eat more leafy greens

And there’s no point me trying to eat something I can’t stand. I eat other vegetables, and this will have to do. Life is to be enjoyed. More power to you guys who actually like them!

Last week, I had started making daily “smoothies” with apple juice, mixed greens, Low Sodium V8, parsley and greens powder from Trader Joe’s, but slacked off after a few days. They tasted pretty good, in my opinion (the apple juice helps A LOT). I had read somewhere that we get more nutrients from the greens in a blended form, because the cell walls need to be broken in order to release all the vitamins and minerals, and chewing only gets out like 25%. Not sure if this is true, but I found the smoothies to be a quick and easy way to get more greens. Try it out!

its good fer ya

.....I’ve done this. And will continue to do this. This fall & winter kale, chard & spinach plus a variety of salad greens have helped me keep up with this goal. Wahoo!

....I made a big pot of soup yesterday and added a handful of kale to the pot. Not alot so I didn’t freak my kids out, but enough to feel like it was worth it. :)

....the other day I added it to my tomato sauce. Again, it was just a handful & chopped up very small, but I’m working it in in little doses.

I’ve started adding a layer of sauteed mushrooms & spinach to the center cheese layer of my lasagna. Easy way to add more leafy greens without it being a big pile of greens on a plate. My family barely noticed—they just gobbled them up with the rest of the noodles, cheese & sauce. With a salad on the side it was a double win!! (Note: I’ve been off spinach since the whole e.coli scare. So it felt good to have spinach again after all this time.)

This kale side dish is in Glorious Greens & is unbelievably addicting.

Saute a handful of pecans in oil. Remove pecans with slotted spoon and drain on paper towel. Add to saute pan one mashed garlic clove, a handful of julienned carrots & a sprinkling of dried hot pepper. Saute until carrots are soft. Add liberal portion of chopped kale & stir to coat with oil (add a dab more oil if nec). Cover for 3 minutes. Stir. Add a couple of spoonfuls of chicken broth to help with the steaming. Recover & cook for a few more minute or until kale is tender. Remove from heat & add about a tbsp of soy sauce & the pecans. Enjoy.

Can use leftovers in a wrap—shredded cheese, leftover chicken & kale mixture in a wrap. Microwave for 30 seconds or until cheese is melted. Devour!!

I know it takes time and compromise to train your tastebuds, and I need to work on that more. I’d be eating so well if I just worked in more leafy greens. Thank goodness for Ethiopian collards and pan fried kale pizza!