I have been on a recent artichoke binge of sorts...at 4 for $1.99 (shout out to Trader Joe's) you really cant beat it. Each one is like a meal in my life so it works well for both my budget and my health.
This has been a part of my "1-bowl meals" experiment which hypothesizes that digestion is made easier on the body by sticking to one food per meal. Some say it is an extreme personification of food combining by over simplified eating. I like to keep things simple...so to avoid toying with all the nuances of alkalinity and acidity for my meal prep, I simply eat one food (or group of foods) at each meal. This way of life makes me feel better after eating, keeps me light on my feet and allows my body a chance to worker smarter, not harder.
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| Purchase Fresh Artichokes at your local Trader Joe's store! Photo by www.flickr.com |
SO on to the artichokes...
I love this quote from Kris Wetherbee of www.vegetablegardener.com:
"The artichoke is a gold mine of rich, earthy, hearty flavor, a vegetable with a taste and texture like no other."
I realize many people do not know much about artichokes nor have any particular interest in eating them, which I find curious. Below I will outline why I have grown to love them so very much.
As someone experimenting and transitioning through the various ways of eating and living (from paleo to pescatarian to wholistic faster to vegetarian to vegan to raw foodie and back again) I have settled on the life of what I call "simple eating." Is it a mixture of pieces of the above lifestyles combined to provide what I deem to be best for my body and lifestyle. More on that later!
As a result of my mostly raw vegan lifestyle I thoroughly enjoy getting unsuspecting vitamins and minerals from fruits and veggies and that many have forgotten about! I believe the artichoke is one of the secret gems.
ONE ARTICHOKE CONTAINS:
Nutrition Facts
Amount Per 1 artichoke, medium (128 g)
|
| Total fat 0.2 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat 0 g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated fat 0.1 g | |
| Monounsaturated fat 0 g | |
| Cholesterol 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium 120 mg | 5% |
| Potassium 474 mg | 13% |
| Total Carbohydrate 13 g | 4% |
| Dietary fiber 7 g | 28% |
| Sugar 1.3 g | |
| Protein 4.2 g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 0% | Vitamin C | 25% |
| Calcium | 5% | Iron | 8% |
| Vitamin B-6 | 5% | Vitamin B-12 | 0% |
| Magnesium | 19% |
| *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. That's not bad for one vegetable. I love when I can get Iron and Magnesium, Calcium, Fiber and Protein all in one deal. Especially as a woman it is very important to stay up on my calcium and iron and magnesium. Many of the aches and pains we experience are due to low levels of these minerals.
So now that you see how awesome artichokes are ...maybe you will test them out in your kitchen soon! As a vegan this is one of my favorite things to cook for the week and munch on for a late dinner or lunch meal! Why women are like artichokes...the answer: if you have ever had to prep one you'll know why; a bit tough and prickly on the outside, sometimes a lot of work, but if you have patience you will reach our heart...and it will be oh so worth it! Live. Love. Well. ~h |
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