Tueasday’s Tip for a Happy and Healthy Life (week 8)

By emie • March 30th, 2009

Today’s Tip: Try something new at least once a week

Over time, we all gather a set of constricting habits that trap us in a zone of supposed comfort. This “comfort zone” is usually well below our potential to live a fully realized happy and healthy life. Soon our habits slip below the level of our consciousness, but they still determine what we think and ultimately determine what we can and cannot do—and what we cannot even bring ourselves to try. As long as you let these habits rule, you’ll be stuck in a rut. When was the last time you tried something totally new? How often do you step outside you comfort zone?

Variety is important! We have all heard the saying that “Varity is the Spice of Life.” It’s true with the foods you eat as well because it’s the best way of ensuring you get all the nutrients you need.

There aren’t any “Super Foods” that contain all the nutrients you need. You really need a wide variety to receive all the protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins it requires for good health. By consuming spices, vegetables, fruit, different whole grains, tea, nuts, seeds you are ensuring you will get enough antioxidants both in quantity and variety.

Here is something new to try:

Purple Baby Artichokes

Braised Purple Baby Artichokes

First remove all large outer leaves, trim stems, cut in half lengthwise – do not clean out center leaves, the entire baby artichoke will be tender enough to eat.

In a large sauté pan add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan, enough white wine to cover artichokes (you will need quite a bit of ww so use a good one but not so good that you will cry as you poor it into the pan – you will need to add more as the artichokes soak it up) a couple smashed garlic cloves and juice from half a lemon, cook over low heat for about an hour or until tender.

Serve as an appetizer or over risotto and don’t forget to drink the rest of your white wine – like you really need me to tell you that.