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Sesame Steamed Greens

I have discovered a secret weight loss product that can literally melt away those extra pounds without any effort. Would you like to hear about it? It is a simple supplement that can be found in most grocery stores and you may want to write down the name. It is called… “KALE!”

Seriously, copious amounts of greens are the secret weapon of any smart dieter and let me show you why:

One of the biggest reasons why people overeat is because they are malnourished. No, we are certainly not lacking macronutrients like carbs and protein, but most people’s bodies are literally starving for micronutrients found in fresh, whole plant-based foods from all colors of the rainbow. Without these essential antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, the centers of our brain that handle satiation never feel satisfied. You can reach for cookies and chips all day long, but without those micronutrients, your body never feels like it has had enough to eat.

The simple truth is that when you eat too few micronutrients (i.e., phytonutrients in kale), you eat too many macronutrients (i.e., carbs in cookies).

This is why, to lose weight faster, you simply need to eat more micronutrients, especially in the morning. When you wake up to a fresh bowl of greens, you feel satisfied longer. The temptations to snack on unhealthy foods is suppressed and making healthier choices is easier all day long.

Steamed Greens

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • 3 big handful of fresh greens (spinach, kale, chard, and/or others)
  • 1-2 teaspoons sesame seeds
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic or other vinegar

Steamed Greens Pan

How to Steam Greens

There are several ways to steam greens, but my favorite is to use a vegetable steamer which looks like a satellite dish that expands/contracts to fit any size pot. It’s a great kitchen tool and you can get one for under $7 on Amazon.

Simply add 1/2 cup filtered water to the pot. Insert the steamer basket, add 2-3 handfuls of greens (spinach, kale, chard, collard greens, watercress, etc.), cover with a lid, and steam for 5-10 minutes until the greens are wilted to your liking.

These are perfectly tasty right out of the pan, and I often eat them just the way they are. But if you’re new to steamed greens and would like more flavor, transfer the greens to a bowl, drizzle a little vinegar (balsamic is fine, but I would suggest going down that fancy vinegar aisle at your healthy grocery store and picking an exciting fruit vinegar) along with some red pepper flakes. Then toss with your hands or tongs. Finally, sprinkle a few toasted sesame seeds over the top for the perfect finish.

Steamed Greens Sesame

Steamed Greens “Tea”

When you steam greens, they lose some of their nutrients (I’ve heard about 30%). But you can recover most of that by drinking the broth made from steaming with that 1/2 cup of water. This may sound completely bizarre, but try it before you knock it, okay? It turns out, this “tea” can be absolutely delicious, almost like a nice green tea with hints of whatever greens you used. Not only do you have an obscenely nutritious multivitamin-in-a-bowl to start your day, but it also comes with a free cup of tea. Awesome.

Steamed Greens Tea

Steamed Greens Close

9 Comments

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  1. Add a tiny smidge of good olive oil, massage the dressing into the greens to help soften them, & this makes a lovely salad without any steaming!

  2. Wow, Andrew, your recipes are fantastic and we are so glad your dad told us about your website! We love kale and make kale chips, but will try steaming it now, too.

    • Oh hi, Marvae! Thank you – I’m really happy you like my recipes 🙂 Aren’t kale chips amazing? I make them all the time as well. I’m glad my dad told you about my website too, thanks so much for stopping by!

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