Ugh, do I have to eat kale? Eat what you love

It’s sounds blasphemous doesn’t it? A dietitian who doesn’t like kale? Well the truth is, I hardly ever eat it.

There was a time that I felt very guilty about it. After all kale is quite the super food. It’s packed with antioxidants, gorgeous vitamins, iron, and you get a big ol’ curly bunch of it for pretty cheap. I’ve purchased it many times with all the intentions of creating a love relationship with this bitter green. I’ve stood in the produce area of my market, and with great earnest (and a slight sense of self righteousness) I grab that kale, plunk it into my cart, and think to myself as I wheel away- THIS time it’ll be different. I am going to cook up this kale and it is going to be so amazing it will change my life! People will want to be me!

And then it happens. It’s what happens to many of us, and probably you too- that perky, bright hope of kale sits there in my crisper day after day. Each day it gets a little limper, and a little sadder, and as is loses it’s shine and it’s glory wanes, so goes my gusto. Eventually, it leads to the inevitable, the horrible, painful walk of shame to the trash. All that self righteousness, all that leading the charge, all that holier than thou attitude is replaced with guilt, and shame, and the tragedy of waste. Sad, but all too true.

So here is the good news, are you ready? I stopped trying to eat it. Yup! I don’t even think about it too much anymore. Instead I’ve done something completely radical and so outstanding that I am over-the-moon delighted to tell you about it. I only eat what I love. I’ll say that again. I don’t eat foods that I “should” eat, I only will eat the healthy foods that turn me on and get me excited. I purchase the best, freshest and absolutely the most stunning foods I can get- and guess what? It makes me joyful and happy.

There is method to this madness, and it’s as simple as this. Throughout each day we are bombarded by a zillion little decisions. When it comes to healthy eating most of those decisions are centered around what’s “good” or “bad” or what you should or shouldn’t eat. I’m here to tell you that you can give yourself a break. Go for the foods that you enjoy. Choose foods that you can prepare with success, foods that tickle your tastebuds, and don’t sweat the rest. It will eliminate some of that exhausting static that comes with planning a meal, and without that static you will enjoy your meals more.

Living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean that you need to step in line with the rest of the herd. If quinoa is not your bag, or the thought of a green smoothie gives you the willies- no worries! I would much rather you love what you’re eating.