Asparagus is a repeat offender on most nutritional plans, but it can get real boring… I know this. With that, I’ve shredded it up to add a little variety to our routines!
BUT, before we shred away, let me tell you a little bit about the asparagus. I’ll start out by informing you as to the reason that asparagus makes urine smell (yours doesn’t? Well then you’re amongst the lucky who don’t have the gene to break down the chemicals inside the asparagus into their smelly components); it is simply a result of the digestive track breaking down two compounds found in asparagus in order to metabolize them: methyl mercaptan and asparagine. Not everyone has this post-asparagus odor issue, but if you do… you would just know. Also, did you know that an asparagus spear can grow 10 inches in a 24-hour period under ideal conditions…wwhaaat?!! I know I can’t grow that fast— that’s pretty darn impressive. OK, fun facts are over; let’s be serious.
Asparagus is one of the most nutritionally well-balanced vegetables in existence. It is the leading supplier among veggies of folic acid. A 5.3 ounce serving provides 60 percent of the recommended daily allowance for folacin, which is necessary for blood cell formation, growth, and prevention of liver disease. It is a good source of potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamins A and C, and thiamin.
Keeping our bodies in shape is hard work…and yes it absolutely does mean making sacrifices when it comes to the foods that we choose to eat! However, the key is to still enjoy the foods that you love by simply recreating them into a healthy version. That’s what I’m here for! I’ll take the guesswork away from you and bring you new recipes each and every week! It’s all about being creative with good-for-you foods! As my trademark proclaims, I will always do my best to deliver to you: 100% Taste, 0% Guilt! It’s all here for you and ready to go. Each Alli’s Slim Pickins recipe provides detailed ingredients, nutritional information, and step-by-step instructions on how to prepare each mouth-watering meal! Come on, let’s make it happen…
SIMPLY SHREDDED ASPARAGUS SALAD
Ingredients:
3/4 lb. asparagus, (the thicker the better)
1/4 red pepper, finely chopped
1 TB freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 TB + 1 tsp. olive oil
2 TB balsamic vinegar
1/4 tsp. each: onion powder, sea salt (more or less, to taste), ground black pepper (more or less, to taste)
2 TB reduced-fat, grated Parmesan cheese
How to Prepare
1. Using a sharp vegetable peeler, shave the asparagus into paper-thin slices into a large mixing bowl. Hold the tough ends/stems and shave towards the spear. Throw out the tough end once stalk is shaved down.
2. Add all remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly.
Serving Suggestions:
• As a smaller side dish: accompanying a nice juicy piece of salmon.
• As a large main course: topped with tender slices of grilled chicken or fish.
NUTRITION DATA
Per side dish serving (serves 4): 69 calories, 1.4 grams protein, 5.2 grams carbohydrates, 4.8 grams fat
Per main course serving (serves 2): 138 calories, 2.7 grams protein, 10.3 grams carbohydrates, 9.5 grams fat
Editor’s Note: If you have any specific requests or would like to share your feedback on the above recipes, please e-mail Allison Frahn at AliFrahn@yahoo.com.
