March 13th...Top 10 reasons why you want Kale in your diet and a power shake to get your booty moving!

Another "green" idea!  How to sneak Kale into your morning shake without almost noticing it...just a few simple ingredients, you can create your own power greens protein shake.  This will keep you fired up with energy all day long...well for a couple hours anyways, til you get hungry again! 

 All you need it a bunch of Kale, your favorite protein powder, my of course is chocolate, and a fruit of your choice...

 Wash and clean your Kale, then peel the banana BEFORE you freeze it. You will only freeze it once with the peel on and then will always remember why.  It takes forever to peel a frozen banana...place both in a baggie and place in freezer...

Once the Kale is frozen, you can quickly break the leaves off and toss the stem.  Why freeze the banana...there's something about a frozen banana that make your shake thick and smooth, almost like a milkshake!

 Toss it all in with 3/4 water and mix on high!

Voila!  Here you have your super greens shake!...drink it up fast as the frozen bits of kale won't stay frozen for long...note to self, after drinking this healthy shake, find a mirror and check your teeth for little green bits ;)

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.