Ranch Kale Chips

Yesterday was fantastic.

I trained my first real client yesterday and did a kick ass job! I was terribly nervous and excited. Luckily I have the most amazing supportive friends and family who encouraged me. I’m also very fortunate to have found my mentor who has been training me and teaching me so much about the business. You know when you meet someone kind and genuine it just makes you want to do and be better? That’s the kind of mentor he has been to me. One of my favorite compliments is when someone tells me I encourage them to eat healthier or “be a better person” so it’s really nice to find someone that makes me feel that way about my personal training career. If you have anyone in your life like this I encourage you to take today to send a text, email, phone call, card,  anything to remind them how much they mean to you. It is never bad to put some goodness back into the world!

And if you want to put some goodness back into your body, try some kale chips! (Like that segue?)

So the other day we talked about planning ahead. This should also be for your snacks! If you know you are going to be running around all day or traveling set yourself up to eat well. One of my favorite snacks is kale chips. They are an amazing alternative to potato chips that won’t slow you down with that sluggish feeling.

A quick shout to a few of the many reasons why kale is great: helps with digestion, has antioxidants, is anti-inflammatory, provides cardiovascular support, contains vitamins and minerals!

I made some ranch kale chips and this is how.

1. I made a double batch of this ranch dressing. Now let me take a minute here to sing the praises of this recipe. It was so outstanding I was literally spooning it into my mouth with carrot sticks. I WILL be using this again for salads and dips. YUM.
2. Wash and de-stem 1 bunch of kale. Make sure the kale is as dry as possible before going any further.
3. Tear the kale into small pieces and place in a bowl.
4. Add the ranch dressing and massage the kale. (to massage the kale you literally stick your, clean, hands in to the bowl and rub it all together! Don’t be afraid to get messy here! Also really fun for kids, and by kids I mean me.)
5. Dehydrate on screens at 115 for 4-6 hours or until crisp OR if you don’t have a dehydrator: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until crisp. About 5 minutes before they are finished, gently toss them on the sheet pan for more even baking. They will burn easy, be aware of how they are baking

And that’s it! You have a healthy potato chip alternative to snack on whenever you need it. 

This got me thinking… it would be fun to make different potato chip flavors of kale chips! Like sour cream and onion, BBQ, cheddar... let me know if there are any that you’d like to see and I’ll make em.

This is just another easy way to make you the priority over convenience – give it a try!