I'm so excited to announce the launching of my new website, GreenAppleFoodTherapy.com!
Why "green apple"? Well, first of all, there's the concept of "an apple a day." If you can make small decisions on a daily basis that support your health over time, you're much less likely to develop a chronic illness. Food therapy
As for the "green," I'm referring to the number one missing food in the American diet: those in the green leafy vegetable category. When some people hear “green leafy vegetables,” they often think of iceberg lettuce, but the ordinary, pale lettuce in restaurant salads doesn’t have the power-packed goodness of other greens.
Numerous studies suggest that Americans aren't eating their vegetables—for two reasons:
- It's too time consuming to buy and prepare fresh vegetables.
- They just don't taste good!
Let me offer a different perspective: Learning to cook and eat greens is essential to creating health. And in the scheme of things, it's far easier and quicker to pick up a bunch of kale on your way through the grocery store than to run for an hour every day, go to the doctor twice a month, or wait in line for your prescription to be filled—as well as numerous other time-consuming strategies people employ in the never-ending quest to lose weight and be "healthy."
Reasons to Eat Your Greens
Greens contain more bioavailable calcium than milk. They also are very high in magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, zinc, and vitamins A, C, E, and K. They are crammed with fiber, folic acid, chlorophyll, and many other micronutrients and phyto-chemicals.
Some of the "side effects" from eating dark leafy greens are blood purification, cancer prevention, improved circulation, strengthened immune system, promotion of healthy intestinal flora, promotion of subtle, light, and flexible energy, lifted spirit and elimination of depression, improved liver, gall bladder and kidney function, and cleared congestion, especially in lungs, by reducing mucus.
Could you use any of these benefits during cold and flu season? Dark, leafy greens are in season now!
Still Not Convinced?
When you nourish yourself with greens, you will naturally crowd out the foods that make you sick—and fat. Because they are nutrient-dense, greens satisfy your body and reduce cravings for unhealthier foods. They also clean out your body, enabling it to burn fat more effectively.
Take Your Pick
There are so many greens to choose from: broccoli, bok choy, napa cabbage, kale, collards, watercress, mustard greens, broccoli rabe, dandelion, arugula, endive, chicory, lettuce, mesclun, and wild greens are can be consumed in any creative way you enjoy. Spinach, Swiss chard, and beet greens are best eaten in moderation and cooked with olive or coconut oil or butter to balance their higher quantities of oxalic acid, which depletes calcium. Try them all; if you don't like one, move on to the next.
Try this tasty recipe and rethink your perspective toward greens!
Spicy Greens
- 1 bunch kale or other dark leafy greens, chopped
- 1 bunch broccolini or broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- juice of 1 lemon
- cayenne pepper to taste
- salt to taste
In a large fry pan, sauté garlic in olive oil 2 minutes over medium heat. Add bell pepper and sauté another 2 minutes. Turn up heat to medium high and add broccolini, kale, lemon juice, cayenne, and salt. Stir and cook for 3-5 minutes until kale is bright green but not wilted.
Variations: instead of red onion, use red bell pepper or sun-dried tomatoes.
