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Dark Deep Secrets of Greens!

Posted on 03. Nov, 2009 by kris in Breakfast

Happy Tuesday All,

Last night was a late night and I was away from the computer – I actually felt a part of me was missing?  Anyone else feel this when they are away from their blogs, community of friends and connections on twitter?  I sure did!

Raise of hands – who loves consuming Fresh, Dark, Greens?  I do and I know so many of you do too but I can bet this wasn’t always the case now was it?    For myself I didn’t really appreciate the Dark Deep Green until a few years ago when I really understood the benefits of them.  Yea sometimes I prefer them cooked to raw, but they are a staple ingredient in the morning bevy

Like you all know my breakfast is a big fresh smoothie which always consists of 1/2 an Apple, 1/2 frozen ninner, 3 big black kale leaves, 2 scoops vanilla chai Vega (sometimes another flavor) and good clean water (super important to make sure it is good water so you absorb the nutrients).  On certain occasions I might throw in frozen berries, goji berries, nut milk or spices but the staples are always there!

Smoothie Example:

My fave Green is Kale and I really heart Black Kale!  I use it as wraps for my nut “cheeses”, I eat it raw in salads, add it to soups, rice dishes you name it!  Ryan always asked me why I eat rabbit food?  And finally since he has been on the detox and is staying away from all processed foods and meats for 3 more months he finally understands and appreciates the greens   Finally!

Kale – The Green God

Did you know one cup of cooked kale with no added salt contains 2.5 grams protein and 2.6 grams fiber!  I probably eat 4 cups of kale a day and I really notice a difference in my energy when I miss my Kale.

It also has all of these wonderful minerals:

Potassium – 296 mg
Phosphorus – 36 mg
Magnesium – 23 mg
Calcium – 94 mg
Sodium – 30 mg
Iron – 1.17 mg
Manganese – .541 mg
Selenium – 1.2 mg
Vitamin K- 1062 mcg Also contains small amounts of copper and zinc.

And Vits!

Vitamin A – 17,101 IU
Vitamin C – 53.3 mg
Niacin – .65 mg
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) – 0.069 mg
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) – 0.091 mg
Vitamin B6 – 0.179 mg
Folate- 17 mcg
Pantothenic Acid – 0.064 mg
Vitamin K- 1062 mcg
Vitamin E – 1.1 mg

I researched other ways for me to get calcium since I knew I had an allergy to dairyand I found that dark leafy greens especially Kale has wonderful amounts of calcium which are not high in oxalate and is absorbed as well or better than the calcium from cow’s milk!  Go figure!!  Isn’t mother nature be-a-u-tiful?!

Calcium is mucho important for us ladies and it eases insomnia and helps regulate the passage of nutrients through cell walls. Without calcium, your muscles wouldn’t contract correctly, your blood wouldn’t clot and your nerves wouldn’t carry messages……Could you imagine – no thoughts?!  I would die, I love day dreaming!

If you don’t get enough calcium from the food you eat, your body automatically takes the calcium needed from your bones. If your body continues to break down more bone than it replaces and rebuilds over a period of years in order to get sufficient calcium, your bones will become weak, brittle and break very easily.  Plus you could get a hunch back

A deficiency in Calcium may result in muscle spasms and cramps and I know this is huge issue for bodybuilders when they drink distilled water!  Distilled water will leach all the minerals and nutrients from your bones, ligaments and skin.  I will do a water post in a couple days! 

So I would like to challenge everyone to UP your Greens intake!  I read interesting posts on Balanceisbeauty.ca and Ohsheglows.com where these lovely gals say they are adding 1 extra green drink into there daily diet to feel better, continue glowing and they will be boosting their bods with nutrients!  I am also adding 1 extra green drink into my daily diet routine and will have it most likely after dinner when I really feel like snacking   Dr.Oz also states he has a green drink in the morning and says it will turn back time and we all love Dr. OZ   Greens keep you young, healthy and vibrant! 

Ahhhh whole foods you will love me I will be the girl with bunches of kale hugged in my arms first thing in the a.m.!

On another note – www.loveveggiesandyoga.com has a wonderful give away!  Enter for a chance to win 3 Pounds of Chia Seeds!  Go Enter Now!

Anyone have some good recipes with Kale??  I am always looking for more!

Have a great Tuesday All!

Also join me on Twitter and Facebook!  If you found this interesting pass it on

XXOO Kris

Tags: Breakfast, Green Drink, Greens, healthy eating, healthy living, Kale, plant based foods, raw diet, raw food