Detox and Supercharge with a Big Helping of Kale

For many of us, January is a time of year to go on a detoxification, or detox diet. The goal might be to get rid of toxins from less-than-stellar eating habits, lose holiday weight, or just improve overall health. But even if you’re not trying to cleanse, it can’t hurt to give healthful, detoxifying foods like kale and cabbage a bigger role in our diet, right? — Eileen Beran

There are umpteen recipes for detox salads. This is one that I love and lately have been eating almost every day for lunch. I sprinkle on cubed chicken, flaked smoked salmon, chopped boiled egg, or sliced avocado (which is also detoxifying), and/or have a cup of soup on the side. A big batch lasts several days.

Kale Detox Salad

Start to finish: 20 minutes

Servings: 6 (1/2 cup servings)

Ingredients:

1 bunch kale, cut into thin strips then cross-cut (about 6 cups)

1/4 head cauliflower, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)

1/4 head red cabbage, chopped into thin slices, then cross-cut (about 1 1/2 cups)

1 bunch parsley leaves, roughly chopped (about 1 cup), optional

3/4 cup dried fruit (cherries, raisins, cranberries, blueberries, etc.)

3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optionally, toast 15 minutes in 300°F oven)

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/4 cup olive oil

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl combine kale, cauliflower, cabbage, parsley, dried fruit, and walnuts. In a small bowl, whisk salt into apple cider vinegar to dissolve. Gradually whisk in oil, and whisk until emulsified. Add dressing to salad and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate. Keeps for several days. 

Nutrition information per serving:

276 calories

160 calories from fat

18 g fat (2 g saturated)

0 mg cholesterol

27 g carbohydrate

4 g fiber

13 g sugar

5 g protein

633 mg sodium

Shopping List

1 bunch kale

1/4 head cauliflower

1/4 head red cabbage

1 bunch parsley leaves

3/4 cup dried fruit 

(cherries, raisins, cranberries,

blueberries, etc.)

3/4 cup chopped walnuts

(optionally, toast 15 minutes in

300°F oven)

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/4 cup olive oil

EATING PALEO

Everyone is talking about eating “Paleo.” What does it mean? And what are the benefits?

Eileen Beran sheds light on the subject and shares her recipes every month with our readers.

Paleo is an eating style that excludes grains, legumes, starches, dairy, and refined sugar.

But includes meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, good fats, fruit, and various fresh vegetables.

Avoid refined foods; only foods that can be hunted or gathered.

A few reported benefits:

1. Improved health
2. Increased energy
3. Weight maintenance

TIPS FOR WHOLESOMENESS:

Be sure to get all organic ingredients. For the dry fruit, try to get them without oils or added sugars. As far as the leafy vegetables, wash them twice, first with citrus and regular water, and second with 3% food-grade hydrogen peroxide or apple-cider vinegar in filtered water. Let them dry on a clean towel or strips of paper towel.