Thursday, January 21, 2010

Why Dark Leafy Greens?

So it’s everywhere from Oprah to Dr. Oz that dark leafy greens are a must for a healthy diet. We all know that they are good for us, but do you know why?



First let’s talk about Spinach because it’s the most common dark leafy green. Spinach contains vitamin A which promotes healthy skin and nails, vitamin C helps boost immunity, folic acid helps with keeping your heart healthy, magnesium helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function and potassium which helps lower high blood pressure. WOW if that isn’t enough to make you want to run out and get yourself a bag of Cookin Greens Spinach than how’s this fact, Spinach is high in carotenoids, a group of substances known to fight cancer.



Next on the list is Kale, this dark leafy green is finally starting to get noticed. Kale belongs to the Brassica family, a group of vegetables which includes cabbage, collards and Brussels sprouts. Kale is an excellent source of vitamin K which helps in blood clotting meaning it assists the healing process by stopping the bleeding. Also vitamin K helps in the absorption of calcium. Kale is also a good source of non-dairy calcium which helps prevent osteoporosis. Like Spinach it also contains Vitamin A and C. So why not try this superfood tonight! Cookin Greens Kale is waiting at a retailer near you, and while your there grab some olive oil and garlic so you can sauté your greens, delicious!!!



Lastly let’s talk about Rapini other wise know had Broccoli Raab which is also part of the Brassica family. Rapini is also an excellent source of Vitamin A, C and K. It also contains Zinc which helps strengthen the immune system which is the body’s key defense against infection and disease. Rapini is somewhat strong and bitter in flavor but taste great if sautéed in olive oil, garlic and balsamic vinegar. Do you want to try Cookin Greens Rapini but are still unsure how to use it? Cooking Greens has great recipes for you to try tonight. http://www.cookingreens.com/recipes.html .

Enjoy your dark leafy greens not only are they Superfoods but they are super delicious!

Here’s to greens!

Natalie
The Cookin Greens Team

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Gained weight over the Holidays? Let Cookin Greens help…

It is now 2010, you have just eaten a months worth of sinful goodness in the last two weeks and now your jeans will not button up. Before you go into panic mode, reflect back on how much you enjoyed yourself and that box of Lindt chocolates. Don’t beat yourself up over it, just get back on track again and Cookin Greens is here to help.

Since you’ve probably overloaded on sugar, the first step should be a sugar detox, why not try cutting sugar out of your diet for two weeks and see how you feel. If you can’t cut it out completely try to cut your consumption down by half it will make a difference.

Drink more water. Aim for 3 liters a day, it will help flush toxins from your body, give you supple skin and many believe it is the fountain of youth. If you don’t normally drink water start slowly and build your way up, in time YOU WILL crave it and you will notice when you’re dehydrated.

Get 30 – 50 grams of fiber a day. The normal SAD (Standard American diet) gets about 15 grams of fiber a day. Fiber rich foods leave you feeling full and satisfied longer, this will help with over eating. In order to avoid bloating and other digestive discomfort increase your fiber intake slowly by adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet.

Eat more leafy greens!!! Not only do they add fiber to your diet, but they are packed with nutrients. Spinach and Rapini are excellent plant based sources of iron, which in comparison to meat sources, is low in calories and fat free. Kale is an excellent source of Vitamin C which keeps your immune system strong. So why not run to your nearest Cookin Greens retailer and add dark leafy greens to your dinner tonight!






These are just a few steps to help jump start your journey to a healthy weight and overall well being.

Please let us know how you have incorporated Cookin Greens into your diet and your weight loss success. Contact Cookin Greens at http://www.cookingreens.com/contact.html

Good Health!

Natalie
The Cookin Greens Team