Day 20
Cleanse Day 11
Today we take a look at including dark leafy greens in our healthy diet along with some great recipes.
Today’s Topic: Dark Leafy Greens
"Dark leafy green vegetables have chlorophyll, a detoxifying agent that helps clear the skin, cleanse the kidneys, and cleanse and build the blood. Eating any chlorophyll-rich food will help boost immunity, treat illness, and rid the body of unwanted substances."
~ FOOD MATTERS
Dark leafy greens include Arugula, Bok Choy, Broccolini, Collard Greens, Dandelion Greens, Kale, Mustard Greens, Romaine Lettuce, Spinach, and more. They are nutritional powerhouses, having probably the most concentrated source of nutrition of ANY food, and are a REALLY important component to a healthy diet. In fact, Ed Bauman, M.Ed., Ph.D. (founder & director of my alma mater, Bauman College of Holistic Nutrition) even goes so far as to give it its own food group!
When deciding how to prepare a dark green vegetable, try a small bite of it raw after you wash it. If it’s tender and mild or just a little bit spicy (such as lettuce or arugula), add it raw to a salad. If the vegetable is tender and extra spicy (such as mustard and dandelion greens) or tough (such as collards and kale), consider blanching, stir-frying or sautéing it. Once it’s cooked, you can use it in a multitude of ways.
Rarely a day goes by that I don’t have some dark leafy greens. I use them in smoothies, salads, green drinks, egg scrambles, and soups and stews – all staples in my regular diet. And I believe they are the most significant factor in alkalizing our bodies and eliminating cravings!
HERE’S A LINK TO A GREAT ARTICLE FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Recipes
(Click on the photos below to view recipes.)
Check-in: How are you doing?
Here’s a photo of a delicious “e-cleanse friendly” Autumn dinner from a few years ago - Lemon Rosemary Chicken Tenders, Quinoa (cooked in chicken broth) with fresh parsley, roasted asparagus, beets, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, and sungold tomatoes. It was feast!
I know we have talked about weight loss and that looks and feels really good! :) AND I invite you to take a personal inventory to check out other benefits you might also be experiencing from doing the cleanse program. Have you noticed improved skin tone and appearance? Do you feel calmer and clearer mentally and emotionally? Do you notice less digestive discomfort, bloating, and gas? AND, most importantly, are you learning how to eat for health???
"You'll see a change not only in the way you look but in the way you work your job, the way you see your surroundings, and the way you love the people in your life, including yourself." ~ Deepak Chopra, M.D.
TODAY’S AFFIRMATION: I AM NOW EXPERIENCING HEALTH AND WELL-BEING IN MY LIFE. I AM HEALTHY, RADIANT, AND FREE!
Tomorrow we'll look at including even MORE vegetables in our healthy diet!
Feel free to email me or post a comment below to ask questions or share your thoughts and experiences ~ I’d love to hear from you!
Blessings, JoAnn