Greens Glorious Greens

For many people, including myself,  green leafy vegetables can be hard to introduce into your diet.  If you are like me, kale and spinach are not foods I have ever craved.  So in order to get them into my diet, I sneak them in wherever I can.  Here are some easy ways to add these amazing super foods into your breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu.  Also attached is reasons why leafy greens are so important to eat.

Breakfast
Green smoothie- 2 servings
Blend 1 Cup frozen berries, 1 banana, 1/4 cup favorite 100% juice- I like pomegranate, 1 TBSP chia seeds, 4 stalks of kale, and a handful of organic spinach.  If it tastes too "earthy" you can add a Tsp of honey or organic sugar to taste.

Lunch
Spinach salad with dried cranberries, walnut, sliced nectarine, and red bell peppers.  Top with raspberry vinaigrette.  2 Tbsp raspberry, 1/4 cup grape seed oil, and salt and pepper to taste.

Snack
Baked kale chips
Preheat oven to 350.Remove leaves from kale Toss with 1 Tbsp olive oil and pinch of salt.  Bake until crispy

Dinner
Saute 1 bunch of bok choy and 1 small onion with 1 Tbsp Bragg Liquid Aminos.  Serve with your favorite main dish.

Why greens are so important?!?!

Leafy green vegetables are crucial for weight management due to the low calorie content.  They are low in fat, and high in dietary fiber-which helps you feel full longer.  Leafy greens are high in calcium, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.  Studies have shown that adding just 1 serving of greens to your diet a day can decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease by 11 percent.  Now imagine you add two servings to your diet! An increase also lowered your risk of diabetes by almost 10%.

Enjoy!