We all know that eating a diet rich in greens is one of the best things we can do for our health, and as long as we are eating them, we really can’t go wrong. But often we get stuck on just eating our faves, or what’s trending #kale.
 
So here’s a quick reminder of some super valuable greens which pack a powerful punch of nutrition, containing an array of vitamins and minerals which benefit our kids’ health enormously, as well as having wonderful cleansing and hormonal detoxing effects for those who might be experiencing hormonal symptoms like heavy periods, mood swings, anxiety, bloating, weight gain, skin issues, sore muscles and more.
 
Below I’m sharing a list of the Top 5 Greens in terms of nutrient density from the Centre of Disease Control and Prevention.

Here we go:
 
1) Watercress – Is a close cousin to cabbage and rocket (arugula) and is the super star of all greens receiving a perfect nutrient density score of 100%!!  It’s delicate and peppery and can be added to your salads or smoothies, and because it’s a winter veg, it’s great to throw into your soups and pastas.

2) Chinese Cabbage – part of the cruciferous vegetable family and great for detoxing and reducing inflammation.  My kids love it in fried rice and it’s really yummy in salad 

3) Chard – Also known as Silverbeet or Swisse chard. In Australia we are mostly familiar with the “Fordhook” variety which has big white stems and large dark green leaves. Chard is full of anti- oxidants and is great in salads, Cheese and Spinach Triangles and curries.
 
4) Beet Greens –Don’t throw the leaves of your beets out! They are full of fibre and great for cleansing and are in fact more nutrient dense then the round beet itself! They are yummy in salads, lightly steamed and sautéed, and I also throw them into smoothies.
 
5) Spinach – Rich in iron and so restores energy, increases vitality and improves the quality of the blood, and is wonderful for detoxifying. I love it chopped up in salads, added to soups like my Spinach, Lentil and Spinach Soup,  and smoothies, like my Ginger, Mint and Green Apple Smoothie

Finally, by no means dismiss kale (15^th on the list!) and it’s myriad of benefits. I personally love it in my green smoothies, stir fries and scrambled eggs,  and the whole family loves it as Crunchy Kale Chips 

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Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a mother of three… Kelsea, Kade and Fletcher. I have been a mother for over 20 years now which sounds so long, though at the same time it just seems like yesterday that I had my daughter. We live in The Hunter Valley in NSW. My favourite colour is red, I’m made for Michael Buble and chai tea..oh and my husband too 🙂

 How was Additive-Free Pantry born?

My middle child Kade is asthmatic. One day I discovered food additives in what he was eating (which caused asthma). I went home, cleaned out my pantry and never looked back. My business evolved as friends asked “What do you eat”,”Why” and “Where do you shop at”? This started my venture in talking to mums within their homes while they enjoyed “additive free” morning tea as I explained what was really in their pantries. The more confident I got the bigger my audience became, really.

 How do you service and educate children and parents on the dangers of additives?

Additive Free Awareness Presentations are what I LOVE to do. I get to inform parents, help empower them with all of the hidden information about  harmful food additives and hopefully inspire them to make the changes that could make a significant difference to their children’s health and wellbeing.

What do you enjoy about your work?

I enjoy hearing success stories of parents who made changes and got to see the benefits first hand. I love knowing that someone heard my story and made changes in their family pantry. I love working along side other mums that believe our children are worth it. I really LOVE that I get to work for myself. This allows me to fit work in/and around my family…and most of all I like to think that I’m making a difference….no matter how small 🙂

What does healthy eating mean for you?

Eating clean, real, additive free foods. Local (when I can), fresh, organic (were possible), ethical, wholesome and nourishing.

What are 5 of your kitchen pantry essentials?

Chai tea ( you don’t want to know me when I have run out of chai), chia seeds,  miso paste (instead of vegemite), greens and fruit for my green smoothies and an organic chook for “Chicken n Chip Night”

 What do you indulge in?

Toasted sourdough and miso paste…I can’t stop!!

What are some of the things you value most in life?

A good sports bra (seriously, need I say more), my husband’s ability to love me for over 12 years now, laughter, my bed and of course my three beautiful offspring.

What is your favourite quote?

“Be the change you wish to see in the world”

What are your tips to staying happy and healthy?

Be you! Stop comparing, competing or trying to be like somebody else. Love what you have, be grateful for what you have and give to someone who may need something more than you…it feels so very good to see someone else smile because you did something nice, unexpected or thoughtful for them.

Do you find time to nurture yourself? What does this involve?

I am learning to SLOW down. Do what I can without rushing everywhere. Breathe. Chai tea, going to the movies and a good old trip to the shops never hurt anyone.

 What do you and your kids like to do on the weekend?

We love going out for Sunday breakfast. Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day, and if I don’t have to clean up it is even better. Or a weekend pyjama day is always a treat too.

Would you like to share one of your favourite healthy recipes?

Tanya invited me to choose a recipe from her website & this one caught my eye. A nice hearty one for winter methinks!

Massamam Potato Bake

What you need!

• 1 sweet potato
• 5 large potatoes
• onion, diced
• garlic clove, crushed
• sea salt & pepper
• 1 capsicum, diced
• 3 large mushroom
• 1 can coconut cream (I used Woolworth’s Select)
• sprinkle of herbamare (an organic herb seasoning found in health food section of most supermarkets)
• 1 tablespoon massaman curry paste (I used Valcom)
• dash of oil
• paprika
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Check out Tanya’s fabulous books which you can buy from her website:

Connect with Tanya here:

www.additivefreepantry.com

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