Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free » Salad

Crazy for Kale!

Amy — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:00:34 +0000

I’ve got a great book to share with you all about kale. It’s Crazy for Kale, in fact!

Kale is one of my favorite greens. It also helps that it’s a super food powerhouse. It’s packed with vitamins K, A, and C. Kale is also high in fiber, contains calcium, iron, protein, and even omega-3 fats.

If you’re new to kale, like I once was, you might wonder what to do with it. The texture is a little chewier than most greens. It’s flavor is a little more intense. It’s a little less common than spinach, romaine, and the ever-popular mixed greens.

But, it’s a green you should get to know. And, if you’re already a kale fan like me, you’re always looking for new ways to use it.

Here are some of my favorite kale recipes :

Let’s All Go Crazy for Kale!
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Winter Tabbouleh Salad

Amy — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:00:43 +0000

This salad recipe is perfect for the winter months. With the weather turning chilly, I start craving fresh healthy food that’s more comforting than a plain green salad. Not that I don’t love salads year round but there’s something about the cooler weather and falling leaves that makes me crave food that’s a little more substantial.

This is actually my sister, Marcia’s, creation. When I flew home earlier this year she showed up with this salad. Just for me.

Anyone with food restrictions understands how difficult it is to travel, especially if you have a little one in tow.

This salad was the perfect way to say ‘Welcome Home!’ I felt so loved.(...)
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My Favorite At Home Salad Bar (and postpartum weight loss…)

Amy — Wed, 16 May 2012 20:10:15 +0000

I packed on 46 pounds when I was pregnant. Yes. That’s right. Everything I ate clung to my body. I still exercised and ate well. But my body clearly wanted that extra weight to help grow a healthy baby.

Giving birth took away 16 pounds and I’ve lost 10 more since then. So, I still have 20 pounds to go. I’ve heard about women who are able to get back in their pre-pregnancy jeans in two weeks. I secretly envy them.

I haven’t had 20 pounds to lose in over 8 years.

I’ve never had to think about losing weight with a 12 week old baby to care for either. Everything is different. I used to love getting up early and going for a long power walk with the dogs. Now Nate eats first thing in the morning. And, I haven’t slept through the night since he was born. Sleep deprivation makes morning workouts a little less appealing.

The other big challenge is time. So much of my time is spent caring for Nate. And there’s just more to do – feedings, dishes, laundry, diapers, cleaning.
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Raw Kale Salad with Apples, Carrots & Purple Cabbage

Amy — Wed, 02 May 2012 17:58:55 +0000

I had my first kale salad at a raw restaurant right before I found out I was pregnant. Honestly, I wasn’t too keen on eating raw kale before I had that salad. It was full of flavor contrasts, texture, and just plain goodness.

Once I got past the first 3 months of my pregnancy, I craved that salad. (I couldn’t even look at spinach during the first 3 months…) The restaurant was way too far to stop by for dinner so I ended up getting hooked on Whole Foods’ salad bar. I love their assortment of yummy greens, especially the chopped kale. It’s packed with vitamins K, A, C, some B vitamins, calcium, and so many other nutrients.

Life in the kitchen is so much different now that Nate is here. Cooking is just not the same with a little one by my side. So, I started practicing with my Moby Wrap. It took a while. (Yes…those things have a learning curve!) Once I mastered that long, crazy thing I was able to get around with so much more ease. And, oh how I love it!
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Berry Recipes that Scream Summer!

Amy — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:00:43 +0000

Berries are nature’s perfect dessert and mark the beginning of summer for me.

This time of year I always start craving the fresh berries I haven’t had for months – strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries. They’re perfect plain, in a parfait with Greek yogurt, baked in a cobbler, or topping off a bowl of homemade vanilla ice cream.

Whether you eat berries all year long or wait until they’re at their seasonal peak, here are some of my favorite berry recipes to help you celebrate the warm months ahead.

Fresh Fruit Tart with Pastry Cream

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