healthy.every.day - nyc: collard greens

Sunday, October 14, 2012

roasted potatoes and collard greens

Sunday Night

Food: Roasted potatoes and collard greens with Israeli couscous

Body: an hour-long walk around midtown on this surprisingly-warm fall October day

Mind: reading the last few chapters of a great book on a bench in Bryant park

Yesterday's weather was that crisp, biting reminder that winter is around the corner. But today, the temperature crept back up into the upper 60s. I was in the mood for some winter veggies and Israeli couscous when I stumbled upon Poor Girl Gourmet's amazing recipe. Alas, my local market did not have sweet potatoes available so I went for red-skin potatoes. I followed her collard greens/potato recipe pretty much to the letter, but opted for traditionally cooked Israeli (whole wheat) couscous instead. Nonetheless, this dish was fantastic and warm - not to mention loaded with vitamins. Luckily, I have plenty leftover for lunch tomorrow!

Nutritional Highlights: 150% vitamin A, 130% vitamin C, 9 grams of fiber, 14 grams of protein

Sunday, October 7, 2012

cold night for hot soup

Sunday Night

Food: Greens and Grains Soup (recipe below)

Body: A 10-minute walk to the local market, despite the rain

Mind: Cooking to Frank Sinatra while talking to my grandmother on the phone

It's the first truly cold night here in New York City, with temperatures creeping into the upper 40s. What better excuse to make an incredibly nutrient-dense and satisfying soup! I cranked up old jazz music and Sinatra and began happily chopping away. I went for collard greens, one of the most highly-nutritious vegetables out there in terms of nutrition-per-calorie. In just 3.5 ounces of the stuff, it has over 20% of your daily value of calcium, as well as nearly 600% your daily value of vitamin K! The best news? It made enough soup to have leftovers for the next several days! Give it a try, it's incredible!

Nutritional Highlights for 2 cup serving: 516% daily value vitamin A, 130% daily value vitamin C, 11 grams fiber, 55% daily value calcium, 1100% daily value vitamin K