How To Eat Your Greens
This post is all about how to fall in love and get excited out the greens on your plate!
We are talking exploring the gastronomical marvels that lie beyond your run of the mill garden salad or rubbery steamed-to-death side order of spinach.
Why all the fuss?
In my article Magnesium for Your Mind, I spoke about the wonders of magnesium and why it’s such a critical nutrient for your body and brain.
Well, it turns out magnesium is most abundant in our leafy greens (otherwise known as brassicas). In fact a little parcel of magnesium is at the heart and centre of the chlorophyll molecule that gives plants their wonderful green hue. Not only that, but greens are also rich in iron, zinc, calcium, beta-carotene -which your body can convert into Vitamin A- and even alpha-linolenic acid-which can be converted into long chain omega 3 fatty acids.
I like to get into the habit of making greens at least ¼ of two of my main meals daily (which equates to about 1 cup per meal). But by all means there’s no harm in going hulk mode if you want more. Just as long as you’re eating other coloured foods too!
These vivacious vegetables are great steamed, sauteed, BBQ’d or pan-grilled, stir-fried, baked or air-fried, not to mention blended into sauces, smoothies, dips and the like!
They can be left abundantly green or hidden by darker shades such as brown or purples in chocolate sauces and drinks too! I find they’re best cooked last and only for a few minutes, 5 mins max! As overcooking quickly makes them bitter and rubbery. I can feel your grimace now…
Each brassica has a unique flavour and mouthfeel. So I find a little lemon, lime, orange or vinegar combined with salt n pepper or better yet a dash of soy sauce, tamari or liquid aminos, is enough to take your tastebuds to tinseltown.
But if you’re looking for recipe inspo with a little more pizzazz, then try some of my fave meals and snacks below:
Magnificent Meals with Gorgeous Greens
*Top Tip: Add less milk and extra frozen fruit (like frozen ripe bananas) to make smoothies into a green smoothie bowl and top with fruit, nuts, seeds or nut butter and granola
Sumptuous Super Green Snacks & Sides
Green Lemonade Smoothie
Coal Roasted Broccoli
Vegan Parseman Crusted Broccoli
Avocado, Spinach and Artichoke Dip
So that’s my scoop on how to eat your greens.
I hope that’s helped your brain tank become inspired and maybe even excited to smash those sweet sweet brassicas at your next mindful meal.
x Amber
