Eat Green for St. Patrick’s Day

Instead of (or in addition to) wearing green and drinking green beer on St. Paddy’s Day, try something new– eating green!  Green vegetables and fruits are some of the most nutrient-rich foods on the planet.

I have recently started eating more greens, with the help of this tasty recipe.  A touch of maple syrup gives a sweetness that offsets the greens’ bitter flavor.

Sweet and Sour Braised Greens

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of greens (e.g. mustard, kale, collard, swiss chard, or beet greens)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 Tbsp maple syrup

Directions:

1. Rinse the greens and tear or chop into pieces.
2. In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium.  Add the greens and sauté for one minute.
3. Add the balsamic vinegar and maple syrup.  Cook for 5 minutes or until the greens have wilted, stirring occasionally.

Want to learn more about the health benefits of greens?  My friend Jenny Westerkamp, RD coauthored a new book: Green Foods for Men.  Congratulations, Jenny!