HEALTHY GIRL - Kale Chips - A different kind of snack

I went to the internist recently to get some blood work done, as I have been unusually tired and lethargic. As predicted, I am slightly anemic, which according to him, is fairly common for women. His suggestion – take two iron pills a day and work out more often. “More often?” I asked myself. Well, it turns out in the last 16 months I gained, not just a few pounds, but a few and then a few more.  Perhaps I have been tired because I have been satisfying my hunger with pumpkin ice cream and tortilla chips, instead of healthier options.

I admittedly do not like to limit myself from having a tasty treat but I have recently come to find that there are fun, healthy alternatives to snacks like chips.  While spending time with my mother the other day she laid fresh kale leaves on a cookie sheet, drizzled them with olive oil, then sprinkled them with salt and pepper. After 15 minutes in the oven at 250 degrees, we shared her new discovery, “kale chips.” Eaten raw, I would have been opposed to snacking on kale, but baked, it was quite the delightful, guiltless treat.  These kale chips satisfied my need for a flavorful, crispy little something to munch on before dinner.  In addition, kale is full of the nutrients our bodies need.  While I am sure “raw food movement” enthusiasts would argue that raw kale is the more nutritional version, baked is the only way I will take my kale from now on.

My mom’s inventiveness inspired me to see what I could do to satisfy my sweet and salty cravings with the use of just a few ingredients.  Spending time with my mom while we noshed on kale chips made snacking more of a treat. I was satiated by laughter, the warmth of the oven, and Momma’s homemade cooking.  Hopefully you will too, this holiday season.