Food Spotlight: Kale

About six month ago, I was having a conversation with someone that was eating an amazing looking salad. She made it herself and it just caught my eye; it was colorful and vibrant-looking. I asked her what was in the salad and basically what leafy green she used because it didn't appear to be spinach or romaine. She replied, "Oh, that's kale. It's so tasty and I love it." Kale? I thought. Hmm, I had never had that before...I see it in the store but never thought to try it. I asked her about it and she explained that when she began her raw food diet, she experimented with many leafy greens other than the ones she was used to eating. Her excitement and enthusiasm about this vegetable intrigued me and the next day I purchased it.

Needless to say I am eating kale almost every day (along with other leafy greens and veggies). I mostly saute it, with garlic and olive oil but I also eat it raw in a salad, along with spinach which I love too.

Kale is a super food...I'm sure you've heard of this word, as it is becoming a consistent phrase with regards to eating healthy. Kale has so many benefits to eating it:

- Kale provides an excellent source of vitamins B6 and C, carotenes, and manganese. It is also a very good source of vitamins B1, B2, and E, fiber, iron, copper, and calcium. One cup of kale has as much vitamin C as an orange.

- Kale has almost three times as much calcium as phosphorus. This is a beneficial ratio because high phosphorus consumption has been linked to osteoporosis since it reduces the utilization and promotes the excretion of calcium. Kale exhibits the same anticancer properties as other members of the cabbage family.

- Kale is the richest of the greens in the phytochemical lutein. Known mostly for its prevention of eye disease, lutein is now thought to be more protective against cancer than beta-carotein. Kale is also one of the highest sources of antioxidant flavonoids which help ward off heart disease and regulate blood pressure.

- Kale has many benefits for women. It helps regulate estrogen, and wards off many forms of cancer including breast. Before and during pregnancy, kale supplies important minerals like calcium and iron. It also provides folic acid which is necessary for proper development of the baby's nervous system. While nursing, kale and other leafy greens increase breastmilk supply.

So are you wondering why you haven't tried kale yet? Well, you should be! (smile). You can use kale instead of iceberg lettuce in your salads. I've even tried fried kale and it was so tasty!

As for how to buy/select kale: it's available year round but is especially good in the winter because the cold makes it sweeter. Kale comes in bunches of long, dark green leaves. The most common variety is curly around the edges. Look for crispy, green or red leaves; nothing wilted or brown. Place unwashed kale in a plastic bag and keep it in the vegetable crisper of your refrigerator for up to a week. Bear in mind, however, the taste becomes stronger with prolonged storage. For extended preservation, wash and dry kale well. Mince or chop by hand or in a food processor. Place kale in a bag or container and freeze. Minced, frozen kale can be used just like raw kale since it thaws almost instantly.

So go ahead...try something new and most certainly good for you! Let me know what you think and share any recipes if you have any.

Eat and be well!

The Path is becoming clear...

It has been quite some time since I've posted anything; all for good reason. As I move through this wonderful thing called Life, my path is becoming clearer to me...I naturally progress to levels that inspire me to be exactly what I want to be and do what I want to do. That is an amazing feeling! To FEEL right in the steps you are taking to progress and elevate to higher levels...whether spiritually, emotionally or with your career, family, etc.

I enrolled in the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) at the end of April and the school 'semester' began May 3rd. IIN is a school that certifies individuals to become holistic health counselors. I became aware of IIN when I was with a friend, perusing through a fairly new health food store in Harlem and I picked up a catalog for the Omega Institute and saw an ad for IIN in the back. When I got home I immediately went on the website and I knew that this was for me. I FELT it in my being and called to inquire about their program.

I am studying online which is so convenient and this experience so far has been amazing, to say the least. I've learned not only more about nutrition and making sure you take care of your body by eating healthy foods, but I've learned more about myself. That I have talents that I'm not utilizing for various reasons: fear, lack of self-confidence, financial reasons. IIN not only focuses on nutrition but your lifestyle as well and they encourage you to really look within and add in things that support your personal growth. It feels right and I know I'm on the right path.

I will also be hosting my first meditation workshop next month and I am bursting with excitement - lol! I became a certified meditation teacher earlier this year because again, it just felt right. Meditation has been so beneficial to me, I wanted to share that knowledge and love for the practice with others, hence, my workshop series.

Even though I'm facing financial challenges that are overwhelming, dealing with the loss of my aunt and now my 32 yr old cousin, I can still say that I am happy. Really happy that I've challenged myself to reflect and tap into my own power and use that power to create the life I want! I am learning to focus on all that is good because when you do that, the bad stuff doesn't hold that much power over you. It just doesn't.

I challenge you to reflect and examine areas where you need to clean house and focus on all that is positive in your life. Keep your mind on what's good and it will bring about more good in your life. And even when you are faced with Life's challenges, you will be so use to looking at all that is good, the 'sting' from what's not so good, won't be as bad.

Be well...Namaste.