Leafy greens are all the rage nowadays. Kale has meddled it’s way into every restaurant menu, while spinach reigns supreme as the most popular smoothie ingredient. You’ve heard time after time to incorporate more leafy greens into your diet. No matter what the fad seems to be, leafy greens will always be apart of the program. By incorporating greens into your diet you are providing your body with trace minerals as well as amino acids you will not find in any other food. Your muscles need these amino acids and nutrients in order to recover and grow. If you want to increase your stamina at the gym, or in the bedroom; greens are your best friend. Ok, I know you get the picture. Greens are good for you. There has never been a time in history where it has been more acceptable to eat an entire bunch of kale in a single sitting. But lets face it…leafy greens can be messy, expensive and a little disgusting. Here are 5 ways to deal
1. Blend ‘em up
Green smoothies are popping up in cafes and smoothie shacks around the world. All you need is a blender and you can make your own at home. If you’re making protein shakes and not adding spinach…you’re making a huge mistake. Jack up your muscle building power by adding a couple handfuls of spinach or any other kind of soft leafy green such as romaine, cilantro or butter lettuce. Mix in a banana or frozen mango chunks and you will not even realize you’re drinking vegetables.
2. Invest in a greens powder
It can be a hassle to constantly stock your fridge with greens, which is why having a good quality greens powder is always a good idea. Grab a straight barley or wheatgrass juice powder or go for a blend that might include things like acai berries, spirulina and turmeric. It’s good to have a spoonful in the morning either in water or mixed into your protein shake, that way you’ll know you’re covered on the green front for the rest of the day.
3. Throw them in a saute
Just because your Pad Thai recipe doesn’t include any greens, doesn’t mean you have to go another meal without them. Add strips of kale, collards or arugula (these are more robust and are better for cooking). These heavier greens are actually absorbed better by your body when they are lightly cooked because the cellulose, which is indigestible by humans, gets broken down. So get those cooked greens cooking!
4. Liquify
This one takes a little more work, but the benefits are ten fold. Having a green juice first thing in the morning on an empty stomach delivers mass amounts of nutrition to your vital organs. You will feel energized and alert without the mid afternoon crash. Warning: green juice can literally taste like swamp water. Add some red bell pepper for an extra kick of vitamin c and some sweetness.
