Superfood - The Greens Have Arrived!

Sit down spinach--the greens are here! Beet greens, bok choy, broccoli raab, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, and Swiss chard. Humble and frequently over-looked, leafy greens are super-nutritious. According to physician and writer Steven Pratt, MD, co-author of SuperFoods, dark leafy greens, like their near cousin spinach, provide a "synergy of multiple nutrients and powerful phytonutrients" including essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. A bonus: greens are so,so simple to prepare and available year-round.

As you most assuredly know, fair members, the vitamins, fiber, minerals, and many antioxidants in nature's many greens provide a wealth of healthy nutrients your body needs to run well. But did you also know they may help you reduce the risk of certain types of cancers, heart as well as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and being overweight? Greens also contribute to healthy eyes and bones, and may even lengthen life expectancy. Why then, do we not eat more of these super foods?

As this kat knows from watching my humans scurry about, with busy schedules and competing demands, good nutrition is often the first thing to fall by the wayside. But there is something you can do about it. Take it from nutritional expert, Kimberly Beauchamp, ND -- with a little planning and creative kitchen time, and by carefully selecting the right supplements, you can meet your body's need for green.

Tips for getting your greens:

Stay stocked: To get more greens into your diet, it's essential that they're available when hunger strikes. Many supermarkets offer pre-washed and cut vegetables that shorten prep time and help you use what you buy.

Get greens on the go: Make sure to buy veggies that are easy to take along for snacking. Good picks are peppers, broccoli florets, sugar snap peas, and cucumbers.

Plan ahead: Make a menu for the week, then shop for the items you'll need. Having a meal in mind will save you money and make you less likely to reach for the take-out menu.

Get everyone involved: Have kids help out with meal planning. Children involved with food preparation are much more likely to eat their fruits and veggies.

Consider a supplement: When your diet is light on vegetables, add a green supplement to round it out.

Now, if you're even thinking about preparing some leafy greens for you and your tribe, you have to check out this ultra cool resource for green lovers. Just about every green you can think of is listed -- and you just click on one of the links to get the full scoop on that particular green's nutritional value, mode of preparation or methods for storing it, as well as recipe ideas too. Seriously, check out the full article by Judith Dern.

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