Like the saying goes, the only constant is change. We may resist it all we want, but Time and its inevitable evolution of everything in its path is unaffected by our attempts to stop it. The resulting trajectory of humanity’s nascent ascent appears to be positioning itself to sweep us into progressive new times, especially where our food choices are concerned, as nearly 7 billion people are now standing on the little scraps of land that we share with some 55 billion rather large animals raised for food each year. (As another famous saying goes: This town ain’t big enough for the both of us.) So, beef (and all factory-farmed meat) may be going from rib-eye to relic as we transition to a greener world… literally—as in leafy, green vegetables.

Environmentalists cite meat production as one of the biggest contributors to global warming, and the USDA’s new food pyramid (MyPlate) suggests the healthiest choice is making vegetables and fruit the biggest part of every meal by reducing consumption of animal proteins. Kale is far more nutritious than other leafy greens, but these seven reasons why it is such an important futurefood may just surprise you.

1. Anti-inflammatory: Inflammation is the number one cause of arthritis, heart disease and a number of autoimmune diseases, and is triggered by the consumption of animal products. Kale is an incredibly effective anti-inflammatory food, potentially preventing and even reversing these illnesses.

2. Iron: Despite the myth that vegetarians are anemic, the number of non-vegetarians with iron-deficiencies is on the rise. Per calorie, kale has more iron than beef.

3. Calcium: Dairy and beef both contain calcium, but the U.S. still has some of the highest rates of bone loss and osteoporosis in the world. Kale contains more calcium per calorie than milk (90 grams per serving) and is also better absorbed by the body than dairy.

4. Fiber: Like protein, fiber is a macronutrient, which means we need it every day. But many Americans don’t eat nearly enough and the deficiency is linked to heart disease, digestive disorders and cancer. Protein-rich foods, like meat, contain little to no fiber. One serving of kale not only contains 5 percent of the recommended daily intake of fiber, but it also provides 2 grams of protein.

5. Omega fatty acids: Essential Omega fats play an important role in our health, unlike the saturated fats in meat. A serving of kale contains 121 mg of omega-3 fatty acids and 92.4 mg of omega-6 fatty acids.

6. Immunity: Superbugs and bacteria are a serious risk to our health. Many of these come as a result of factory farm meat, eggs and dairy products. Kale is an incredibly rich source of immune-boosting carotenoid and flavanoid antioxidants including vitamins A and C.

7. Sustainable: Kale grows to maturity in 55 to 60 days versus a cow raised for beef for an average of 18-24 months. Kale can grow in most climates and is relatively easy and low impact to grow at home or on a farm. To raise one pound of beef requires 16 pounds of grain, 11 times as much fossil fuel and more than 2,400 gallons of water.

article from from:

http://www.organicauthority.com/health/reasons-kale-is-the-new-beef-nutritious-sustainable.html 

Keep in touch with Jill on Twitter @jillettinger

Sources:

http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-food/meat-wastes-natural-resources.aspx

http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2461/2

http://www.irondisorders.org/iron-deficiency-anemia

http://www.ellenskitchen.com/faqs/calcium.html

Image: Steven Jackson Photography

I really have to thank my Grandma and Sesame Street for fostering that place early on where I could dream and imagine anything.  I dont think I could have created GPG or any of the GPHero characters without giving big cred to the King of Green- Kermit the Frog.  As a 5 year old I loved Kermie and my heart sang along and ached with him as he sang, “It’s not that easy being green….but as tall as a tree”  meant something to me.  That thing, being green was and is good enough and thats what Kermit taught me.  Green is good enough, a very important lesson indeed.

It was his power as a mere frog who often expressed his vulnerabilities that made him real.    So tonight, when he and Ms. Piggy were nominated for their Oscar, it brought that old 5 year old sense of joy right back, and he looked so cute in a tux!   So heres to you Kermie and Jim Henson and the whole cast of Sesame Street for all you have done to bring countless children the joy of learning, big imagination and for reminding us that rainbows  can bring us any magical thing we can dream about!

Gowanus Canal to Become “Sponge Park” for Storm Water Runoff

A  truly sensible solution and a better alternative than million of gallons of storm water draining into our oceans with all the muck form the city streets.   I got so excited and remembered Nelson’s Planet CPR.  Thanks Nels!

Reminds me of William Kamkwamba the boy who harnessed the wind and the inspiration behind Jah Wind Power http://williamkamkwamba.typepad.com/

People bringing the power to the people! Awesome – now go give em $10 or $50

http://ecogeek.org/component/content/article/3698

Like: Farts are made up of the following: Nitrogen, the main ingredient making up
59 percent; next behind is hydrogen at 21 percent; 9 percent carbon dioxide;
7 percent methane, 3 percent oxygen and 1 percent other stuff.  Here are the top 10 farter’s:
Here are the top 10 farter’s:
1. Termites
2. Camels
3. Zebras and my pony Free
4. Sheep
5. Cows6. Elephants
7. Labradors and retrievers
8. Humans (vegetarians)
9. Humans (non-vegetarians)
10. Gerbils (also known as the
desert rat)

Thanks for checking out the new website and my very first blog entry!  Wanna thank Al for putting together an awesome site and getting me up too high tech speed.  Finally GPG can be viewed on the iphone!  Ya!

So the most exciting thing happening for GPG will be on the stage at TEDxHonololu on 11.1.11.   I have 8 minutes to talk about the last 11 years being GPG- wish me luck and tune in!  (Think I will be on in the last quarter of the day around 3-4pm HST- that stands for Hawaiian-Aleutian Standard Time)  The event will be live streamed all day and there will be some great speakers.  Ever heard Jake Shimabukuro tear it up on the Uke?

Mostly I am honored to have a chance (even a short one) to share why I have chosen or rather why I have been chosen to be The Green Power Girl.  If you dont know GPG’s back story then watch the cartoon “No Cape Required”.

more later…
Love this schools motto:

“Dream it. Do it. Be it.”

XxGPG