Before the long weekend, some non-food advice

I am not overly horoscopy. I do, however, identify with being a Virgo. If you’re less horoscopy than I am, Virgo is the sign that runs (do signs “run”) or spans August 23^rd (yup my bday kicks it off) to September 22^nd. Those in the know say I’m “on the cusp” of Leo and Virgo but since I’m a VIRGO, that doesn’t’ work for me, too wishy washy.

An email I received, from ABC Home of all places, gave this Virgo rundown:

Strengths: loyal, analytical, kind, hardworking

Weaknesses: worry, overly critical of self and others, all work and no play.

I don’t entirely agree with that last, harsh descriptor. However, even when I “play” it’s planned and organized, so there you go.

Now, the advice part. This week, I had a thought provoking, informative and overall amazing conversation with an integrative MD. I am sure I will, with her permission, write more about her at a later date. By most doctor’s standards, I’m in great health. But I do have migraines, some GI stuff and the “worry” mentioned above in the horoscope. I was telling the doctor that I’ve been dabbling in meditation, biking on my new Peloton, going to my IR sauna place, the list continued. The doctor looked at me and said, “maybe your self-care shouldn’t involve so much doing.”  OMG. It was, what Oprah would call, an aha moment. I physically felt it. It was completely true. It may not sound like a big deal but it resonated with me.

I know there are people who should do more. If you’re stagnating some more exercise or meditation or a sauna are good options. For me, and perhaps my Virgo cohort, I need to do less. I’ve been aware of this socially. I actually prefer having fewer social plans. But not being social doesn’t mean I’m relaxing, right?

Give yourself what you need this weekend. If you’re been a little bit of a hermit, get out and maybe try something new or see someone you haven’t. I will be, with my kids, at my mom’s house. My husband, who doesn’t sit and relax often either, will be golfing. I’ll skip my golf-related comment and let you know I’ll be reading, hanging out with my easy going mother and consciously doing less.

King of Greens: Spinach versus Kale

I recently spoke with The Daily Burn about a great topic (or great to me): which is better for you, spinach or kale? I gave them my two cents (and they printed one cent tops) so here is my complete take on this:

Greens, greens why are they so friggin' great?

Leafy greens are also a great source of magnesium (I call it “mag”) and chances are you need more mag. Mag is important for restful sleep, heart health, PMS/hormonal stuff, migraine prevention, and ahem “going”. Plus, vitamin C in leafy greens is as good as any anti-aging cream (great for skin) and the fiber in leafy greens helps lower cholesterol levels.

*The fiber in kale is even more effective when kale is steamed versus raw.

So you’re convinced, let’s talk about how much

The average person, even the average healthy person, should probably eat more greens. Many people know leafy greens are healthy but don’t consume them in quantity- so bulk up! We suggest Foodtrainers’ clients thave at least two cups of veggies, twice a day and at least 2 of those 4 cups should be leafy greens.

Is kale the king of greens?

In the head to head matchup of kale versus spinach, kale has almost three times the vitamin C as spinach and more vitamin K (important for bone health and blood clotting).

However, spinach wins in B6 (double that of kale), fiber, iron, magnesium and protein. And it’s not just by a small margin- spinach has 5x the iron over 6x the magnesium, and more than double the amount of protein found in kale. Popeye may have been onto something. If forced to choose I’d say spinach for the win. Having said that if you OD on one food you're probably missing another so the moral of this story is theres more than one green in the sea (or ground) and in nutrition as in life- don't believe the hype.

 Does my verdict surprise you? Are you team spinach, team kale or bi-vegetable?