Superfoods for 2013

Here we are at the start of the New Year, when many people are feeling more health conscious!  Between the television shows, tabloids, and fitness club offers, we’re all reminded of our options for eating and staying healthy.  Hopefully, the motivation to create healthier eating habits and consistent exercise routines will turn into long-term commitments that last throughout the year.

I recently came across a recipe for kale and knew I wanted to try it.  Then I thought, “Why not write about healthy eating in general?”  While looking through magazines and websites for ideas and recipes, I came across a Cooking Channel article called Superfoods:  Nutrient-Rich Foods to Eat Every Day.  These superfoods are known to prevent disease, help control weight, and maintain overall health.

Here are a few of the 21 foods recommended by the Cooking Channel.  To see the rest of the list, click here for the full article.

I hope you enjoy this recipe for kale from Giada DiLaurentiis.  She is a favorite chef and author of mine!  Her cookbooks are great, and her recipes are delicious and easy to follow.  Her Spicy Parmesan Green Beans and Kale will convince you that eating healthy doesn’t mean eating bland or boring!

Spicy Parmesan Green Beans and Kale

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1/4 pound cremini mushrooms, trimmed and quartered (about 14 mushrooms)
• 1 1/2 pounds green beans, trimmed and slice into 1-inch pieces
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 bunch kale (1/2 pound), rinsed, stemmed, and roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1/2 a lemon)
• 3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan

Directions