3 Ways to Eat Kale- Even if You Don\’t Cook!

By Lisa Snow, Personal Trainer

Fueling your workouts is a vital part of reaching your fitness goals.  But many overworked New Yorkers barely have time to shop for healthy food, let alone cook it!  Kale is a superfood in so many ways: it\’s  .  So when health articles advise you to eat \”protein at every meal\”, trying kale is one great way to do that!

\"kale1) Kale chips – try NY Naturals (made right here in NYC!) or Rhythm Superfoods (all organic and based on seeds not nuts, so they\’re perfect for people with food allergies).  Of course, if you\’re really adventurous, you can make your own, but many store-bought varieties are amazingly healthy.

 

\"kale1\"2) Green smoothies – people who\’ve never tasted a green smoothie are usually very intimidated by the green color, but green smoothies don\’t taste like grass!  Yes, they do have leafy green vegetables like kale, romaine lettuce, or spinach, but the main ingredient in any good smoothie is fruit.  Bananas, apples, or pineapple make a green smoothie sweet and juicy.  For a super creamy and nutritious smoothie, choose a cholesterol-free base like almond milk, coconut milk, or coconut water (not cow\’s milk).

 

\"kale2\"3) Fresh-squeezed veggie juice – while canned juice doesn\’t have much food value, fresh squeezed juice is a great source of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and phytonutrients.  You can choose a green colored juice (like a celery/cucumber/kale/apple blend) or one that\’s vibrantly orange.  In juices that look orange, the main ingredient is carrots and perhaps apples, but they can hide some kale or other greens in it, too.

 

Why is kale the star of the vegetable kingdom? \”It is also a good source of Dietary Fiber, Protein, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Folate, Iron, Magnesium and Phosphorus, and a very good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Calcium, Potassium, Copper and Manganese.\”

Be A Little Better Everyday

Establishing positive daily habits is a powerful way to create long-lasting changes and improve your overall well-being. By incorporating these nine simple habits into your routine, you can positively impact your physical health, mental clarity, and personal growth. Let’s dive into these habits and explore the benefits they bring to your life.

One Hour of Exercise

Engaging in at least one hour of exercise daily helps boost your energy levels, promotes weight management, and strengthens your cardiovascular system. Regular exercise also releases endorphins, improving your mood and reducing stress. If you aren’t sure how to get started, hire a personal trainer.

Two Liters of Water

Staying properly hydrated by consuming two liters of water per day promotes healthy digestion, enhances cognitive function, and supports overall cellular health. Water also aids in flushing out toxins from your body and helps maintain healthy skin.

Three Cups of Tea

Drinking three cups of tea, such as green, herbal, or black tea, provides a host of benefits, including antioxidant protection, improved digestion, and enhanced immune function. Tea can also help relax the mind and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Four Colors on Your Plate

Including a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables in your meals ensures a broad range of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. The vibrant colors indicate the presence of beneficial phytochemicals, which help reduce inflammation, support a strong immune system, and promote optimal health.

Five Minutes of Meditation

Taking just five minutes each day to practice meditation can improve focus, reduce anxiety and stress, and promote emotional well-being. It allows you to cultivate mindfulness, gain mental clarity, and develop a sense of inner peace.

Six Songs that Motivate You

Listening to six motivational songs each day can uplift your mood, boost motivation, and provide a positive outlook. Music has the power to inspire, evoke emotions, and drive you towards achieving your goals.

Seven Minutes of Laughter

Laughter is indeed the best medicine. Devote seven minutes to engaging in activities that bring joy and laughter, whether it’s watching a funny video, spending time with loved ones, or reading jokes. Laughter reduces stress, enhances immune function, and improves overall well-being.

Eight Hours of Sleep

Getting a restful eight hours of sleep every night is crucial for your physical and mental health. Quality sleep supports brain function, promotes optimal hormone regulation, and aids in the body’s repair and recovery processes.

Read Nine Pages of a Book

Dedicating time to read nine pages of a book each day enhances knowledge, expands creativity, and improves cognitive abilities. Reading provides mental stimulation, reduces stress, and offers a valuable opportunity for personal growth and self-reflection. Incorporating these nine daily habits into your routine can lead to transformative changes in your life. From physical fitness and hydration to mental well-being and personal growth, each habit contributes to your overall health and happiness. Remember, change happens gradually, so start by incorporating one or two habits at a time and gradually build upon them. Embrace these habits as a lifestyle, and you’ll witness the positive impact they have on your well-being. Start today and embark on a journey towards a happier, healthier you.

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