Kale is the talk of the town this summer. If you haven’t already been eating it, you have surely heard about it. Smoothies, chips, salads – kale is everywhere! But what makes this leafy green so great? When did kale transition from a simple bitter garnish to a full-blown superfood?
We all know that green vegetables are vital in a healthy diet, but I can only eat so much broccoli and spinach before I lose interest (#realtalk). Kale provides a versatile alternative with some serious health benefits. It contains calcium, lutein, iron, beta-carotene, and Vitamins A, C, and K. In fact, a single serving provides 192% of the recommended daily amount of Vitamin A, which can act as a preventative against lung diseases! It also can lower cholesterol and acts as a detoxifier.
Incorporating this leafy delight into your diet is a simple task, since kale can be used so many ways. is booming with recipes using kale, ranging from enchiladas to pesto to brownies. I use kale in my morning smoothies, and with the following recipes, kale deters me from eating an entire bag of potato chips (it’s ok, we’ve all been there).

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Kale Smoothie
What you need:
- 1 banana, sliced into chunk (frozen is ideal)
- 1 heaping cup of fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 giant handful of coarsely chopped kale leaves, center rib removed from the kale
- 1 cup cold almond Breeze almond milk (I like to use the Vanilla-flavored milk)
- 1 tbsp honey (optional but nice for added sweetness)
What to do:
Blend ingredients to your preferred consistency and enjoy. Simple!

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Kale Chips
What you need:
- 1 bunch of kale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp of parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
What to do:
- Preheat an oven to 350° F (175° C). Line a non-insulated cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- With a knife or kitchen shears, carefully remove the leaves from the thick stems and tear into bite-size pieces. Wash and thoroughly dry kale with a salad spinner. Drizzle kale with olive oil and sprinkle with parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Bake for 8-11 minutes (check them frequently!), until the edges brown but do not burn.
So, if you are looking to boost your vitamin intake, improve your health, and enjoy a tasty meal, kale is your go-to ingredient. Let’s hope this healthy trend sticks around!
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