Asparagus and Smoothies

Last night I ate Asparagus for the first time. I'm not sure why I have never had it before maybe I assumed it would taste awful so just never bothered to buy it - well I'll be rectifying that from now on because I loved it and with these health benefits (according to eatingwell.com) I may even have a go at growing it myself.

1. It’s loaded with nutrients: Asparagus is a very good source of fiber, folate, vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as chromium, a trace mineral that enhances the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells.
2. This herbaceous plant—along with avocado, kale and Brussels sprouts—is a particularly rich source of glutathione, a detoxifying compound that helps break down carcinogens and other harmful compounds like free radicals. This is why eating asparagus may help protect against and fight certain forms of cancer, such as bone, breast, colon, larynx and lung cancers.
3. Asparagus is packed with antioxidants, ranking among the top fruits and vegetables for its ability to neutralize cell-damaging free radicals. This, according to preliminary research, may help slow the aging process.
4. Another anti-aging property of this delicious spring veggie is that it may help our brains fight cognitive decline. Like leafy greens, asparagus delivers folate, which works with vitamin B12—found in fish, poultry, meat and dairy—to help prevent cognitive impairment. In a study from Tufts University, older adults with healthy levels of folate and B12 performed better on a test of response speed and mental flexibility. (If you’re 50-plus, be sure you’re getting enough B12: your ability to absorb it decreases with age.)
5. One more benefit of asparagus: It contains high levels of the amino acid asparagine, which serves as a natural diuretic, and increased urination not only releases fluid but helps rid the body of excess salts. This is especially beneficial for people who suffer from edema (an accumulation of fluids in the body's tissues) and those who have high blood pressure or other heart-related diseases. 

Last nights supper was so simple and yet tasted soooooo good.

2 Sausages, Onion/Tomato/Cucumber salad, Strawberries and that gorgeous Asparagus.

I also had a go at making my first fruit smoothie - Watermelon & Strawberry. I think I overdid the Strawberries and despite them being one of my favourite fruits they left a tang with the Watermelon. I preferred straight watermelon.

Looking forward to trying lots more recipes.

Leanne and I tackled that 3 mile hill run in the forest today. I've avoided doing the run a particular way round because it's uphill immediately and I always struggle in the first 10 minutes anyway so a hill is going to make me worse, but I figured I needed to face it so we did.
Amazingly we managed the 3 miles with just one short walk which was my fault because I'd gone too fast on a straight bit and had nothing left when the next hill came.
But we still averaged a 9 minute mile - get in!