Kale based smoothie...

The kids and I have been loving our Kale based smoothies throughout the past week.  I now make them a nutrient packed smoothie (with or without protein) before their soccer & football games.  They have endless hours of energy and are not feeling heavy and weighed down as a result. This morning's smoothie consisted of 2 1/2 cups of kale, a handful of blueberries, strawberries, peaches, 2 tbsp of flax seed, pumpkin seed and granola.

Kale is being called “the new beef”, “the queen of greens” and “a nutritional powerhouse.” Here are ten great benefits of adding more kale to your diet:

1. Kale is low in calorie, high in fiber and has zero fat. One cup of kale has only 36 calories, 5 grams of fiber and 0 grams of fat. It is great for aiding in digestion and elimination with its great fiber content. It’s also filled with so many nutrients, vitamins, folate and magnesium as well as those listed below.

2. Kale is high in iron. Per calorie, kale has more iron than beef. Iron is essential for good health, such as the formation of hemoglobin and enzymes, transporting oxygen to various parts of the body, cell growth, proper liver function and more.

3. Kale is high in Vitamin K. Eating a diet high in Vitamin K can help protect against various cancers. It is also necessary for a wide variety of bodily functions including normal bone health and the prevention of blood clotting. Also increased levels of vitamin K can help people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

4. Kale is filled with powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants, such as carotenoids and flavonoids help protect against various cancers.

5. Kale is a great anti-inflammatory food. One cup of kale is filled with 10% of the RDA of omega-3 fatty acids, which help, fight against arthritis, asthma and autoimmune disorders.

6. Kale is great for cardiovascular support. Eating more kale can help lower cholesterol levels.

7. Kale is high in Vitamin A.Vitamin A is great for your vision, your skin as well as helping to prevent lung and oral cavity cancers.

8. Kale is high in Vitamin C. This is very helpful for your immune system, your metabolism and your hydration.

9. Kale is high in calcium. Per calorie, kale has more calcium than milk, which aids in preventing bone loss, preventing osteoporosis and maintaining a healthy metabolism. Vitamin C is also helpful to maintain cartilage and joint flexibility

10. Kale is a great detox food. Kale is filled with fiber and sulfur, both great for detoxifying your body and keeping your liver healthy. 

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4408/Top-10-Health-Benefits-of-Eating-Kale.html

Get creative and go get some kale (or any other green leafy vegetables) and incorporate them into your diet TODAY!!!

SMOOTHIES!!! Yummy DELICIOUSNESS!!!!!

Hey guys!  Just dropping by to share my latest and greatest find.... THE NUTRIBULLET!!!!! For months I researched and compared several blenders, juicers and such in search to find something that would help me make awesome smoothies. I finally settled with purchasing the Nutribullet!  You've probably seen the informercials, ads and etc... It compares with the Ninja.  I chose it because of the reviews, quality, price, size and convenience.  It doesn't require peeling (apples, pears and etc...) and you can throw in your fruits and veggies pretty much anyway you'd like. I prefer to purchase my fruits and veggies at the beginning of the week... wash, cut, peel and FREEZE whatever i'd like.... and take the portion out that is needed whenever I want to make a smoothie.  I am sooo in love with my Nutribullet that i've been making them every morning!  I make one for me and one for hubby.  I've even made a few to share with the kiddos.  Here are two smoothies i've made over the past week or so. I'll add more pix and recipes in the days and weeks to follow. Give them a try!!

  A handful of Pineapples, Blueberries, Strawberries, Bananas (all pre-cut and frozen), Organic Spinach, Granola, Chi Seeds, Coconut, Crushed Ice, Water (fill halfway).... add a teaspoon of Stevia if needed.

Pineapple, Banana, Strawberry, Kale, Granola, Flax Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Crushed Ice and Water

 The recipe for this green smoothie is written on the actual picture..... enjoy!