Unless you have been living under a particularly large rock, you’ve heard at least a little something about the nutritional craze that is dark leafy greens. They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and are certainly here to stay as one of the top “super foods”. Nutritionists rave about them and scientists have been conducting research on their health benefits for years, but how can you actually incorporate them into your daily meals without feeling like a grazing farm animal after one too many salads? Here are a few suggestions…
Juices and Smoothies
Spinach, for example, has a mild flavor and goes great in a green juice or smoothie. Add a cup to the juicer with cucumber, green apple, and lemon for added nutritional value or throw it into the blender with pineapple, banana, and low-fat coconut milk for a delicious smoothie.
Baked Chips
Kale is one dark leafy green that can be baked into tasty potato chip alternatives. Coat the leaves in olive oil, salt, and pepper (make sure to remove the stems!) and into the oven they go. You can even throw in some paprika, red pepper flakes, and/or nutritional yeast for added flavor. Yummy!
Pizza Toppings
Arugula is a peppery-flavored green that can be used in anything from salads to pestos to pizza toppings. Purée a few bunches with olive oil, lemon, and garlic for a delicious spin on pesto sauce or simply rest a handful a top a freshly made pizza margherita. Trust me, it’s life altering.
Of course, there are tons of mouth-watering recipes out there for dark leafy greens salads you can enjoy ‘til your heart’s content, but it can be a challenge to keep them on a regular rotation and avoid the inevitable salad-induced boredom. So, don’t limit yourself when there’s so many unique and delicious ways to scarf them down. Try out something new and you’ll be eating more leafy green nutritional powerhouses in no time!
