By Jen Slayden
Yes, it’s true. I went green. It wasn’t a great epiphany or an intention that caused it. It certainly wasn’t the result of a fad diet or colon cleansing ad! It was more an inspirational book titled “Born to Run” and the fact that I had a HUGE bag of Costco Spinach in the fridge that was not being consumed as quickly as it needed to be. I just did it! I went green.
Not the kind of green you may be thinking. Yes, I like to think of myself as a steward of land, recycling, and all positive actions steps that could help preserve the earth for future generations. But I have decided to start going green from the INSIDE. I want to preserve myself for future grand kids! Yep……I’m charting new territory, and I’m becoming Popeye the Sailor Mom. I’m eating spinach.
I have always liked spinach; way better than brussel sprouts in my opinion! After facing the holidays with tremendous amounts of sweets and tempting foods, I rationalized that starting my day off each morning with a healthy dose of spinach could perhaps ward off some of the unhealthy behavior I have succumbed to. Every morning, for the last ten days I have faithfully eaten at least two cups of spinach for breakfast. I have cooked it into omelets and used it on toast, but mostly I have eaten it raw. Guess what? It’s not so bad! Besides, the benefits seem to be creeping up on me.
I have found a way to totally disgust my tweens. They usually win in the disgust battles, but seeing mom eating spinach every morning? I am taking great sadistic pleasure in that! I think they just might come around on a dare! My six-year-old actually thought it was funny and wanted some for breakfast along with his cereal. So him and I ate spinach and pretended to be bunnies in a garden. We laughed together and started the day with great humor and health. I could see from my one eye a jealous glance from the older siblings.
I guess I am hoping that the spinach will take on a life form in my body, and I will have tremendous energy and super strength! Like the comic strips and TV shows I will be able to overcome all obstacles whatever odds are stacked against me. I will be able to go from the mom who doesn’t know all the answers to the genius of the house. I will be able to present diplomatic argumentation which will result in harmony in the home and possibly world peace, all by shoveling spinach into my mouth!
Maybe. Maybe not. But at least I’m taking charge of going a little green, setting a good example, and enjoying the fodder with my family.
Life Lesson? Be well. Be green. BEGIN!
Jen Slayden is a long time Missoulian who thrives in the chaos of being a mother of three while also being a Certified Life Coach, musician and educator. She enjoys writing about all of life’s little lessons on her blog, which you can find at www.bigskylifecoach.com .
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Been green myself lately. Try raw spinach with red onions, dried cherries or cranberries, feta cheese and walnuts. Then some kind of low-fat raspberry dressing. It’s to die for. I’ve made it 4 out of the last 5 days.