Why I Started 2023 with the 15Green
Chopped Kale Trail Mix Salad
Regardless of where you fall on the side of resolutions - BEST THING EVER or DESIGNED TO RUIN LIVES - it’s tough to deny that change is in the air every January. All around us, the start of a new year is the tripwire that provides a jumping-off point to begin (or begin anew) with healthy habits.
For me, the first day of the year was a stark reminder of the consequences that follow a December spent eating every cookie that crossed my path, and accepting every offered glass of wine. January first found me sluggish, grumpy, and 4 pounds heavier than I was in November.
I don’t typically have trouble turning down cookies or wine. However, a massive amount of life change in the late fall left me feeling out of sorts and primed for some low-quality self-soothing. (Queue the frosted sugar cookies and Pinot Noir.)
So this year, New Year’s Day was my turn off that path and onto a brighter one. I’m happy to report that in just one week: I dropped 2 of the 4 extra pounds; my energy is back; and most importantly, I’m much nicer to be around.
This change is partly due to the fact that I cut off the flow of cookies and wine, but mostly due to the fact that I returned to a focus on my meals – and more specifically, how my meals were supported by the 15 Green Plan.
So what is the 15 Green Plan?
The 15 Green Plan is a simple way to get 15 cups of leafy greens into your weeks’ meals. 3 cups a day, for 5 days, and you’re there.
The 15 Green Plan could be accomplished just by eating an entree-sized green salad for lunch, Monday through Friday. A better route, however, is to mix in cooked greens as well as salads, so that you can maximize the available ingredients. 15 cups of romaine and baby spinach is good – and 15 cups of romaine, baby spinach, bok choy, cabbage, collards, kale, and arugula is even better.
Why is the 15 Green Plan beneficial?
Turns out that grandmas and great-grandmas the world over were right when they told us to eat our green veggies. Calorie for calorie, Green Leafies are some of nature’s most nutrient-dense foods – this is why it’s possible to add in 15 cups of greens to your week without breaking the calorie bank – and they are packed with nutrients and fiber that benefit both your immune system and your gut.
How do I start the 15 Green Plan?
Just find yourself some greens (preferably a nice variety) and eat them! And if you’re in need of some inspiration, you can try the recipes below.
Spicy Red Curry Spinach
Italian Wedding Soup
Garlicky Bok Choy
Braised Cabbage and Pork
Wishing you a very happy and healthy New Year! And if you’re interested in more simple, delicious and health-forward recipes, sign up to receive regular recipe deliveries, right to your inbox.