Getting that Green, Curly Stuff into Your Diet

K-A-L-E:

That green curly stuff you see on the side of the produce isle.

Considered by some to be a four letter word.

There are those who cringe at the very thought of anything green and those who leap with untold joy when their local farmer’s market carries organic produce.

If you are reading this article….

There is at least a chance that you share the feelings of one of the two groups described above.

But since you are here---either because you LOVE kale or because you WANT to love kale, here are 5 ways you can incorporate this super-food into your diet.

·         SMOTHIE: Add a rib of kale to your pre- or post-workout smoothie (recipe below).

·         OMELETTE: Chopp into small pieces, sauté, and add to a veggie omelet.

·         PASTA: Sautee with olive oil and garlic and toss with spaghetti and roasted shrimp.

·         SALAD: Toss chopped kale in balsamic vinaigrette with slices red onion, garbanzo beans, romaine lettuce, and avocado.

·         CHIPS: After removing stems, toss leaves in olive oil and seasoned salt and bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes.  

Kale Smoothie

If you’re like me, you’re one of those morning people who likes to check as much off your list as early as possible. Why not check “eat vegetables” off your list in the morning? It will set the tone for the rest of the day’s choices---especially when it comes to making healthy meal choices.

2 oranges*

1 large banana

1-2 kale leaves

1 cup ice

1 cup water

Peel oranges and banana and place in blender with the ice and water. Blend on the ice crush setting until completely pulverized.

Add kale, one leaf at a time (or, if you prefer a sweeter drink, add only one leaf) and liquefy.

Poor into a large glass and enjoy the greenness! J

*Note to chef: You may want to split this with someone if it is your first time drinking a kale smoothie. It’s nice to use the buddy system when drinking veggies---especially kale. Don't let this scare you, though. My little brother loves this smoothie---we drink one together every morning. 

*For a variation, add fresh or frozen blueberries and/or soy or regular yogurt. (See picture below)