Kale versus Beef

7 Reasons Kale Is the New Beef

Written by Jill Ettinger

http://www.organicauthority.com/health/reasons-kale-is-the-new-beef-nutritious-sustainable.html

Like the saying goes, the only constant is change. We may resist it all we want, but Time and its inevitable evolution of everything in its path is unaffected by our attempts to stop it. The resulting trajectory of humanity's nascent ascent appears to be positioning itself to sweep us into progressive new times, especially where our food choices are concerned, as nearly 7 billion people are now standing on the little scraps of land that we share with some 55 billion rather large animals raised for food each year. (As another famous saying goes: This town ain't big enough for the both of us.) So, beef (and all factory-farmed meat) may be going from rib-eye to relic as we transition to a greener world... literally—as in leafy, green vegetables.

Environmentalists cite meat production as one of the biggest contributors to global warming, and the USDA's new food pyramid (MyPlate) suggests the healthiest choice is making vegetables and fruit the biggest part of every meal by reducing consumption of animal proteins. Kale is far more nutritious than other leafy greens, but these seven reasons why it is such an important futurefood may just surprise you.

1. Anti-inflammatory: Inflammation is the number one cause of arthritis, heart disease and a number of autoimmune diseases, and is triggered by the consumption of animal products. Kale is an incredibly effective anti-inflammatory food, potentially preventing and even reversing these illnesses.

2. Iron: Despite the myth that vegetarians are anemic, the number of non-vegetarians with iron-deficiencies is on the rise. Per calorie, kale has more iron than beef.

3. Calcium: Dairy and beef both contain calcium, but the U.S. still has some of the highest rates of bone loss and osteoporosis in the world. Kale contains more calcium per calorie than milk (90 grams per serving) and is also better absorbed by the body than dairy.

4. Fiber: Like protein, fiber is a macronutrient, which means we need it every day. But many Americans don't eat nearly enough and the deficiency is linked to heart disease, digestive disorders and cancer. Protein-rich foods, like
meat, contain little to no fiber. One serving of kale not only contains 5 percent of the recommended daily intake of fiber, but it also provides 2 grams of protein.

5. Omega fatty acids: Essential Omega fats play an important role in our health, unlike the saturated fats in meat. A serving of kale contains 121 mg of omega-3 fatty acids and 92.4 mg of omega-6 fatty acids.

6. Immunity: Superbugs and bacteria are a serious risk to our health. Many of these come as a result of factory farm meat, eggs and dairy products. Kale is an incredibly rich source of immune-boosting carotenoid and flavanoid antioxidants including vitamins A and C.

7. Sustainable: Kale grows to maturity in 55 to 60 days versus a cow raised for beef for an average of 18-24 months. Kale can grow in most climates and is relatively easy and low impact to grow at home or on a farm. To raise one pound of beef requires 16 pounds of grain, 11 times as much fossil fuel and more than 2,400 gallons of water.

Kale-Lentil Soup

This soup has everything you want and need! It's loaded with nutrition, easy to make, inexpensive, delicious, low fat and vegetarian.

Ingredients:

3 carrots, chopped
3 ribs of celery, chopped
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, pressed
8 cups water or vegetable broth 2 cups lentils, rinsed
1 tsp. dried thyme

1 14.5oz can diced tomatoes 1 small potato, cubed

Put all ingredients in crock-pot. Set it on low if you are leaving it all day, high if you are starting it around lunchtime.

About 10 minutes before you are ready to serve the soup, add: 1 1⁄2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground pepper

1 bunch of kale, washed and chopped into small pieces

http://vegonline.org/Vegetable-Nutrition-Facts/Nutrition-Facts-Kale.html

Seitan and Vegetable Empanadas, Spanish Rice, and Cilantro Dressing.

Empanadas are traditionally made with meat and lard, and then deep-fried. I’ve altered, yet another recipe, to adapt it to my culinary preference and dietary restrictions. In short, they are Vegan. I love to serve them alongside Spanish styled rice, and a simple healthy green salad: greens, jicama, slivered carrots, and roasted pepita seeds (also called pumpkin seeds). The empanadas are excellent garnished with sour cream (vegan or non), fresh guacamole, salsa and chips. I hope you enjoy them as much as we have.

Seitan and Vegetable Empanadas

Makes 18-20

Filling

1/4-cup raisins (optional)

1 Tbsp. coconut oil or olive oil

1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced

1/4 cup of finely diced red bell pepper

2 cups chopped cooked seitan (I pre-make mine, using the Real Food Daily recipe)

1/4 cup frozen corn

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. Dried oregano

1/4 tsp. Dried thyme

2 Tbsp. chopped green olives (optional)

1/4 cup grated cheese ( I like the almond cheese: Lisanatti Foods)

Crust

2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 Tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp. Salt

1/4-cup coconut oil (melted) or olive oil

1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp. plain almond or soy milk

Directions:

1. To make the filling: Cover raisins (opt) with boiling water, and let stand 5 minutes to plump. Drain, and set aside.

2. Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté 5 minutes. Stir in seitan, corn, garlic, oregano, thyme, and 1/2 cup water. Simmer 5 minutes, until most liquid has evaporated. Stir in olives and raisins, remove from heat, and cool. Stir in cheese.

3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees, and coat baking sheet with cooking spray.

4. To make crust: Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in bowl. Stir in oil until mixture resembles coarse sand. Place milk in measuring cup, and add 1/2-cup warm water. Stir into flour mixture to form soft dough, adding up to 2-4 Tbsp. more water if needed to achieve desired consistency. Transfer dough to well floured work surface and troll to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into 4-inch circles.

5. Brush edges of circles with water. Place 1 Tbsp. filing in center of each. Gold into half moons, and pinch edges to close. Place on baking sheet, and bake 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

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Spanish Rice

Spanish Rice: Makes 6 servings

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp olive oil

1/2 yellow onion, diced

2 Tsp. Minced garlic

1-cup brown rice

1 cup white rice

6 cups of vegetable broth, or 6 cups water with one vegetable bouillon cube (Organic

Gourmet is a good brand)

2 1/2 Tbsp. tomato paste

2 1/2 tsp. Ground cumin

1 tsp. Chili powder

1 tsp. Salt, or to taste

1 tsp. Pepper, or to taste

1/8-cup cilantro, minced

Directions:

1. Sauté yellow onion, and garlic in olive oil for 5 minutes, or until tender

2. Add brown rice and white rice to sauté and lightly toast grains in mix.

3. Add cumin, chili powder, and salt, sautéing for another 1-2 minutes

4. Add vegetable broth or water and bouillon cube, and tomato paste. Bring to boil, and then simmer for 20 minutes.

5. Stir occasionally during the remainder of cooking time, approximately 15-20 minutes.

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Cilantro Dressing

Cilantro Dressing- Yield: 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp green onions

1/4-cup cilantro

1/2 carton of Mori Nu Silken XF tofu

1 Tsp. Miso

1 tsp garlic

1/2 tsp salt

Pepper to taste

1/2-cup water

1 Tbsp olive oil

Directions:

Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until pureed. Serve cold.

Organic Baby Food

As my little lady is nearing 7 months, I am introducing her to more foods. Watching Matilda grow has a new sentiment, as she is our last. As a busy working mom, I really had hoped to make all my food from scratch, but was not able to with such a hectic schedule. There are some things that are easy and quick, but I have fallen to convienence in this department.

I was delighted to see that some new brands appeared in the markets since I last bought baby food over 2 years ago. I love the company “Ella’s Kitchen Organic Baby Food”. Not only for it being Organic, but also for the variety of flavors.

Having gotten fussy over other brands, Matilda has not complained once with the choices that Ella’s provides. She loves the rutabaga blend, and tonight ate the broccoli, pear, and pea combo.

Made without preservatives, thickeners, or sweeteners, this baby food is a great alternative to making your own.

Pure and Simple, exactly what I like.

http://www.ellaskitchen.com

Take the "YUK" out of eating Vegetables.

My days of making gourmet meals are few and far between right now at this stage of my life. Working full time while raising three kids, has taken its toll on my menu planning. Instead quick and simple, but still delicious kid friendly dishes have replaced them, albeit the adults have a slightly tastier version.

I hoped that my kids would eat perfectly rounded meals, particularly being a trained chef, but I came to the reality that they have toddler tummies and toddler taste buds. As long as they taste the food I prepare, they are able to eat/pick out what they don’t like on a plate, and many nights this works.

To keep myself from worrying about their nutritional values, I do supplement. My kids are on the veggie and fruit JUICE PLUS chewies, they take a dissolvable B12 pill, a multi, and a DHA/omega 3 fatty acid chewy, and I have now added KIDZ Superfood.

While shopping at my local health food market, I came across a sample packet of KIDZ Superfood. I sprung this on my kids with great enthusiasm. It’s a rainbow in a jar; a variety of super foods along with probiotic ingredients. I swear its caption is true; “We’ve taken the “YUK!” out of eating vegetables”. My kids love it, and so do I.

Look for it in your health food stores. I don’t think it will disappoint you.

http://www.amazinggrass.com

Sass Up Your Sweets!

I love these new sprinkles I bought at Whole Foods! They come in a variety of hues, are all-natural, and can sass up your sweets. Who doesn't love a little extra touch to their cupcakes or cookies?!?!

www.indiatree.com/decorating/natures_colors/index.html

Tomato Tarragon Soup

This soup has a reputation of its own! It has been talked about for so long, that I felt left out not having tasted it. The recipe belongs to my friend Ramsey Dau. He so graciously shared it with me, and is allowing me to share it with you. It’s his Tomato Tarragon soup, a soup worth tasting! It’s slow cooking allows for the tomatoes to marinate in the broth of onion, garlic, and herbs into a divine Italian richness.

Accompanied by hearty country wheat crisps, I ladled myself two bowls for dinner last night before retiring some for my lunch today. A master of his own kind, I am anxious to see what other recipes he has up his sleeves! This one is certainly going into my recipe index. It was heavenly. Thanks Ramsey!

Tomato Tarragon Soup
Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients:
3 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 red onion, small dice
2 tsp. Minced garlic or 4-6 cloves of garlic thinly chopped
6 Roma tomatoes, large dice- 1”
1 –2 Heirloom tomatoes, large dice – 1”
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
Dash cayenne
3 tsp. Dried tarragon or 6 stems of fresh
4 cups water
2 vegetable bouillon cubes (I like Organic Gourmet)
2 Tbsp. fresh basil
Salt and pepper to taste
*** Optional*** Fresh squeezed juice from 1 small lemon

Directions:
Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil for 5 minutes. Chop tomatoes and add to sauté mix. Add brown sugar and cayenne and stir. Cover and allow to simmer for 30 minutes on low. Chop tarragon, add half and cook for 15 more minutes. Add water and bouillon cubes. Simmer for an additional 20 minutes. Add remainder of tarragon and basil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook for a remaining 10 minutes. Garnish with the juice of one lemon, if desired. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Orange Scented Pumpkin Loaf

Rising to the occasion of crisp winter days, my greedy lips long for seasonal foods. The latest on my menu of baked goods was an orange scented loaf. Spiced just like a pumpkin pie, with the addition of some orange extract, this harmonious combination was subtle, yet fulfilling, and had the perfect soft texture I was after.

Benefits of pumpkin include its richness in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals; both the flesh and seeds of the pumpkin provide many health-boosting nutrients. Also low in fat, it has many disease fighting nutrients.

Orange Scented Pumpkin Loaf
Yield: 1 loaf

Ingredients:
1 3/4 unbleached-all purpose flour
1 1/4 tsp. Baking powder
1/2 tsp. Baking soda
1/2 tsp. Sea salt
2/3 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup canola oil
1 1/4 cup pumpkin puree (canned or freshly pureed)
1/4 cup almond milk
1 Tbsp. flax seeds
2 Tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. Vanilla extract
2 tsp. Orange extract
1/4 cup pecans, optional
1/2 tsp. Minced orange zest

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl: four, b.powder, b.soda, sea salt, pumpkin pie spice, and flax seeds. Mix wet ingredients in a separate bowl: maple syrup, canola oil, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and orange extract. Combine wet with dry. Fold in pecans and orange zest. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.