Kale Chips

Kale...before

Craving something crisp and salty?  I wonder if you ever considered having kale chips to satisfy your craving?  If not, you definitely ought to add it to your list of things to try.  These days kale chips even come pre-packaged so you don't really need time or energy to make them.  But making them is fun, so I recommend that you try it.  First, rinse and thoroughly dry the kale leaves with a clean kitchen towel.  Break the leaves up into bite-sized pieces and put them in a bowl.  For a large bunch of kale, add about two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and the seasonings of your choice.  I used sea salt and a little garlic powder.  Massage the oil into the leaves, admittedly that may sound a little odd, but try it.  Squeeze and toss the leaves so they are thoroughly coated with the oil and seasonings.  Then spread the leaves out onto baking sheets and roast for about 15 minutes at 400°F.  The result is a crisp and delicious snack you don't really have to feel guilty eating.

Why kale?  To put it simply, kale is one of the most nutritious vegetables you can eat. Period.

After...kale chips

For starters, it is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin compounds...which promote eye health.  (A girl with glaucoma is very interested in foods that promote eye health!)  Some other benefits of eating one cup of kale include: 5 grams of fiber, 15% of your daily dose of calcium and vitamin B6, 40% of magnesium, 180% vitamin A, 200% of vitamin C and 1,020% of vitamin K.  It is also a good source of copper, potassium, iron, manganese and phosphorus.  Have you signed up to try it yet?! The types of antioxidants found in kale help protect against cancer and lower cholesterol.  It truly is a superfood.   So do your body a favor and start snacking on some kale chips!