On a recent trip to Maine to visit her brother and his family, Christy’s sister-in-law made this incredible salad. We just swooned over it and then promptly tried to recreate it from memory at home. We made a few changes, but the general idea is the same: a hearty, nutrient-rich salad with some of the best super foods on the planet. Easy to make and….CINNAMON!!!! Really! You won’t believe it! Thank you to Elin for the inspiration. Kale deserves its reputation!

Eating an anti-inflammatory diet helps minimize the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. And one of the best ways to reduce inflammation (and symptoms) is to add more organic dark leafy greens to your plate. Kale is packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber, and is also alkalizing, which can help improve bone density and prevent cancer growth. Kale’s powerful antioxidants hunt down and neutralize harmful free radicals and thereby reduce the likelihood of chronic disease.

We encourage you to add in organic greens at every meal. Kale under your eggs in the morning. This yummy salad for lunch. Sauteed greens alongside your dinner. A green smoothie for a snack. Know that the rich, dark green color of kale screams, “I am doing something good for myself!”

Here’s a Kale Pesto you can slather on fish or mix into pasta. And here’s a Massaged Kale Salad which tenderizes the kale leaves and makes it less bitter. With most kale recipes, you can feel free to substitute other dark leafy greens.