite—watermelon—are a few foods that will help keep you cool during these hot summer days.

If these foods don’t excite you, we’ve got some fun ideas to help you stay hydrated. You don’t have munch on a handful of lettuce or eat piece after piece of watermelon. Get creative! EatingWell.com provides recipes for delicious, healthy, and hydrating treats for the summer—all made with watermelon: grilled shrimp with melon & pineapple salsa, watermelon agua fresca, and watermelon-yogurt ice.

Moral of the story? Water isn’t the only way to quench you summer-time thirst. Apricots, mangoes, hot peppers, and surprisingly–pasta salad–are all hydrating foods that can help keep you cool.

For a list of foods and their water-content, read Shape.com’s article, “Hydrating Foods,” here. Then slice up some cucumber, sit back, relax, and try to make the best of this summertime heat wave.

During the hot summer months, most of us will be entertaining outdoors among family and friends.  But the word “picnic” often brings to mind images of greasy potato chips, mayo-filled coleslaw and a fatty apple pie for dessert.  It’s time to change the way we think about picnicking.  This season, we’re thinking healthier (but with all the flavor, and more)!

According to an article published by Epicurious.com, “Perfect Picnics: Healthy Recipes for Portable Foods,” planning for a health-conscious (but delicious) picnic shouldn’t be hard.  Putting together a meal that is good for your body is simple!  A few tips include: replacing chips with cut-up fruits and veggies, and bringing watermelon as a sweet and hydrating alternative to a calorie-packed pie or cookie tray.

Tasteofhome.com provides step-by-step recipe alternatives to the fatty, calorific snacks mindlessly munched on at our outdoor celebrations.  Some drinks and appetizers that are scrumptious, healthy, and add a bit of a gourmet flare to your beach picnic include: light guacamole, apple-goat cheese bruschetta, and citrus iced tea.

If you’re interested in other health-conscious, mouth-watering and even gourmet ideas for picnicking on the beach this summer, visit Epicurious.com’s article, “A Seaside State of Mind,” where you will find recipes for creamy lobster salad, tropical banana splits, coconut pudding and more!  Remember, picnicking can be fun AND good for you too. Enjoy!

In the ABC NEWS article, “Memorial Day Cookouts: 10 Tips to Amp Your Game”, expert griller Clint Cantwell weighs in on the top ten things all grillers (regardless of level) should know. For example, did you know that by adding a handful of wood chips wrapped in aluminum foil underneath your grate creates a type of “smoke bomb”? During grilling, the wood chips actually smoulder and release an amazing smokey flavor into your food! Yum!

For more tips, visit ABC NEWS and learn how you can wow your guests this weekend with your newfound grilling expertise!

photo cred: Getty Images

According to EatingWell.com, there’s no reason Southern food should be fried and heavy.  Instead, focus on fresh regional vegetables and seasonings to get the taste you’re accustomed to!

For more tips on how to achieve Southern flavor without the calories, visit EatingWell.com’s article, “Healthy Southern Recipes and Menus”.  Here you’ll find delicious, healthier versions of your favorite dishes as well as their calorie count per serving. Bon Appetit!

Photo cred: EatingWell.com