Three weeks ago I finally joined the party…the kale smoothie party. Got tired of drinking protein shakes in the morning that, regardless of what I added to them, always had the after taste of chalk. Blech. So now I’m downing these and one hard boiled egg when I get up. Let’s face it, I am the worst breakfast eater. Which is weird because I love me a big egg and meat breakfast – and I’m talking about all the pork products: ham, bacon, sausage…and if you threw some corned beef hash at me, oh baby. But really, unless I start training 5 hours a day and get some regular angioplasty, I can’t eat like that except maybe a couple times a month. I’m never really too hungry in the morning so breakfast has to be quick and easy: high fiber cereal, hard boiled egg, yogurt…all pretty boring. Everyone seems to have different takes on their kale smoothies. As you can see, mine’s pretty red, because of the strawberries but also because I’m lazy – I use prewashed, prepackaged baby kale leaves which have a lot of red veining in it.

Kale is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, beta carotene and lutein. It also is said to have good anti-inflamatory nutrients, which I like since I’m starting to run a lot, and is rich in antioxidants. Sometimes I sub 1 cup of kale for spinach just for a little boost of iron and some added protein. 

Don’t be afraid. Give this a try. Mike did last week after days of me goading him. I could tell it pained him to admit he like it. I bet you will, too! Oh, and in case you’re curious…no, I have not broken down yet and bought a Vitamix. I use my regular, ice crushing blender and it works just fine for this.

Kale Kiwi Berry Smoothie 
makes 2 – 8 oz. drinks

1 cup ice
½ cup frozen blueberries
3 cups kale, packed
1 kiwi, peeled and quartered
1 cup strawberries, halved
1 cup apple juice

Place all ingredients into a blender in order listed. Pulse until ice is crushed then puree until well combined and liquified. Pour into two glasses and serve.