Quotes

June 24, 2009 at 9:51 am (Environment Issues, Vegan, health)
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Purple-Flower (5)

Once someone asked George Bernard Shaw how it was that he looked so youthful. “I don’t,” Shaw retorted. “I look my age. It is the other people who look older than they are. What can you expect from people who eat corpses?”

“We pray on Sundays that we may have light/To guide our footsteps on the path we tread;/We are sick of war, we don’t want to fight,/And yet we gorge ourselves upon the dead.”
George Bernard Shaw

One farmer says to me, “You cannot live on vegetable food solely, for it furnishes nothing to make the bones with”. And so he religiously devotes a part of his day to supplying himself with the raw material of bones; walking all the while he talks behind his oxen, which, with vegetable-made bones, jerk him and his lumbering plow along in spite of every obstacle.
Henry David Thoreau

“Flesh eating is simply immoral, as it involves the performance of an act which is contrary to moral feeling: killing. By killing, man suppresses in himself, unnecessarily, the highest spiritual capacity, that of sympathy and pity towards living creatures like himself, and by violating his own feelings becomes cruel.”
Leo Tolstoy

People often say that humans have always eaten animals, as if this is a justification for continuing the practice. According to this logic, we should not try to prevent people from murdering other people, since this has also been done since the earliest of times.
Isaac Bashevis Singer

“For my part I rather wonder both by what accident and in what state of mind the first man touched his mouth to gore and brought his lips to the flesh of a dead creature, set forth tables of dead, stale bodies, and ventured to call food and nourishment the parts that had a little before bellowed and cried, moved and lived. How could his eyes endure the slaughter when throats were slit and hides flayed and limbs torn from limb? How could his nose endure the stench?

How was it that the pollution did not turn away his taste, which made contact with sores of others and sucked juices and serums from mortal wounds? It is certainly not lions or wolves that we eat out of self-defense; on the contrary, we ignore these and slaughter harmless, tame creatures without stings or teeth to harm us. For the sake of a little flesh we deprive them of sun, of light, of the duration of life to which they are entitled by birth and being.”
Plutarch in his essay ‘On Eating Flesh’

If you declare that you are naturally designed for such a diet, then first kill for yourself what you want to eat. Do it, however, only through your own resources, unaided by cleaver or cudgel or any kind of ax.”
Plutarch

It is only by softening and disguising dead flesh by culinary preparation that it is rendered susceptible of mastication or digestion, and that the sight of its bloody juices and raw horror does not excite intolerable loathing and disgust.
Percy Bysshe Shelley, Queen Mab Notes.

Cruelty to animals is as if man did not love God.”
Cardinal John H. Newman

“Man did not weave the web of life: he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself. To harm the earth is to heap contempt on its creator.”
A Native American Chief (1854)

via Vegetarian quotes

Strix

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ETL Friday! Jacob’s Journey…

June 19, 2009 at 2:00 am (Dr. Fuhrman, ETL FRIDAYS!, Eat to Live, Vegan, health)
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Hi, All, Jacob shares how he gained his life back when he decided to take control and gain his health!

Here’s Jacob’s inspiring story of commitment and reward(s) :)

I have always struggled with my weight. Well, struggled is probably not the right word. Back when I weighed 275pounds, and during my whole climb up there, I did not fight the gain, I just let it happen.I always knew I was fat and it made me depressed and really damaged my confidence.

Finally, once I capped out at my highest weight, I decided to do something about it. I started to cut out some of the most calorically dense foods in my diet and lost about twenty or twenty-five pounds; quickly, though, I hit a standstill.

Being that this was a point in my life where changes were being made, I decided to become a vegetarian for ethical reasons. As I cut out animal products, my weight began to drop a bit. Then, I started looking into veganism and came across a website called VeganBodybuilding.com, where I learned about Dr. Fuhrman and also saw many fit and buff vegan athletes.

I appreciate fit bodies and always have, but always thought it impossible for me to have one. I began to believe I could and realized that a vegan diet and the nutritarian way are both great tools for going about this. I implemented some nutritarian concepts and began my journey into veganism.

My weight plummeted and I felt more energetic than I ever have. I stayed at my pseudo-nutritarian diet for a couple of years or so, hitting another standstill after dropping down to 160 pounds, then back up to 180 or so hovering around there for awhile.

After some frustration with my weight again, I decided to adopt the nutritarian lifestyle completely. I stopped eating several small meals a day and switched to three per day with an after workout green smoothie, as well as another green smoothie in the morning. My weight dropped down to 165, my leanest weight yet. At this time, I had more muscle than when I weighed 160, so I looked a lot better.

Also, depression has always been a struggle for me, but when I finally went full-Fuhrman, it went away completely. I am content with myself and my life almost constantly now and each day is a joy and adventure.

The nutritarian diet helped me far beyond just losing weight. My sexual endurance and desire also increased, almost too much, if I do say so myself.

My weight no longer fluctuates and I do not have to watch a scale anymore. Now, if only the lifestyle could do something about excess skin. In time, maybe…

Thanks, Jacob, for showing us how commitment and stick-to-it-iveness leads to rewards beyond expectations.

Personally, I relate a lot to your allusion to contentment: That is often a word I use to describe my sense of peace and satiety with life.

Continued success and more rewards to you! Here’s to healthy body, mind, and soul.

Greens ‘n’ Cheers! :D

Feel free to contact me :) and contribute to ETL Friday! and inspire Us!

Strix

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LTL??

June 3, 2009 at 8:12 am (Entertainment, Off Topic, health, opinion)
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Laugh To Live :D   I definitely subscribe to this one. I think, it’s something even children know, instinctively, if not intellectually. I mean, I certainly did :D It’s sad how we forget about our childhood wisdom. Good news is, wisdom is there and doesn’t just go away. It’s recoverable, I think! :D I sure can use all the wisdom I can get!

Good for the mood; and, reportedly good for health, literally! Cool Beans :D .

Live longer? Maybe. Forming positive, loving relationships can be key; if not, it certainly makes life more filled with joy — who wouldn’t want that? Yea, I’ll buy that ;)

How can we add more humor and belly laughs to our lives?!

Here’s another to give you a chuckle today:

Now tell me you didn’t smile after these vids! ;)

There is SO much to be worried about, so much to stress about, so much to be unhappy about — give yourself a break! How about actively seeking some good? Health is not just all about food! You know, sometimes all it takes is a smile. I’ve had my day made by a simple smile from a stranger. I try to do the same for others. Sometimes, when I’ve just smiled at someone, I see their entire face change! It looks as if a load has just been lifted from them. And I recognize it! I’ve felt that too. Have you? A simple smile :) Power!

Here are some things to read — just for giggles ;)

What do you do for laughs? What makes you laugh? Please share! I can always use another laugh or smile!

Have a fabulous, silly, smiley-infused, laughable ( :D ) day!

Strix

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Braaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaas…

May 27, 2009 at 1:48 pm (Exercise, workout, weightlifting, Product Review, Random, health, opinion)
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Barely There, Invisible Look, Wirefree Bra

Barely There, "Invisible Look, Wirefree Bra"

The claims that bras are not healthful for women have been around for ages. Whether you subscribe or not, the points are compelling and worthy of, at least, thoughtful consideration. Personally, I go back and forth on this one — have for years now.

Upon first hearing about it, it makes sense; however, the “science” is not so firmly behind it. On the other foot, “science” has never been all that reliable when it comes to women’s issues — recall that menstrual issues were “in our heads,” and We were, of course, simply (or “simple”) “hysterical.” (Is there a word more sexist than “hysterical”?) Weaker and all.

I do not now, nor have I ever had my faith based in science; it is just as fallible as any other “opinion,” in my opinion ;) . Subject to continuous change. Yes. And it does, does it not?

I go with my experience first.  “Guts” maybe or “intution” is a far more reliable barometer for me. Which does not in any way negate someone else’s experience and truth, even as it is in direct contrast or opposition to my own.

So all this to say, I do believe there is something unhealthful about bras — and certainly, ill-fitting, poorly designed bras. Still, we are conditioned to them, yes? I mean, not just in terms of society and what’s “appropriate”; but, really, to comfort. I hate to say it, but there is a measure of comfort to wearing them; as there is to not :) .

I imagine this comfort is more than physical, though; and perhaps borne of conditioning for acceptance, socially and culturally. Too bad, really; I hate being the product of such. But, there it is.

So far as the charges about bras suffocating the lymph nodes, I interpret this as a feeling I get occasionally of mild anxiety: it translates into me feeling like “I ‘must’ get this bra off, now,” and gives a mental/emotional feeling of being sufffocated/smothered — very uncomfortable. As well, the feeling is physical — one of confinement and suffocation, as if in a straightjacket (not that bad, of course, but you get me, right?) This happens a bit more often now than it did in my 20’s; however, it’s not something chronic. Both those sensations together produce an anxiousness unlike any other in my experience. Not sure I’m making sense, here — anyone relate?

Lately, I’ve taken to not wearing a bra much at all at home — and, in fact, out as well (for shame! Never would I have done this when a foolish “child” :) ) In the past, I never-ever-ever went the day braless! Only to sleep, really. Oh, lordy, I recall my mother wearing a sleeping bra, haha. Product of the ’50’s, for sure, was/is Ma :D . On the other foot, I see the value in such bras: one, they are generally not confining or uncomfortable; two, they can keep things within a safe area :) ; three, for large-breasted women, they can offer great relief. My mother falls into the last category, as well as being a proper 1950’s product :) . I can relate to bras and comfort on this level: I also do not liking bouncing around and falling out of clothes; so wearing a bra is not completely a “bad” concept, to me.

Still, I am feeling increasingly more comfortable without than with — is this just “getting older”? Hmmm. Or, perhaps, generally “becoming more comfortable with my body”? That’s a possibility, as I’ve experienced that growth in stages — exercise, for example shot me to a new level of body consciousness AND confidence — oh.Yeah. CONFIDENCE. Is there anything more wonderful than climbing the ladder of confidence? :D Not sure the bra/braless thang is confidence, though…haha.

I read once that wearing a bra — in contrast to what they are supposed to do — serves to promote, not just poor breast health, but also sagging. Sounded strange, but, the explanation was something about the tightening and un-naturally “lifting,” “separating,” and general manipulating into un-natural positions, etc., and then releasing, which is much more of a jarring to the tissues than going all day on regular errands and daily life without one. Interesting. Can’t recall where I read that. I’m sure it’s online somewhere.

For the past several years, now, I have been wearing exclusively NON-wire bras — seriously, it must have been a misogynist who designed the oh-so-fabulous “underwire bras” we so desperately need (male or female, doesn’t matter, they hated Womyn!) They are truly objects of torture. Now, I have no problemo believing THOSE are bad for health.

Some claims go so far as to state a correlation with breast cancers. To be honest, it’s not within the realm of UNreason to think so. I certainly would not be surprised one iota if they contribute.

One bra (pic above) I like right now is this one. I have a few :) . No wires. I’m not into too-too much “support” bras as that indicates confinement and too much squishy-squish. (In f act, I LOVE Barely There under garments, in general; the under pants they offer are so comfortable, when I shop for them, I end up bringing home a huge bagful. I’ve got, I think, all styles!) I like being held in place but not armor! I save the armor for running (best *ever* running bra) ;)

So, of course, I will always wear a bra for running! Not sure it actually goes to health, though; but it certainly appeals to my sense of aesthetics — so, yes, I am a product of, a slave, even ;) to, yes, SOME culturally imposed norms, to my chagrin, though it may be. So slap me ;)

Like I said, I could talk bra for ever, :D Any thoughts to share?

Strix

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ETL Friday! Recipes: No-Grain Granola…

May 8, 2009 at 2:17 am (Diet, Disease-Proof Your Child, ETL FRIDAYS!, Eat to Live, Food, Nutrition, Recipes, Vegan, health)
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~ Update: This NoGrainola is actually excellent with plant-milks; the texture is best described as the texture of “Grapenuts Cereal” if you recall ever eating that. Enjoy :D ~

beanola_granola_garbanzo-goji

No Grainola with Goji Berries and Walnuts

Hi, Folks. No grain, no sugar, no acrylamides, and low fat ETL-DPYC granola. I thought I’d share one of my recipes that I created, utilizing the humble but versatile garbanzo bean –  grain-allergy free to boot. Feel free to tweak. Let me know if anyone you serve this can tell this is NOT “cereal” (without informing them what it is first, of course!); so far, no one has thought it otherwise.

Oh, and, you can make this with grains if you wish; oats are excellent, as well as wheat germ (see note below recipe)

This can take a lot of tweaking and be just as good — from spicing to lots of additionals to taste, such as dried fruit, nuts, seeds, oats/grains, flavorings, extracts, etc.

For morning cereals with ‘milks (see update above ;) )– I can’t say with 100% certainty you will like this with nut or seed milk: It will soften, which most cereals do; however, the texture is different, being beans and all. It’s ultimately up to you whether you like it that or not; try it :D . One friend of mine eats this with nut milk, but doesn’t let it sit to get soggy, so….I don’t know. You can spruce it up with berries — fresh and dried — or some banana, of course.

Sweetening can also be adjusted. I think the 1/2 C is a moderate amount, 2/3 C will satisify most; feel free to add more, if needed. Alternatively, if you find it is not sweet enough, or if others need more and others don’t, simple sprinkle in some date sugar, or sweeten your nut-seed milk. You can also spray the granola with water, then sprinkle with date sugar, spray again so it sticks; then pop it back into the dehydrator/oven :)

Here are two basic, simple versions; work widdit :D :

No-Grain Granola

granola_beanola-almond-walnut_garbanzo

1 can of salt-free Garbanzo Beans, plain,drained and rinsed very well (or 1 1/2 C home-prepared, plain)

2  tsp vanilla extract

1/2* – 2/3 C Date Sugar, or to taste

2 TB Ground Golden Flax Seed

1-1 1/2 tsp Spice, such as pumpkin pie mix, cinnamon, Or Ginger if you’re a pea picker ;) ,  etc. (2 tsp Ginger 1/2 tsp Cinnamon is good)

1/2 C Pecans or Walnuts or both, chopped (OR choice of nuts/seeds)

Citrus Zest of 1 fruit (1 orange), Optional

1/2 C dried fruit, Optional

Coconut, flakes, pieces, dried or fresh, Optional

See directions below

I used the entire skin of kumquats for the citrus zest. The skin of kumquats is sweet and edible straight and the inside fruit is tart; so it was easy to just slice up the skin. Use some zest of orange as an alternative. I also threw in chopped up pieces of fresh young coconut and the texture was fantastic; it wasn’t like dried coconut flakes, it was chewy like dried fruit.

*Half cup of date sugar makes this light on sweetness; use 2/3 for a just-right sweetness; more?…at your own risk! ;D .

granola_chickpea_basic_beanola-7

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Basic No Grainola ;) II

granola_beanola-almond-walnut_garbanzo-2

I like the addition of a bit of tahini in this version:

1 Can Garbanzo Beans, unsalted, drained and rinsed well, (or 1 1/2 C home-prepared, plain)

2/3 C Date Sugar, or to taste

1 – 1 1/2 tsp Cinnamon or more (Or others, such as Ginger, Cardamon, etc.)

2 TB Tahini + 2 TB juice/water, mixed

1/4 tsp Almond Extract

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

2 TB Ground Golden Flax seed

1/2 C Almonds, chopped (or nuts/seeds of choice)

1/2 C Dried Fruit, Other additions, such as coconut, etc., Optional

Zest of 1 Citrus, Optional

1/2 C Creativity ;) Optional

No Grainola Directions

Drain and rinse very well the Garbanzo beans and drain.

Pulse them in the processor

Dump into a bowl.

Combine tahini-water+ extracts

Then with a fork work in the tahini mixture, taking care not to mash — Just toss, but till thoroughly combined.

Add the Date sugar, cinnamon and flax, fork-tossing in as above.

Add the nuts, and mix.

Pour onto parchment-lined dehydrator sheets or baking sheet. Dehydrate at desired temperature till thoroughly dried; Or, bake at 248-degrees (to avoid acrylamide formation) or at lowest temperature you can in your oven till thoroughly dried and crunchy-yum.

I dehydrate 1 recipe in the Excalibur dehydrator at the highest temperature (155-degrees) for 3-or-so hours; it can actually be eaten at @ 2 hours; however it’s not thoroughly dried to my satisfaction at that point for best crunch factor (or for storing). You’ve probably tasted different granolas and some are super hard, others have a softness to them. You decide.

I’ve done lots of variations; so take your pick.

Enjoy!

Note on adding grain and / or Creativity:

If you add the grain, pulse chop rolled oats; if you use quick-cooking oats, you don’t need to pulse them. Start with 1/2 C;  I believe 1/2 C is about right. Try other ingredients such as some carrot pulp, perhaps; or ground nuts/seeds, etc. (Be sure to taste to determine if seasoning needs adjusting.)

And let me know your results :)

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garbanzo_granola_oats

Above is one using oats (pic before dehydrating). Interestingly, though, those who tasted both had no idea the only-garbanzo one was without any grain.

It has pecans and dried bananas

These mixtures look especially beautiful around the holidays with festive fruits and nuts. Oh, and not to mention a great way to maintain your Eat-To-Live lifestyle during that tough season :) .

Enjoy!

ETA: Have to add this!  If you are having problem with eating nutritionally/snacking; etc, this may be too “snacky” or contain too much dried fruit (dates ) for you;  it is, however, great for children. Eat responsibly ;^)

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Some pics to help with the directions;

Pulse the beans; don’t cream them:

chickpeas_coarse-ground-processor

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granola-chickpea_pulsed (8)

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Granola_chickpea_tahini

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Granola_chickpea_tahini (3)

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Granola_chickpea_tahini (4)

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Granola_chickpea_tahini (5)

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Granola_chickpea_tahini-walnut

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Oh, and speaking of crunch…Don’t forget my My Kale Chips recipe! For a delicious savory crispy munch :)

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kale-chips

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Click pic below for a looksee at what else I ETLize to make for family and friends with the incredible, edible chickpea  (and more) ;)

GARBANZO BONANZA! ;^)

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Got recipes to share?

Send ‘em to me and I’ll post ‘em here on ETL Friday! :D

Strix

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Chewing Lessons…

May 4, 2009 at 9:43 am (Diet, Eat to Live, Food, Nutrition, health, opinion)
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salad-veggies_layer-42

I think of this every now and then, and thought I’d post a few ideas on it.

Please add some of your ideas! I will add them to this list; it would be a good resource :)

1. Chew thoroughly – Of course we all know this. Easier said than done! It takes a bit of (annoying) monitoring of your eating for a spell to get this down. When you eat, you should not swallow any pieces or chunks of anything; food should be creamed and go down smooth — like a green smoothie!

2. Put your fork down! – Yes. Try it. After you take a forkful of food, put your fork/spoon down and chew (as in no. 1), swallow and enjoy the flavor! Take a moment. Resume :) Finish that mouthful completely before you even think of lifting up that fork.

3. Fill your fork – with a modicum of food! Yes, take note of just how much you put on that fork/spoon. Surprised? I was — ack! More than enough; in fact, too much. This, leads to a mouth-too-full, which leads to improper mastication (see no. 1 again); poor digestion (eegads — gas/bloating, anyone?); a general rushing; and, actually, less enjoyment. Shoveling food means you’re not really savoring and tasting properly. Try it. I think you’ll find food more pleasurable and flavorful (and better for digestion). The food is in your mouth longer, where all the tastebuds are! The flavor disappears once food is swallowed…how sad ;)

4. Time, as in take your – Yes, this may take what is already more time than you have for eating, but, hey, you gotta do it. If rushed for time, then adjust your meals to accommodate your needs. So, if you have no time for your lunch, make it a more calorie-dense meal to get you through the meal faster — so, focus on beans and fat, and round it out with as many greens as you can get it. Then, make sure you are getting your requirements the other meal(s), like your greens in your smoothies and/or soups, maybe; and the rest of your fruit and veg at dinner, etc.

5. Try not to drink with meals – drink before or after. (this is more about digestion; but I think it also helps to not just flush down a mouthful of improperly chewed food with liquid)

6. Do not eat “mindlessly” – I try not to say this, but do, myself, sometimes, and it’s kind of annoying, lol. I mean, it’s so general, like “Listen to your body” — another one that annoys the heck out of me…I’ll save that for another ramble ;) . “Mindlessly” is just referring to not being conscious or aware of what you’re doing — ever drive and arrive at a destination and have no recall of the journey? Can’t recall getting on and off a particular onramp/exit? Still, who wants to sit and think intensely about food all the time? I mean, it’s fairly impossible if eating with others. Most of us converse with those we sup! So maybe “practice” the above lessons when alone and when you can, being mindful of chewing thoroughly, putting a moderate amount of food on each forkful, and putting down your fork after every entree of food.

7. Count – Well, when you can :) . My Mom always used to say, “Chew your food at least 25 times before swallowing.” Well, that might be okay for the average Western Diet food which is over-processed junk, but for a person eating a nutrient-dense diet, focusing on fresh, whole foods, it’s a whole other ball of wax! With the amount of raw foods we need to consume and generally high fiber foods, we need double that. If it  helps, count how many it takes before food is creamed.

8. Also remember that eating with your mouth closed helps avoid gas and bloating. I won’t go too much into gas and bloating, as I have a post on that already — reference my list of suggestions on this page, Suggestion Digestion Post

9. Avoid Overeating – All of the above will also help you to not overeat. When rushed one does not allow time for the full signal to go from the stomach to the brain. As well, taking it a bit — just a bit, now ;) — slower will help with nutrient absorption because one is creaming the food for the body to better extract the nutrients and digest, so less is needed — you’re more satisfied when your body actually gets the nutrients.  Don’t overwhelm the poor thing! This leads to other goodies, such as true satiety, less food needed, and, as Dr. Joel Fuhrman says, the loss of cravings: Cravings are a sign that the body is improperly nourished.

Personally, I notice that I can still put too much food onto my fork and — this is worse — have another forkful ready to go before I’m even halfway through chewing my last one! That’s, well, embarrassing! Not to mention an indication that I’m rushing and/or eating mindlessly.

Chew Well, All ;)

Strix
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How I get My Purple On…

April 28, 2009 at 3:04 pm (Diet, Farmers Market, Food, Garden, Nutrition, RAW Food, What Is It?, health)
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But first! A “What Is It?” Segment :D

Here we goooo…

Eeoow! Scales

asparagas_purple-28

Ugh

Hm, a long fella…

asparagas_purple-30

Ohhh…but? No. Yes. Well…the colo –

asparagas_purple-27

Ah HA!

asparagas_purple-26

Yes, yes!

asparagas_purple-31

:D …

asparagas_purple-66

Purple Asparagas! And, yes, that is the  real color! I was lucky enough to get 3 bunches of these — hands down, the most delicious asparagus I have ever tasted. I don’t know why, perhaps since it’s been so long –since I’ve had them. My first time having purple; it won’t be my last…I hope :D    They were thicker, which is unfairly rumored, that they are inferior to thin. Not true! Flavor is all that matters. I’ve had equally delicious asparagus thick and thin. Freshness is really the key. No matter how well stored, you simply must eat them as quickly as possible. As for the above, I can only imagine they were fresh out of the ground because the flavor was fabulous.

Since I shopped with my eyes, I had 3 bunches which I could not finish at once — and who’d not want to savor these over a few days? I stored them like I usually do asparagas, with their tootsies in water, not too far up their gorgeous gams :) . I put a bag over it and hoped for the best. Luckily, no loss of flavor was detectable over the next two days — Excellent :D .  I imagine it was primarily the freshness of the asparagus to begin with, then the proper storing.

purple-asparagas_cut2

I eat asparagus raw, mostly, chopped up in my salads. Cooking away that gorgeous color and (some) nutrients just makes my head hurt :)   And, of course freezing is out of the question, unless I wanted to add them to a dip at some point.

asparagas_purple-53

Best freezing method for asparagus, by the way, is to blanch first. That is the best shot you have at keeping somewhat of a texture other than soggy — or, eooww, slimy. No. No, asparagus should be eaten fresh and raw, I declare!

Next up…

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The purple orbs have landed!

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Probably pretty obvious by now…

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Yep, purple kohlrabi!

I learned something new last week when I found these: Springtime kohlrabi (very fresh) has a thinner skin that’s edible! Most of the time, it’s best to peel the (very) fibrous outer skin. It’s like that very tough part of broccoli stalks; you have to cut some off to get to the soft part inside. But these fresh, thinner skinned ‘rabis are Sooo good! It is definitely fibrous, though, and oh-so filling. I don’t mind getting that extra purple in me.

Slice through a bulb and it’s light-fleshed:

kohlrabi-purple_slices-4

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I love how there is always green somewhere in colored foods :D ‘Tis the source of all that is good :D

Here is the butt end which was actually too fibrous, so I had to cut it. You can see the fibrous part still underneath..

kohlrabi-purple_slices-6

Kohlrabi should be sweet and somewhat juicy. It’s most like jicama. If it’s not sweetish, it’s not a really good kohlrabi so don’t totally give up on them! Find a good one and you’ll love them! They can be as sweet as or more than beets, but less heavy, less syrupy than beets and carrots. Beets and carrots are more like a nectar type juice (to me). Kohlrabi is more crispy, clean, and light and refreshing. So great for cool Spring and Summer meals. It goes fantastic in cooked/raw savory or sweet dishes, too. I love it in bean salads and slaws. It’s cruciferous, so you’re getting loads of goodies, plus with the purple, you’re getting those Anthocyanidins!

I like to chop into matchsticks and add to my salads

kohlrabi-purple_slices-81

I love being able to eat the skin!

And best of all is being able to eat the cruciferous leaves of kohlrabi!

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Mmm…blackberries. They star regularly (well, when available) in my Green Juicie Green smoothies and are featured in my cultured veggies too!

blackberries_-57

Purple Cabbage, I eat every day. It’s so sweet and crunchy

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Even radishes come in purple…They seem to be less “hot” to me…

yellow-carrots_purple-radishes-3

I have also  been getting lots of royal goodness from cauliflower lately (an older pic)

purple_cauliflower

Blueberries seem to taste best around this time, at least here :)

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Purple Mustards, nice and spicy…

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Purple Curly Kale!

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Other Purpley Stuff:

So far, no purple carrots :D . Would love to try those.

Purple Bells are pretty :) Geez, almost black!

Oh, and tomatoes too! Oh I must resist launching into tomato porn! Oh, how I love thee, to-mah-toes!

Oh, I did use purple potatoes back when I ate them. They didn’t taste any different…thought that was my old taste buds. Not sure how they’d taste now :) Check out the gorgeous color variety of potatoes!Until recently I thought “blue” and “purple” potatoes were the same.

I do like purple corn, but haven’t been incorporating it into my diet  in any consistent way…need to look into using it more :)

Eggplant, of course, has a great purple color; and their are varieties with various sizes and shades of purple. Kenny explains :)

Plums! A great summer stone fruit. These also come in a variety of colors. I can’t say which is sweetest…I’ve had super-sweet ones of all colors. I do think maybe it just depends on how ripe it was at the time of cutting ??

Grapes! I used to grow them. Love green and red grapes, but wow, the purple concords are crazy tasty. I don’t see them often, but grab ‘em when I do! The sweeter ones seem to be champagne grapes; I find the white Muscat grapes I’ve purchased at the farmers market here to be the sweetest I’ve ever tasted. I see black grapes sometimes and can’t resist that alluring silky ebony glow!

Purple Onions or Red Onions – I saw these on a list of  “purple foods” once; though I’m not sure if it belongs there or with “red foods.” I do have these often and like them especially  in my salads when not too harsh, that is :)

Purple Peas!

Purple Beans too. These I’ve had. They taste like regular green beans :)

And, probably the Food of gods…FIGS! Oh, the ecstasy … oh, the divine taste — no, the experience — of the perfect fig…Drooling doesn’t quite do it justice :D .

How remiss can I be, having no pictures of figs! Well, all I do have is an old picture of sushi for fruitarians ;) (Yes, I was a fruitarian at one time too!)

slcd_frsh_frz_sushi_figs-1

I’m waiting for a purple apple to make its debut; I imagine it to be very rich, but not sickeningly sweet. Maybe thick and syrupy :)

Not sure if this qualifies…the beautiful watermelon radish which has eluded me for too long now! It is the most delicious radish I’ve ever tasted. I hope to see it again one day…

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So what other purple foods are there? I’m sure I’m forgetting some! How do you get your purple on? ;)

Pick up some fresh asparagus while they’re at their peak — and whatever other purple goodies you find — that’s now, by the way. Green is still king; but try some purple fruits and veggies and add to your rainbow!

*Click pic* for my Somethin’ Good Asparagus stream ;)

Something Good

Poxacuatl
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