My last post I mentioned that losing weight and keeping it off is simply not just a matter of calories in versus calories out. If we center our lives around trying to cut out as many “bad” foods as we can and exercise off our guilty pleasures we are spending more time feeling guilty instead of feeling great. That is why I focus so much on inspiring people to think about what you can add to your shopping list instead of what you can remove. There was a point in my life that my list of what not to eat was so long that it only increased how guilty I felt about eating food in general.
I think guilt lowers your body’s metabolism as much as a sedentary lifestyle and overindulgence in unhealthy food. By increasing the list of things you want to add to your diet you may feel less deprived and more fulfilled. You can also add the sweets here and there but your body simply won’t be craving them when it is getting a good supply of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. So eat plenty of the super foods, indulge in natures healing powers and fill up on feeling good. Then once in a while enjoy your cupcake or ice cream guilt free and indulge in living a life you love in a body you love now!
Why health enthusiasts hale kale! Kale is a very dark green leafy vegetable that you might see in the grocery store and wonder what in the world to do with it. You can steam it, sauté it, mix it with fresh tomato and garlic, or mix it with a whole grain like quinoa. If you don’t know what to do with it look online for recipes or ask your vegetarian friends for ideas. If all else fails, go into your local health food salad bar like whole foods. You will always find it there!
Kale is considered the king of greens and is one of the nutrition stand-outs among vegetables. It’s rich green color is a give away for it’s high nutritional value and it’s tough leaf is a sure sign of how rich it is in fiber. Fiber is what makes is so low in calories and beneficial for detoxifying your system. Kale is a health enthusiasts dream food because it is one of the best sources of beta-carotene believed to be one of the major players in protecting against cancer, heart disease and age related chronic conditions. The phytonutrients in kale signal our genes to increase production of enzymes involved in detoxification. It helps strengthen our immune system as well as our bones, maintains healthy nerves and promotes optimal function of your thyroid.
Really the list of benefits for kale goes on and on but the bottom line, it is a super food that heals the body and really does taste good. Next time you see it in your grocery store buy a few bunches. Like spinach, when you cook it, it shrinks a great deal so buy extra and cook plenty so you can indulge all week long.
The next time you are at the local farmers market or in the produce section of your grocery store pick up some Kale and give thanks that everyday you have another opportunity to add more pleasure to you life.
Love,
Patricia
