Green Eggs. Green Elephant.

I am one of those unfortunate people who has struggled with seasonal allergies since the dawn of time. This time of year is my biggest challenge. There are two huge lilac plants right outside my office. As I write, I have this battle in my head. To open the window or not open the window. That is the question.
I am not a woman of excess but I do adore a big breakfast. I have friends (you know who you are) who survive on Diet Coke and a baggie of dry cereal. I have family (you know who you are, too) who believe that coffee is the breakfast of champions. Not me said the bee. I feel my best with a hearty meal first thing in the morning. It gets me going. It sets the tone for the rest of the day. It gives me the energy to run my business, write this blog, chase after a 16 month old, clean the house and get to the gym for a 3 mile jog.
I know that my body loves me back when I eat vegetables especially those leafy dark ones. I adore sweets. Balance in all things, that’s my mantra.
Last weekend, we took Madilyn to the Pittsburgh zoo. We walked past the elephants and they had a little stand to show what an elephant eats during a typical day. Guess what was on the menu? Kale. 3 bunches of it daily. We continued walking and where did we end up? The food court area for humans. What was on the menu? Fries, pizza, chicken fingers, soda, candy. What is wrong with this picture? I digress.

Breakfast is the meal of the day where veggies don’t typically show up. Most people tell me that they eat lots of oatmeal, milk and cereal, toast with peanut butter, etc. Occasionally, an omelet with a few leaves of spinach most likely from a restaurant on the weekends.
A simple egg scramble with loads of veggies is a great place to start if you are looking to incorporate some leafy greens into your diet. Right now, I am upping my intake of dark leafy greens in hopes of strengthening my body against allergies. Bring it on pollen! Plus, Madilyn will eat anything scrambled with an egg. I have even scrambled an egg with some sea veggies and she ate it up like candy.
When it comes to greens, I always tell my clients: “Just get them in.” I don’t care if you have to eat them with ketchup or mixed into your Hamburger Helper. Eat them everyday for a couple weeks. Your mind will be blown. Here is a simple recipe.

Green Eggs No Ham

• 1 tsp coconut oil or olive oil
• 4 leaves kale, washed, de-stemmed, and chopped
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 3 eggs, beaten
• salt and pepper to taste

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the kale and garlic and saute about 2 minutes, until the kale is wilted but not limp. Pour the eggs over the kale. Scramble with a spatula until the eggs are cooked through. Turn the eggs onto a plate, season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve immediately. Can also serve in a whole grain tortilla.

So, will you pretend to be an elephant this week and eat some greens?
Oh, don’t forget to enter my first giveaway. You know you want to win.