Cranberry Kale Smoothie

In the midst of all the holiday chaos it’s important to prioritize self-care. Give back to yourself and nurture your wellbeing so you can help those around you thrive. A small change like scheduling quiet time in the morning can help you recharge: the silence will welcome space for meditation and reflection as you enjoy your breakfast. To help you get more alone time in the morning, prep our cranberry kale smoothie the night before so you don’t have to turn on the blender and wake up your loved ones.

Kale Health Benefits

This leafy green contains antioxidants that may help protect against cancer if consumed at least once a week. To maintain antioxidant content, eat the kale raw or slightly cooked, such as a light blanching. With vitamins K, A and C, kale promotes bone health and normal blood clotting. Just 1 cup of kale has 20% of vitamin A and C, talk about a cup full of goodness. This superfood is also rich in calcium, potassium, and fiber. Veggie lovers unite because per calorie, kale has more iron than beef!

Varieties of Kale:

• Curly: bright dark green or purple in color, has tight ruffled leaves. This kale is peppery and bitter with a deep earthy taste.
• Lacinato: dark blue-green leaves with a slightly wrinkled and firm texture. It has a slightly earthy flavor with an almost nutty sweetness.
• Red Russian: flat, fringed leaves that resemble big oak leaves with a red tinge and a slightly reddish-purple stem. The flavor is sweet and mild with a little bit of pepperiness.
• Redbor Kale: a deep purple-red, it has a mild earthy sweetness. This kale is popular for beautifying the garden and being an edible floral accent!

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are “good” bacteria. They are live microorganisms similar to the ones already living in your gut and may offer health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. The word “probiotic” itself is often translated to “beneficial for life.”  It is a derived from the Latin word “pro” meaning “for” and the Greek word “biotic” meaning “life.” With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.