Winter Greens

I've started a new healthy eating kick.  I don't know if it's related to the fact that I'm 30 now or the fact that I watched the documentary "Food, Inc." the other day or the fact that I'm just tired of being tired all the time, but the Pinsons have started eating differently.  I'm buying really fresh foods - vegetables and fruits - and I have drastically reduced the amount of meat I consume each week, and I've almost completely stopped eating any processed food.  (Okay, so sometimes I fall off the wagon.  Tonight I had dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings, but only because we went with my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew.  Otherwise, I would have made something homemade and healthy at home.  It was worth it to spend some time with them!)

I have read that you should make food a priority.  It should not be something you put on the bottom of your "to do" list.  Since I have changed the foods I buy, I've noticed a difference in how I feel.  There is something to be said for planning your meals and only eating what is healthy and fresh.  Yes, it is more expensive.  However, if you spend a little time reading labels and planning ahead, you can buy organic and fresh food without spending too much more money.  The old saying "You are what you eat." is trite, but I think it is also very true.

I have really enjoyed spending time in my kitchen cooking and preparing our meals for the day.  Sometimes it is difficult to get a lot accomplished when Clay constantly wants my attention but that's okay.  It's what he is supposed to be doing at his age.

I found this recipe in the Whole Foods newsletter while shopping the other day.  (I LOVE Whole Foods.  I could spend hours just walking around in there.  It makes grocery shopping fun.)  I made it for dinner on Friday night and it was really good.  If you're ever in need of very healthy recipes, take a gander at the Whole Food's website.  There's a lot of good stuff on there:

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/

Winter Greens with Carrots, Feta Cheese and Brown Rice

Serves 4

Dark leafy greens are the most nutrient-dense foods. That means that they contain more beneficial micronutrients per calorie than any other food, providing incredible nutritional bang for your buck, and in this case they're ready, and very tasty, in less than 15 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges for even more flavor.

Ingredients:

~2 carrots, shredded
~2 bunches dark leafy greens (kale, collard greens or Swiss chard), tough stems removed, leaves very thinly sliced
~1/2 red onion, finely chopped
~Salt and ground black pepper to taste
~1/4 pound feta cheese, crumbled
~Brown rice 

Method:

Put carrots, greens, onions, 1/4 cup water, salt and pepper into a large, deep skillet and toss well. Cover and cook over medium heat, tossing once or twice, until greens are wilted and tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Toss with feta cheese and spoon over brown rice.