Coconut Sauteed Artichoke Hearts

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I completely ran out of fresh vegetables toward the end of last week, so this quick dish was inspired by what I did have, a can of artichoke hearts! I love artichoke hearts, but rarely eat them as I’m not a fan of anything canned, and I can’t seem to find ANY that don’t have some sort of nitrate or preservative (if you have found them, please let me know!!).

Coconut sautéed Artichoke Hearts

I simply dropped a dollop of coconut oil in the sauté pan, then took each artichoke heart into my hand and squeezed it over the sink to eliminate the excess water, then dropped in the pan. I really think they’re best mashed up in your hand like this, as they don’t have to remain intact to taste good and then your sauté doesn’t get too watery. I let mine get a little toasty or caramelized, and they are SO GOOD! Last, I seasoned with kosher salt/pepp.DSC_0198

This would be a very easy and different side dish to any meal, and they really take on the texture and look of scrambled eggs.

“Natural Flavors”

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In my quest for health and wellness, I’m trying to understand everything I put in my body and what’s an issue for me. I don’t eat a lot of things that have an ingredient list, but one thing I do consume a lot is hot tea. I love it, I think it’s beneficial for my health, and has antioxidant properties.

I ran across a huge sale on Tazo teas recently and was thrilled, so I stocked up! I bought several boxes and have been enjoying them, but upon further investigation, I’d like to know in the ingredients what they include in “natural flavors.” My first thought is if you add something back in, it isn’t natural, and second, this ingredient (I don’t like calling it that, it’s more like a category) can include a whole mess of stuff. So I emailed Tazo.

My email to Tazo on January 31:

Hello!

I am an avid tea drinker and LOVE Tazo teas, however, I am discovering some allergies to certain spices/additives. Can someone please provide a breakdown of the “natural flavors” listed in most Tazo teas, or what makes up that category? I know that “natural flavors” typically encompasses different things. I realize they may vary by kind, but I really appreciate your help.

Thanks so much,

Linds Swanson

Their reply on January 31:

Hello Lindsay,

Thank you for taking the time to write.  Your search for enlightenment into the world of Tazo is to be admired.  With this first step on the path, may you find answers you seek.

While we understand that some customers may have a need to know specific ingredient information prior to consuming a product, unfortunately we are unable to provide more in-depth information than what is currently available in the ingredient statement. If there are concerns about this product possibly containing an ingredient that you do not wish to consume, we would recommend that product not be consumed.

Thanks again for writing us.  If you ever have any questions or concerns in the future, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Tazo!

Brian

A Tea Enthusiast Advisor

Seems pretty corporate to me, no? Honestly, I guess I wasn’t that shocked, but as soon as my Tazo teas are gone, I’m not buying anymore. Things like this are frustrating for me, when I’m trying to pinpoint and solve issues with my health and body (do the “natural flavors” include nightshades?). Furthermore, if you won’t tell a consumer what you’re putting in a product, it’s a red flag for me. I think I have a right to know what I’m eating and drinking, right, especially when I’m paying for it?

So long, Tazo!

Suite D Guest Post: Paleo and Type 1 Diabetes

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I’m honored and excited to be guest posting on Suite D, OmniPod’s Diabetes Blog; a blog about living well with diabetes!

Read my first post about how living paleo has changed my life with diabetes, here: Living the Paleo Lifestyle with Type 1 Diabetes. I talk about finding your own paleo, how I started on the paleo journey, the different effects I see, and how it has transformed my life with diabetes.

 

Another Diabetes First

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I guess times are a changing?

The last 24 hours have been full of restful sleep, stability, less finger pokes, and thankfulness for my Dexcom G4 Continuous Glucose Monitor.24 Hrs of Awesomeness

All of a sudden, I’ve noticed I’ve been checking my blood sugar far fewer times per day than I used to. This past Sunday, I had another diabetes first: I checked my blood sugar twice. TWICE! I racked my brain trying to think when it was that I last did that-and I don’t think I ever have done that! Maybe 4, but 2? This coming from the OCD super anal blood sugar tester (read average 12 times per day, since…forever).

The little tiny dried up bloody holes in my fingers are disappearing, it burns less when I cut citrus; my fingers are rejoicing.