Autoimmune Freedom Weekly Digest

Welcome back to the Autoimmune Freedom Weekly Digest!

Rebecca’s Kitchen

Nourishing Recipes for Autoimmune Wellness - Join Our Free Virtual Class: Exciting news! I will be hosting a virtual cooking class titled "Nourishing Recipes for Autoimmune Wellness." In this event, we'll be creating a nutritious green smoothie, a delightful chia pudding, and a delicious kale salad!

Interested in joining? Sign up on the event page on Meetup.com or respond to this email, and I'll add you to the list and share all the details.

Additionally, for those interested in diving deeper in the world of anti-inflammatory cooking, I invite you to join my Meetup Group, “Nutrition for Autoimmune Wellness.” Here, you'll be the first to know about our upcoming events! Please feel free to share this event and the Meetup group with anyone you think might be interested. The more, the merrier! Let’s cook together for our health!

Kale Massage Magic: I've been experimenting with massaging my kale, and it’s been both fun and transformative for my salads. Massaging the leaves with bare hands might get a little messy, but it makes the kale softer and enhances the flavor of the salad, providing a texture that's crisp yet not tough. A simple tip, but it makes a world of difference!

Did you know massaging kale tenderizes the leaves and reduces their bitterness? This process breaks down tough fibers in kale. Massaging kale also aids in digestion, making it more palatable and enjoyable.

Steps for massaging kale:

1. Wash and Dry: Thoroughly rinse kale leaves to remove dirt, then dry them completely using a salad spinner or towel.

2. Remove Stems: Strip off the leaves from the tough stems either by hand or using a knife. The stems don't soften with massaging like the leaves do. 

3. Chop the Leaves: Cut or tear the kale into bite-sized pieces for easier massaging and eating.

4. Add Dressing: Drizzle your kale with a touch of olive oil, lemon juice, or apple cider vinegar, and add a pinch of salt. This not only flavors the leaves but also helps to soften them. Feel free to use your favorite dressing or a smashed avocado or tahini for a richer touch.

5. Massage: Gently rub and squeeze the kale with clean hands for 2 to 5 minutes until it begins to wilt and soften.

6. Rest (Optional): Let the massaged kale sit for a few minutes before serving to further tenderize the leaves and blend the flavors.

I've been using this massaging technique with other fibrous greens like collard greens, with excellent results. 

What I’m Listening To

The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin: I've been listening to the audiobook version of Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act, narrated by the author. This book is a fascinating exploration of creativity and its impact across various fields and life in general. Listening to Rubin's insights has been enlightening, offering a unique perspective on nurturing creativity in our daily lives. This is a great listen for anyone looking to spark and pursue their creative spirit.

What I’m Reading

The Anti-Inflammatory Diet & Action Plans: 4-Week Meal Plans to Heal the Immune System and Restore Overall Health by Dorothy Calimeris and Sondi Bruner: This book is an insightful guide offering tools for managing autoimmune conditions and reducing chronic inflammation through diet. The book’s comprehensive meal plans, recipes, and health tips are empowering for anyone on a journey towards better health.

Wishing you a weekend full of health and happiness!

Take good care,

Rebecca