There are many times when I’m shopping and I stand there debating as to whether or not I should buy a bag or two of kale chips to have on hand for a snack. I know that I like them ….I know that they taste amazing and I know that the convenience of just ripping open a bag is probably worth the purchase BUT I find myself putting them back on the shelf because I just can’t stand to pay the price for something I can make at home, for a fraction of the cost. And let’s be real – there aren’t many chips in that bag to make the cost feel worth it (to me).
I used to be such a huge snacker! Omg. My hubby and I would make a meal out of snacks while watching movies or just our silly, weekly TV shows. I honestly can’t say as to whether or not that was out of hunger (because back then, I didn’t eat a very good quality diet) or just habit but I venture to say we ate about 1/2 our calories of our day in just one snack session. It wasn’t a pretty picture at all.
Fast forward to today – I don’t feel the ‘need’ to snack a lot. I feel satiated from meals and snacking “habits” have definitely become of thing of the past. But there are times that you need to get in something between a meal or perhaps before a workout ….or just a munch-able while catching netflix on a Friday night.
So what do I snack on when I do feel the need or want? Well …..nuts for one. I love my almonds, cashews and macadamias! I always try and just grab a few from the container because grabbing the whole bag or container can lead to over eating a good thing! Along with the actual nut, I do love nut butters as well & will grab a spoonful before a workout. Berries are another go-to for me! And sometimes I’ll fill mini bell peppers with some tuna/chicken salad or just use as a scooper for some babaganoush or guacamole! Plantain chips are another favorite ….but like nuts, I just grab a handful so I don’t over do it. I like to make them but I find that it’s a little more labor intensive to make plantain chips vs. kale chips, so I often buy these for convenience.
Okay – so now lets talk kale chips! These are actually VERY easy to make and such a great healthy treat! Kale is high in iron, fiber and vitamin K. It’s also a great anti-inflammatory food so there’s many reasons to add this green to your diet. It’s gotten such a bad rap for many years as it seemed to be a “liner” if you will, for salad bars. It certainly seemed too rough and bitter to eat, right?!? (Wrong)! I love to sauté kale in ghee or even bacon grease and eat for breakfast. But baking kale is probably my fav because I love the crunch!
Make these kale chips to just munch on or top salads. I like to just serve on the side of some kind of finger food meal (wings, chicken strips, ‘hot dog as the bun’) too. So if you aren’t a fan of kale, perhaps give this method a try…..you may surprise yourself and find that you like it. It is a great way to incorporate this green into your diet!
- 1 bunch of kale (should be enough to lay on large baking sheet ...with enough room to lay in single layer)
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/4 tsp pink salt
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
- Clean kale and dry thoroughly.
- In a bowl, combine kale and the avocado oil ....massage into kale, making sure each piece is coated. Add in seasonings and toss to coat.
- Lay kale in single layer onto parchment paper lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes, turn baking sheet and bake another 10 minutes.
- *If you should double recipe & use 2 baking sheets, change sheets at 10 minute to the opposite racks.
