Asparagus has recently become one of my favorite vegetables. It tastes great, but what I love most about it is how easy it is to prepare. I sauté mine in a little toasted sesame oil, which is probably my favorite oil for sautéing. It's incredibly nutty and rich tasting. Simply rinse the asparagus, break off the base of the stalks (it breaks naturally in the right place), and toss in a pan with your oil of choice. And remember, don't fear oils for their fat content. A pure, organic oil provides healthy essential fatty acids (omega-3's and omega-6's) that are absolutely essential to optimum health (and you'll notice the difference in healthier skin, hair, and nails).

Nutritional Facts about Asparagus:
- Asparagus is an excellent source of folate, a B-vitamin that is essential for a healthy cardiovascular system. One serving of asparagus provides 66% of your daily recommended value of folate.
- Asparagus is also a very good source of potassium, vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin A.
- Asparagus contains inulin fiber which is necessary for feeding the probiotics, or healthy bacteria, in the digestive tract. This promotes good digestive health.

A Few Words on Brown Rice
If you want to make a small change that will greatly improve your nutritional health, switch from white rice to brown rice (the difference between the two is much like the difference between white bread and whole wheat bread... read more on that at the All About Bread post). White rice is brown rice that has had the outer shell removed which results in the loss of beneficial fiber and nutrients. White rice converts into the body much quicker this way and is metabolized more like sugar. This raises blood sugar levels and essentially does not keep you as full as brown rice. So remember, if you make the switch, you may want to eat slightly less brown rice than you usually eat white rice.

That's all for now. Remember, if you like what you read, subscribe!

Love your food,
Emily