Okay, today I’m either going blow this post out of the water or blow your mind! Whichever the case may be, I hope you can dig it!
During the last few weeks I have visited some amazing bloggers and for one reason or another I have noticed there is a theme. It seems that some of our blogger friends have health issues. Health concerns that have caused them to be very sick with headaches, food allergies, inflammation, acid reflux, and toxins—yeah you got it—nasty stuff.
So I thought, hmm…this isn’t always a pleasant subject, but I’d like to share something amazing with you all that I think will make you to sing. Sing? Well I don’t know about actual singing, but it will definitely help you feel better. Why? Because of the incredible results from this one simple ingredient. Now don’t be repulsed when I tell you what it is. It might not be on your list of favorites, but when I share with you some of its awesome benefits, you may just want to change your mind.
What am I talking about?
I’m talking about Kale.
Kale?
Yes Kale.
Okay, here’s the skinny on our new friend Kale.
Kale is the sexiest of all vegetables. Yeah I said sexy. Why? Because it provides a rich earthy succulent flavor and packs more nutritional value with fewer calories than almost any other food on earth. And the cool thing is, it can be found in markets throughout the year with its season reaching a peak from the middle of winter through the beginning of spring when it has a sweeter taste, especially the Tuscan variety and it’s more widely available.
Like its cousins the broccoli, cauliflower, and collards, kale is a descendent of the wild cabbage, a plant that is thought to have originated in Asia Minor and brought to Europe around 600 B.C. by a faction of crazy Celtics. Curly kale played an important role in early Europe, having been an important crop during ancient Rome and a popular vegetable eaten by peasants throughout the Middle Ages. It was English settlers who brought kale to North America in the 17th century.
So let’s take a look at the benefits of this sexy vegetable, shall we?
First of all, this bad boy Kale has some of the best cholesterol–lowering benefits of any vegetable around. It has recently been proven to lower the risk of certain types of malignancy such as cancer of the bladder, breast, colon, ovary, and prostate. It is now recognized as promoting comprehensive support for our body’s detoxification system, even helping to regulate detox at a genetic level, whoa…while playing a major dietary role as respects to both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Okay, now that I’ve convinced you, how do I eat it you say?
Well if you want to heat it up, I mean cook it; you will want to prepare it properly. To do this you want to ensure quick and even cooking by cutting the leaves into ½” slices and ¼” stems then let them sit for approximately 5 minutes to enhance its health promoting properties, then steam it for another 5. Voila, you’re done.
But one of the best ways to enjoy Kale is fresh in a salad. And the most desirable trick is to give it a massage. Yes, I mean you need to get in there and give that sexy green vegetable a deep tissue massage. You can feel it relax as the leaves darken and shrink to almost half its volume. The flavor changes as well. In fact the color and texture will change and soften with its pre-massaged bitterness replaced by a sweet green melodious flavor.
Your taste buds won’t lie people. They will sing because it really is the king of the salad. And because you’ve massaged its leaves, *shivers*, it will have an amazing texture and just the right amount of sweet and bitter flavor so you don’t need much salad dressing. It’s suggested that all you need is a little extra virgin olive oil along with a pinch of salt and vinegar or lemon juice and you have a perfectly composed salad.
Now if you really want to turn things up a notch, you can juice it! That’s right. Kale gets even sexier when it’s mixed in a juice with some beets and cucumber in a carrot base. Or perhaps you might prefer an apple base instead for an even sweeter experience. Whatever the case, you can always bank on its delicious flavor along with its awesome fresh nutritional benefits. And don’t let not having a juicer stop you. Most health markets now have juice bars which makes drinking down that bad boy that much easier and affordable.
Okay, so where am I going with all of this?
It is a known fact that if we don’t feel good, we won’t be able to produce an exceptional product. We want our minds and bodies to be in sync and be at our optimum. We can do all the exercise in the world, but if we don’t feed ourselves with the proper nutrients we could be wasting our precious time and voice energy.
So think about it the next time you shop at your local supermarket. Don’t just walk on by, but grab yourself some of that Kale. Because that bad boy is as Sexy as a Rockstar!
So what do you think? Have you been in a slump? Feeling a little funky and sluggish lately? Fighting a flu or cold? Or heaven forbid you have a more serious illness? Could you be using some of that sexy Kale?
As a sidenote: Kale is rich in vitamin K, so if you’re one that’s prone to blood clots, please eat in moderation and eat lots of garlic because it’s a natural blood thinner. 🙂
If you enjoyed this, I encourage you to run right now to the top of the page and hit the follow button to receive future posts!
Thank you for your many thoughts and fine comments everyone!
Karen
Pingback: Sugar & Spice and Everything Nice | Karen McFarland
Pingback: The Skinny on Kale | Lynn Kelley, Author
I might have to share my kale and onion bhaji recipe one of these days 🙂
Alarna Rose Gray recently posted..Domino Effect – Part 2
Ooh, Alarna please do share! That sounds delicious. I’ll be waiting! 🙂
Pingback: The Hay Isn’t Just In My Jeans! | Karen McFarland
Great post. I love kale.
Cora Ramos recently posted..What’s Your Protagonist’s Astrological Sign?
Oh, I am so glad you love Kale! Sexy stuff that Kale! Thanks Cora for stopping in and leaving a comment! Good to see ya! 🙂
Mmm, num, num, num. That looks so yummy! Thanks for the awesome post Karen! Yes, Kale is sexy! Especially when you make it look like that! Wowza! Good for you, keeping us all on health’s track. 🙂
Debra Kristi recently posted..Row80 – Round 1 Comes to a Close
You so funny Debra, Mmm, num, num! And I’m glad you see my point girl! That bad boy Kale IS sexy! I tried to tell them. I’m just trying to keep us all healthy! Thanks Debra and enjoy! 🙂
I love Kale! But I didn’t know how very wonderful it was for you. I made Ginger’s kale chips and everyone loved them. I also have it in soup a lot and my mom makes it in a big pot with potatoes and sausage. I’ll have to try massaging the leaves those, had no idea about that!
And there you are again! Hey Kara! I’m so glad you love that sexy bad boy Kale! Who knew it was soo good! I keep hearing about Ginger’s Kale chips. I’ve got to get that recipe! Good idea to put it in soups.Ooh, with potatoes and sausage? Yummy! I do hope you and that sexy Kale enjoy the massage! Thank you Kara for coming by! It’s always good to see you! 🙂
I loved this post Karen! I also love Kale (especially in Kale Tortellini soup) and never realized the vitamin K blood clotting info – thanks so much!
Sheila Pierson recently posted..Twitterland – How I Love Thee…
Well thank you so much Sheila! I’m glad you already have a relationship with that bad boy Kale. But now you’ve peaked my interest. I want that Kale Tortellini soup recipe! That’s sounds amazing! Do tell! 🙂
Sexy?? Hmm. But I do love kale. Wish I could convince my family to love it, too. I make a vegie soup with yams and kales some version of which is almost always in the fridge for snacking, but no one touches it but me. Poor things. Yea Karen!
Julia Whitmore recently posted..BOOKS on the Nightstand
Sexy? You betcha! Hey there Julia! Great to see you! How are you? I’m loving that you have a previous relationship with that bad boy Kale! And I’m wanting that recipe for your veggie soup with yams and kale. Yum! Your family is missing out Julia, that’s all I’m saying. Thanks girl for coming by to see me! And take care! 🙂
woo Hoo! You know I love me some Kale. Whenever I make Kale Chips, the entire pan is obliterated by my children. I have to risk fingers and limb to reach in for some!
I’m going to try the massage thing for salads too. I do massage mine for the chips, in olive oil and garlic … YUM! I think sauteed in veggies and/or included in soups would be awesome too.
Great information, Karen! 🙂
Ginger Calem recently posted..Locks of Love: My daughter’s Donation
Woo hoo Ginger! I knew that you and Kale were in a relationship already girl! I’ve heard nothing but great things about those Kale chips you’re serving up at your house! I’m gonna have to search for that recipe on your website! Then to think how much sexier your soup will be with that bad boy tossed in for extra measure! And yes, give that Kale a massage before mixing him in with the rest of your salad. Yummy is right! And congrats on that beautiful, generous daughter of yours! You and your husband have every right to be proud! 🙂
SOLD! I will definitely go looking for this tasty little treat and give it a try. Wow. I had no idea. Squeee…I’ll keep you posted!
Have a FAB weekend and thanks for all the amazing blog luv and support!!
Natalie Hartford recently posted..Plan ahead this St. Patty’s Day weekend
Well hey there Natalie! I’m glad I was able to convince you girl because Kale could just be the missing ingredient that might help you with your migraines. I know you suffer terribly from them. And it’s always worth a try. It IS a tasty little treat and don’t forget, very sexy! LOL! Thank you Natalie for coming by to support me and I hope you and hubby have a wonderful weekend! 🙂
I’ve never met Kale, but I think when I do my shopping this weekend I’ll check him out. Thanks for the intro!
Melinda recently posted..The Internet Has My Soul
Hi Melinda! Oh yes do check him out. And when you do, I think you’ll find that Kale does have a way of appearing very sexy Melinda! He’s delicious! Just sayin’. Thanks girl for coming by! 🙂
Wow! We use kale in soups and of course to make yummy kale chips, but I never knew about the massage thing. Makes me want to rush out and get some super sexy kale!
Tameri Etherton recently posted..Today I’m hanging at Steena’s place, but check this out first!
Hi Tameri! See, that massage thing just makes that bad boy Kale even more sexy, don’t ya think? Glad to know that you are already partaking of his sexy nutrients. And I see that Kale chips are at the top of the list of favorites around here, though I am currently drinking a veggie juice with Kale. Yummy! Thanks for stopping by Tameri! It’s always great to see you! Take care! 🙂
Great post, Karen. I LOVE kale—what it can do for the body nutritionally and the color, flavor and texture it adds to tasty treats. One of my favorite smoothies consists of kale, yogurt and/or almond milk, banana, ground flaxseeds and a touch of pure maple syrup or agave. Delish!
My mom taught me a great trick for left over greens. You can chop them up and freeze them in airtight containers then toss the frozen bits straight into soups, mashed potatoes and other dishes. Great stuff!
August McLaughlin recently posted..Genre Love Stories: How Did You Fall?
I didn’t know that kale is so incredibly healthy. I like most veggies and eat a lot of them every day but now I will make sure to buy kale more often 🙂
Angela Orlowski-Peart recently posted..I’ve Been Tagged. The Lucky 7 Meme plus Kreative Blogger Award.
Hi Angela! Good to see you girl! Listen, I’ve been eating Kale but I didn’t know that it was so sexy! LOL! That it was so incredibly healthy until I read up on it and wow, what an amazing vegetable. So with so many bloggers that have been sick these days I thought, hmm, this could really help them. Well help all of us really! So enjoy Angela! And thank you so much for coming by! 🙂
I’ve never tried the stuff, but after reading this I will have to try it! Thanks for giving me another green veggie option!
Tim L O’Brien recently posted..Perfection: Lottery Tickets & Four-Leaf Clovers
What’s not to try after reading about that sexy vegetable, huh Tim? LOL! It’s good stuff. And it was good of you to drop by to support me too. I really appreciate it. Viva le veggie option! 🙂
Wow, this is great to know. Thanks, Karen. I prefer raw veggies over cooked and I often snack on cabbage. Kale isn’t expensive, so I’ll definitely buy some and try it. I know blueberries are super healthy, too, but so expensive. And almonds are super healthy and so are yams. I need all the energy I can get, so thanks for this wonderful post. Gotta go now. Punkin is smashing his little face against the playpen mesh. At first he thought it was funny. Now he’s crying! Take care.
Lynn Kelley recently posted..Haley Whitehall – Historical Fiction Author
Uh-oh Lynn! How sweet of you to make the time to drop by when you’re watching that cute grandson of yours. I know he owns your heart. But yes, do try Kale either cooked or raw. And no, it isn’t expensive. That’s the one of the best things about it. It’s so good for you and doesn’t cost much. Unusual eh? But I wouldn’t try eating Kale with blueberries Lynn. That doesn’t sound very sexy to. Just sayin’. LOL! 🙂
I heart Kale – although I never eat it raw, so I may have to try it that way now!
Amber recently posted..Silence Explained
Hi Amber! I heart Kale. I love that attitude! Oh do try it raw. It’s great in salad and in combination with other veggies in juice, terrific! Thanks for coming by Amber! Always good to see you. Take care! 🙂
Kale and I are pursuing a relationship and so far, it’s mutual like but every day it gets better…. Olive oil and lemon juice remain a staple with us but tomorrow I’m surprising the big K with a massage.
Really appreciated this post!
Karen
KM, somehow I know that big K is going to love that message! Glad to hear you and Kale are in a relationship already! Thank you so much for following me on Twitter and for this wonderful comment! I really enjoyed it! Take care and hope to see you soon! 🙂
I will give it a try!
Hey there Susie! Great to see you girl! That’s the spirit! Try it cause I know you’re gonna like it. In fact I know you’ll love it! Thanks for stopping by Susie! 🙂
Even though my recent blood clot was induced by trauma, I think my obsession with Kale — and I was eating TONS of it — and other leafy greens might have pushed the limits. There wasn’t enough garlic in all of Tuscany to balance out my K intake. Still, once I am fully recovered and done with the meds, you can be sure I will be once again upping my intake of sexy kale–which I still love.
Roy Street recently posted..Totally Cat
Oh Roy, you have been through the ringer dude! I thought about you when I wrote this. And I know that you live a healthy lifestyle and being on those drugs must be driving you nuts! But what can you do when it is an emergency. My husband is going through a similiar situation with the pain meds. He hates being on them. But sometimes you have no choice. Roy, I don’t know if I heard what happened to you. It does sound tramatic. But I’m glad that you are getting better. One day at a time eh? Thanks Roy for coming by. It means a lot. And I bet that once you are totally on your feet you will be back to eating some of that sexy Kale! Take care Roy and say hi to Alicia! 🙂
I’ve never been a big eater of plants, but I’m trying to do a little better about that these days. I don’t know if I’ve ever had kale. Maybe I’ve devoured it in a salad unawares. Maybe kale would have more success if it had a name that made it sound more fun to eat. It works for cookies 🙂
Mike Schulenberg recently posted..The Valley of the Spring-Daughter
Hey Mike, good to see you! Okay I do see your point. And I love cookies as much as anyone else. But that said, do you like Ale? Because Ale rhymes with Kale? See, I think Kale IS sexy Mike! Just sayin’. What is it they say?
BeautySuccess is in the eye of the beholder! And like I just told Fabio. Try it, you’ll like it! Sorry MIke, I’m just being silly today! Thanks so much for coming by and leaving a comment! Next time bring some cookies okay? 🙂I’ll do my best. Maybe they’ll even be kale cookies 😉
Mike Schulenberg recently posted..The Valley of the Spring-Daughter
Karen, your mind is something. A sexy vegetable? Sexy Kale? It sounds like a “Hunger Games” character.
I’m a broccoli fan, but I’ll try Kale sometime. Thanks!
Fabio Bueno recently posted..The Evil Twin Returns
Oh Fabio, you don’t even know the half of what flows through my mind! LOL! But I try to keep it clean around here! Good to know that you like broccoli Fabio. That’s not a favorite for everyone. But yes, I do think Kale is Sexy cause it’s so good for us! Try it, you’ll like it! And other commenters are saying the Kale Chips rock Fabio! So do get you some of that Kale and you’ll be finishing those WIPs in no time! Thanks Fabio as always! 🙂
First Ginger recommended kale, and now you, Karen. When I get advice in stereo, I pay attention. I’ll try kale–probably in the form of Ginger’s recipe for kale chips.
Thanks for looking out for our health.
Stereo? Wow Pat, then yes if both speakers are working at the same time you better Rock and Roll right over to that grocery store girl and pick you up some of that bad boy sexy Kale! And I hear that Kale Chips are the way to go. I’m glad you like the post Pat. I was thinking of everybody. We need to stay healthy, right? Thanks for your comment! 🙂
Love the post, Karen!
And so thoughtful of you to find something healthy and SEXY to help give us a boost. 🙂
I’m gonna have to try this out now. And I have a juicer, so we’ll see what kind of concoctions the recipe book gives me for this sexy veggie.
Thanks for sharing!
Jennifer L. Oliver recently posted..Late ROW80 (March 12)
Oh well Jennifer, having a juicer is a great plus girl! You’re already ahead of the curve! Yes, do try the recipe with the beets, cucumber and carrots. It is soo good, you won’t believe it. And thank you for the compliment Jennifer! That was my intention to help others feel better. Glad you noticed. This post was a departure for me and I’m glad you appreciated it! Thanks girl! 🙂
I. LOVE. KALE.
Just sayin’.
I fell in love with him at Whole Foods.
We met in front of the deli case, and I saw my life pass before my eyes.
I will never be the same again.
Oh, and my nights? ROWR. Sexy, yes!
😉
Julia Indigo recently posted..Finally feeling better!
LOLOL Julia! That’s hilarious! Love that Kale! Found him at Whole Foods? Well that just goes to show you that you never know who you’ll find at that store. I can see that you can’t be trusted! LOL! And your nights? Well, do tell Julia! I love this. Thank you so much for leaving your comment Julia! This was great! See, I told you all that Kale was Sexy! Now maybe they’lll believe me Julia! 🙂
Kale is sexy! I juice it with some carrots and apples or make kale chips (which my kids devour) or of course, sneak it in soup, sauces, etc. I just planted some in my backyard, hope it grows!
I knew there was something that I liked about you Shannon! That’s right! Kale IS sexy! Oh now Kale Chips sound delicious. I guess Ginger Calem has a recipe for that. I’m gonna have to check that out! Sneak it in soup! LOL Shannon! That’s funny! See, you all are healthy over at your house. And hey, thanks for coming by today Shannon! I really appreciate it. It meant a lot to me girl! Take care and see you soon! 🙂
I don’t think I’ve ever eaten kale; I’ll have to try some! My husband does the grocery shopping and cooks, so if I tell him it’s related to broccoli and cabbage (and will probably have the same effects) he’ll be glad to try it LOL. 😀 If we don’t like it, our turtle will happily eat it.
Jennette Marie Powell recently posted..My Town Monday: Death from Days Gone By
Well I’m impressed! Jennette, how did you get your husband to do all the grocery shopping and cooking? That’s very cool. And the fact that you all like to eat healthy shows you’re on the right track and you’re gonna love that Kale girl! Coleen’s putting it in her smoothies! Wow, what a punch! But, yeah, I guess if you don’t like it your turtle will at least be healthier! LOL! That’s funny Jen! Thanks! 🙂
I agree Karen! Kale is a wonder. My easy kale fix is dropping it in my vitamix blender with some frozen fruit. If I use a light colored fruit like mango, then I get a beautiful emerald colored smoothie (especially perfect for us Irish girls!).
😉
Coleen Patrick recently posted..For the Love of Food and Nostalgia
Oh now Coleen, you know how to appeal to an Irish girl’s heart! An emerald smoothie? Who knew? I bet it tastes awesome. Good for you Coleen! And now I know why your posts are always so energizing! Keep it up girl! Tnanks Coleen! 🙂
Well, I have to say, this is the first time I’ve heard someone call a veggie sexy, but hey, why not? I’ll have to give it a try.
Diane Capri recently posted..Readers Ask: What Are You Writing Now?
LOL Diane. Why not? That’s exactly my point indeed! Kale IS sexy! It is King of the nutritional world! Long live Kale! 🙂