By now we all know the powerful health benefits that come from eating greens and that they are some of the healthiest foods you can put in your body. They are chock full of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and folate. Not to mention the incredible detoxification benefits you get due to the chlorophyll and high levels of fiber. But let’s set the record straight.
What Qualifies As Leafy Greens:
- Spinach
- Arugula
- Collard greens
- Cabbage (also known as cruciferous greens and include broccoli)
- Lettuce
- Kale
- Swiss chard
- Mustard Greens
- Dandelion Greens (also called wild greens)
- Herbs (fresh or dry)
But greens by themselves can be quite bitter. Not to mention the fact a simple side salad can become dull over time. The trick is to utilize new ways to incorporate these healthy gems into your diet. That’s why we’ve come up with a list of simple delicious ways to better incorporate them into your life.
How to Eat More Leafy Greens
- Throw Them In a Smoothie: Spinach smoothies might be the greatest thing since sliced bread. There is no trick here, you simply get the nutrient benefit without the taste. Try out this super simple dairy-free Banana Greens Smoothie: 1-2 handfuls of spinach, 1 frozen banana, 1 cup coconut water, and a 1/2 Tbsp of cinnamon. Blend together and enjoy!
- Incorporate with Eggs: Eggs are a beautiful vehicle for hiding greens. In fact we love throwing chopped swiss chard into scrambled eggs with a little cheese. Best part is the kids absolutely love it.
Use as Wraps: Lettuce wraps are a simple way to lesson your amount of carbs and get your fill of vitamins. Take the items you would typically put in a sandwich and lay them into endive spears or romaine leaves. Top with avocado and you’ve got yourself a filling and delicious meal.- Bake Them Into Chips: If you haven’t had kale chips you are missing out! This delectably crunchy food is a great way to healthfully snack while satisfying your salt cravings. For an easy recipe visit Mind Body Green’s Crazy Sexy Kale Chips.
- Sauté With Other Veggies: Heat up a pan to medium and add in a 1/2 Tbsp of coconut oil or EVOO. Add in an assortment of delicious vegetables (onions, garlic, kale, mushrooms) and sauté for 5-8 minutes until greens are wilted and veggies are soft to the touch. Try not to burn your mouth as you inhale them.
- Cook Into Soup: There are many soup recipes out there that include an addition of greens. Some will have you blend them in with various vegetables (try this Green Winter Detox Soup), while others will have you enjoy your veggies whole such as
in this Butternut Squash and Chard soup. - On Top of Tacos + Sandwiches: The easiest way to incorporate greens into a traditional diet is to simply place them on top of tacos or sandwiches. Pile those veggies high and revile in the delicious fact you are eating your fav meal while getting tons of added nutrients.
- Green Juice: Cleanses are everywhere these days and juice bars are popping up on street corners across America. Juicing veggies is a great way to get a bunch of health benefits delivered straight to your cells, while giving your digestive system a break.
- Cole Slaw: Give your traditional iceberg lettuce salad a break and play around with the wonders of cole slaw. Not only is this dish fabulous at picnics but it gives you an added crunch factor due to the cabbage.
- Handful of Herbs Everywhere: Herbs are a type of greens? Who knew? Yes, those flavor packed meal additions (whether fresh or dried) are another way to incorporate greens into your diet. Add some basil to your tomato salad. Top your watermelon with mint. Add parsley to your green smoothies. So many combos so little time.
- Powdered Greens in Water: Our favorite way to incorporate greens is also the most simple suggestion on this list. Our 37 Superfoods+ has 46 whole food ingredients that are magically freeze-dried and transformed into an easy to pour powder. It’s a gentle detox that simultaneously gifts you with natural and sustained energy. To purchase the best tasting powdered greens out there check out our 37 Superfoods+!