KALE

Does kale really suck? I thought I would highlight a food that packs a HUGE nutritional punch but gets a bad rap for taste. Kale. It’s green, it’s rugged and many claim it has the taste of wet cardboard. But is that because you’re not preparing it correctly? I find that chopping my kale into thin slices and then massaging it with coconut or olive oil before eating it raw truly brings out some sweetness and makes the kale less tough to chew.  I love to rip my kale into chunks and make kale chips with some sea salt and pepper!  It’s super simple and 100% better homemade than buying kale chips in the store!  Trust me on this one!

Nutrient wise, kale holds its own! Check out the list below to see how else the king of leafy greens fares.

1. SUSTAINABILITY - Leafy greens such as kale help to reduce carbon footprints and generally save in food costs. Vegetables can grow in most climates and have a relatively low environmental impact.
2. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY - Dark leafy greens have been celebrated and embraced for reducing inflammation and associated conditions. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants such as vitamin A, C, selenium, and magnesium are just a few powerful anti-inflammatory agents in kale.
3. FIBER - Are you having trouble letting go? Kale provides fiber to maintain bowel regularity and prevent the risk of elimination problems. In just one cup of kale there is 2.5 grams of fiber!
4. IRON - It’s a myth that iron isn’t present in a plant-based diet. In fact, many vegetables are higher in iron (non heme) per serving than many animal sources (heme). So, what’s the difference? Iron derived from animal sources has an increased bio-availability, meaning it’s better absorbed in the body than non-heme, plant-based sources. That said, some vegetables like kale still contribute to your iron consumption.
5. CALCIUM - Osteoporosis still troubles millions of people around the world. Although many believe milk is the primary source to prevent bone loss, vegetables have high amounts of calcium to help keep us strong. Kale provides both bio-available calcium and magnesium needed for healthy bones.
6. HEALTHY FATS – Do you think essential omega fatty acids only come from fish oil? Think again! A serving of kale contains 121 mg of omega-3 fatty acids and 92.4 mg of omega-6 fatty acids.

I know that kale may NEVER be one of your favorite foods but it’s worth a try!  Adding it among other greens in a salad, trying it cooked or in a bone broth soup can add some nutritious change to just another salad this spring.  Just one cup has more than your daily recommended vitamin A which can help with healthy skin, healthy vision and supports your immune system!  Give it a try and leave me a comment about what your favorite way to eat kale is!!

Want to get even healthier? Do you want to know how you can sneak more healthy foods into your diet? Curious about how health coaching can help you make your own healthy changes? Let’s talk! Schedule an initial complimentary consultation with me today—or pass this offer on to someone you care about! Visit www.noshoesnutrition.com and sign up for a FREE consultation.  I work with people from all over the world individually or in groups so don’t let anything hold you back!