Showing posts with label light. Show all posts
Showing posts with label light. Show all posts

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Peachy keen...you know what I mean.

Aren't they such majestic beauties! Photo by: commons.wikimedia.org 
Smooches! Love, Peaches.

Delish! Peaches engage many of the senses and make for a wondrous treat ANY time of the day. They are easy to travel with, can be sliced, juiced, mashed or munched, have a soft, supple skin and delicate juicy-ness that even young babes can appreciate. Peaches rarely leave you unsatisfied and yet somehow begging for more. They make a bit of a mess, not too much; just enough to let your sweet sticky fingers gently remind you they were there.
Heart-healthy, skin-smoothing sweet, sticky snack! Photo by: examiner.com 
Peaches have a beautiful coloring ranging from light yellow to deep rouge and range similarly in taste according to the ripeness. They are best eaten when the darker swirling colors are present (the mixture of red and orange and yellow).
Sliced peaches perfect for a tantalizing mid-day snack! Photo by: nyccityeats.com
Filled to the brim with Vitamin A, Potassium, Calcium, Iron, Vitamin C, Niacin, and so much more, peaches can be enjoyed year-round and are very easy to can or freeze. They make great companions in smoothies, teas, juice recipes, on salads, in homemade popsicles and even make a delightful summer soup. (If you haven't had peach soup throw you inhibitions to the wind! You will surely be rewarded. I certainly was.)
Tasty, Peachy, Juicy! Photo by: theimprovkitchen.blogspot.com 
Tried peach juice yet? No? Do it. A frothy full-bodied juice that is as refreshing and light as summer salad and a soft kiss, it will leave you wanting just a bit more. And why not? At only 46 calories per peach you can be certain this is a "Weight Watchers" approved treat we can all indulge in!
Peaches come in all sizes, shapes and colors! Just like you and me! Photo by: marigoldmom.com
Let's talk about some of the health benefits! Peach juice can act as a natural laxative to help flush toxins out of the kidneys and bladder to help prevent kidney stones! Peaches are a great source of water and fiber and allow you to get fantastic nutrients, feel "full" longer all with a wonderfully succulent taste and aroma.
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Peach Tea Smoothie! Oh my Gawd! Yes. Photo by: eatsimpleloveyoga.com 
Got a bad cough? Have a peach. Peaches are known for their ability to soothe a dry cough, you can even make the juice into a warm soothing tea. Those with rheumatic pains and abdominal colic are also recommended to incorporate peaches into their diets.
Healthy food-combining approved meal: Peaches and Raspberries! Yummo! Photo by: theskinnyonlowcal.org
Peaches help ease digestion and inflammation. They protect nerve cells and if eaten early in the morning can help regulate intestinal infections and maintain alkalinization of the blood due to their low acidity. Regular consumption of peaches can help prevent the onset of many types of cancers and aid in weight loss. Peaches are good for the skin to help regenerate tissue cells; you can even rub peach juice into your skin for that soft peachy glow!
Happy to be here sliced and cored peachy keens! Photo by: inspireandindulge.wordpress.com
Peaches are rich in iron, so very good for those with anemia. Peaches can help treat high blood pressure and facilitate cardiac health due to the potassium found in them. Peaches are helpful in lowering cholesterol in blood and preventing cardiac diseases.
Peachy Mint Puree, perfect for your tiny sweet someone somewhere.
Photo by: theartofcomfortbaking.blogspot.com
Peaches contain Vitamin A,  B1, and B2 which help to strengthen the immune system, balance the nervous system and maintain magnesium levels in the body. Peaches are HIGH IN ENERGY and are great for pregnant women and those wishing to regulate their weight!
Fresh Home-canned Peaches! Makes for easy livin'! Photo by: piccantedolce.blogspot.com
So what do we know about peaches? Peaches even have their own color...Peach. How many other fruits can top that? To follow the suggestions of food combining for maximum digestion...peaches are best eaten with other like fruits: apricots, plums, nectarines, mango, pear, apple, cherries, grapes and other berries.
Fresh, tasty and nutritious! Go get some today! Photo by: statesymbol.usa.org
With health benefits for the whole family, peaches certainly fit the bill when it comes to SIMPLE EATING. That's the motto around here. So many reasons to eat so many peaches!
Moral of the story? Try adding peaches to your diet today! Your whole body will thank you for it!

Live. Love. Well.
~h

Monday, June 10, 2013

Why women are like artichokes


Good Morning all!

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.

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

Artichokes
Amount Per 1 artichoke, medium (128 g)
Calories 60
% Daily Value*
Total fat 0.2 g0%
Saturated fat 0 g0%
Polyunsaturated fat 0.1 g
Monounsaturated fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg0%
Sodium 120 mg5%
Potassium 474 mg13%
Total Carbohydrate 13 g4%
Dietary fiber 7 g28%
Sugar 1.3 g
Protein 4.2 g8%
Vitamin A0%Vitamin C25%
Calcium5%Iron8%
Vitamin B-65%Vitamin B-120%
Magnesium19%
*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.

Yummo! Photo by happyhealthybelly.blogspot.com

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