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Spirit Blog: Food of the Month

Spotlight on kale!

KaleThe most common exclamations I hear from my clients when they first start out in my program is “I love kale!” Packed full of fiber and nutrients such as vitamins A, C, E and K, magnesium, iron, zinc, folic acid and a better source of bio-available (meaning more readily absorbed) calcium than dairy, kale is a dark green, leafy vegetable that is not to be missed! Unlike some of its leafy relatives, kale is one of the more versatile greens in that its mild flavor blends well with many different dishes.

Green leafy vegetables like kale are a great source of energy for very few calories. They also have benefits to the body such as strengthening your immune system, blood purification, improving circulation and promoting healthy digestion and elimination.

One of the easiest ways to cook kale is to sauté it in olive oil and garlic for a few minutes. If you find greens to be a little tough to chew or digest, steaming them in a small amount of water before you sauté them will help break them down and make them softer on the palate.

Try this month’s featured recipe and see if you don’t find yourself falling in love with kale!

Kale with Toasted Almonds

4-5 kale leaves, stripped into pieces
2-3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2-3 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
1/3 cup almond slices
Sea salt to taste

Fill large bowl with cold water and rinse kale by holding stems at end and swishing leaves. Repeat if necessary. Drain. Hold kale at end of stem, leaves facing down and away from you. Strip the leaves from the stem with thumb and forefinger of other hand in downward motion. Break up stem into pieces discarding the very end. Place leaves and stem pieces in bowl and set aside.

Heat 10-12 inch skillet over Med-Low heat. Add olive oil and garlic. Stir for 30 seconds. Add almonds. Stir frequently for about 1-2 mins (until almonds start to toast). Add kale, stir to coat. Cover skillet and let steam for 1 minute. Remove cover and toss with sea salt to taste. Serve immediately. Serves 2-3.