Did you know? Jigsaw puzzles help you exercise both the right and left side of the brain. Working a jigsaw puzzle helps keep your brain young!
Your left brain thinks logically and follows sequence while the right brain is creative, intuitive and emotional. When working a jigsaw puzzle, you harness both sides of the brain.
Jigsaw puzzles engage the brain to retain information on shapes and colors in order to choose pieces that will fit together properly.This hunt for pieces requires your brain to memorize what each piece looks like or should look like and what kinds of pieces you are searching for in order to complete the picture. Doing this repeatedly reinforces short-term memory.
This engaging activity:

1. Works to exercise the brain cells and thereby activates them and increases their efficiency and capacity.
2. Makes you alert, increases concentration, and expands creativity.
3. Helps you practice visualization because you are constantly looking at the images.
4. Affects your physical health by lowering your breath rate and reducing heart rate and blood pressure.
5. Builds up a base of useful individual skills.
6. Transfers individual skills to other situations where they can be applied to solve new problems.

Interesting facts about jigsaw puzzles!They were first created by an English mapmaker by the name of John Spilsbury in the late 1760’s. He made a puzzle by gluing a map of the world on a piece of wood and cut out the countries. Children would put the pieces together to learn to identify individual countries and their relation to one another. This was much like our puzzles of the United States that we all worked on when we were growing up.
Thus, jigsaw puzzles were originally invented for education instead of entertainment. Jigsaw puzzles are now loved by people of all ages. Jigsaw puzzles became a form of daily amusement and activity for adults in the early 1900’s. However, they were quite expensive ($5 for a 500-piece puzzle in 1908). By the time of the Great Depression in the early 1930’s, they became more reasonable in price. In fact, 10 million puzzles were sold per week during this time in history. This was an escape from the troubles of the Depression years.

The Fair continues to call Pueblo home, and in fact, has only cancelled once during its entire history. In 1917, during World War I, the Fairgrounds’ horse stables and open space offered an ideal training facility for the Army National Guard. Since then, the Colorado State Fair has developed into the largest summer event in the State which offers families a fun, educational summer vacation!
This is the 147th year (started officially in 1872!) for the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo, Colorado which promises to be the best ever!
The Fair runs from August 23 to September 2 with each day filled with events for everyone which is 11 days of activities for all ages to enjoy!
Whether you are a “seasoned-fair goer” or are planning your first visit, you won’t be disappointed.
What you will find at the Colorado State Fair:1)  Concerts and entertainment – A great lineup to choose from; get your tickets now!
2)  Shopping and eating – About 50 food vendors and 300 distinctive commercial vendors.
3)  Rodeos – PRCA Ram Rodeo, Ranch Rodeo and Celebracion de los Charros
4)  Agriculture – Showcased in a fun, educational and interactive manner.
5)  Carnival and Rides on the Midway.
6)  Great deals and discounts available.
7) Shuttle service – FREE
8) Parade – Colorado State Fair Parade is Saturday, August 23, at 10 am.
A great way to get involved in this yearly event is to volunteer. Click the link we have provided to see how you can contribute to and enjoy the Colorado State Fair 2019 as a volunteer!
For all the details:   http://www.coloradostatefair.com/
More Things to Do in Colorado: Great Sand Dunes
Have a Great Time at the Colorado State Fair 2019!​

1) Canteloupe – One serving has just 46 calories and nearly a day’s worth of vitamins A & C. It’s also a very good source of potassium. Eating it raw or making a fruit salad with a little feta and mint makes a delicious summer lunch.

2) Zucchini – Wow, only 29 calories in one cup and is high in fiber, vitamins A, C and K and also potassium. It also adds bulk and substance to your diet. Zucchini is versatile in that it can be grilled, eaten raw, stuffed, made into chips or used to replace noodles in homemade lasagna.
3) Eggplant – This purple beauty is a good source of vitamins B6 & K as well as being a very good source of fiber. It is also low in calories and contains antioxidants that fight disease. The purple color is a cue that it will benefit the heart and memory. Prepare it sautéed, grilled or cubed in a stir fry or on a sandwich.
4) Blackberries – Blackberries are a good source of potassium and vitamins E, C, K & manganese. They are also loaded with fiber and antioxidants. Other benefits include protecting the heart and lowering blood pressure. They add a nice taste to a glass of ice water or seltzer or add them to salads. Blackberries are popular in baked goods as well.
5) Yellow Summer Squash – This is also known as “crookneck or straightneck” squash. It is rich in fiber, vitamins C, K, and potassium and has very few calories. Prepare it grilled, in a summer soup or be creative and use it as a pizza topping.
A culinary tip: A grilling basket or tray is a very easy way to prepare veggies alongside your main meal on the grill. It makes for easy clean up and no mess in the kitchen!
Let us know which summer super foods are your favorite…Comment Below
Read more here: Super Foods

Eat Plenty of Summer Super Foods for a Healthier Diet!