Artichokes - A Great Way to Lose Weight!

By David D Silver

When buying vegetables it is very important to know which ones are the best to get and how to pick up. Good quality vegetables can mean a world of difference to your health. So let's get started so that we could eat healthy and lose that pesky fat around our midsection.

The artichoke, also known as the French artichoke, is native to the Mediterranean region of France. Surprisingly in the olden times, despite their well-established popularity in Europe, artichokes weren't really known in North America until the 20th century. But now artichokes can be found everywhere, anywhere from supermarkets to high-class restaurants.

When cooking artichoke, make sure to strip it from petal to petal so that you can eat the flesh from the base of each petal by pulling it off with your teeth. Just remember, that the pale inner leaves form the heart of the artichoke, and surround the inedible choke. This choke must be moved away in order to reach the sweet tasting artichoke bottom.

Artichokes are good because they're available all year round. However, their peak seasons are in March through May. California is one of the biggest exporters of artichokes. When buying an artichoke make sure it is unopened. Look for leafy, olive-green heads that are heavy for their size. Stay away from dry and tough artichokes, whose leaves spread slightly.

After you have bought an artichoke be sure to try to eat it soon. It doesn't stay well after a few days. To stop an artichoke from drying, wrap it in a damp towel, and put it in a enclosed plastic bag so that moisture doesn't escape.

Artichokes are good, because they provide potassium, calcium, phosphorus as well as a lot of fiber. These vegetables are very low in calories. However, people often serve them with a high calorie sauce.

If you're looking to lose weight artichokes are a great idea. Not only are they delicious, but they provide a lot nutrients and fiber. The only drawback is that they take a little on the other vegetables of similar nutritional value. However, their taste is worth it! Learn how to make a low-calorie sauce to go with the artichokes. I often serve this with a small lean portion of steak and red wine. Bon Apetite!