Tip #10: Popeye may eat it from a can, but you don't have to

You could take a multivitamin...or you could just eat some spinach. Spinach is a super food that has more vitamins, minerals and benefits than I have time to write about.

Let me just share a few: vitamins A, B1, B2, B2, B5, B6, C, E, K, Beta Carotene and Folate. Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Zinc. Spinach is also a great source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.

Spinach is excellent for you because it is low in calories and super high in nutritional value. It's great for your heart and gastrointestinal health. It has anti-inflammatory properties, slows age-related decline in brain function, protects against eye diseases, and is one of the BEST sources of Iron you can eat.

Okay, so if you are still reading, you understand that yeah, spinach is good for you; but for some, it's hard to stomach. Here are two ways to eat spinach that even my husband (who is no spinach fan!) and my young kids will (sometimes) eat.

Spinach Saute'
(I eat this for lunch a couple of times a week--yummy!)

1-2 tsp of extra virgin olive oil
1/3 bag of baby spinach
1 T minced garlic (I love garlic-you may want less)
2 slices provolone cheese (or your favorite cheese)
lemon pepper

*Heat the oil in a pan and saute' the garlic (sometimes I throw in some mushrooms to saute' also). Once the garlic is lightly browned, add the spinach. It looks like a lot, but will cook down. Tear the cheese into pieces and lay it on the spinach to melt. Toss it around until cheese is slightly melted, and spinach is tender. Put on a plate and serve immediately. This serving is for one person. I season it with a little lemon pepper, but you can use whatever you like.

Spinach Salad and Dressing
(got this one from a Bed and Breakfast-Delicious!)

1 pkg. baby spinach
8oz. mushrooms, sliced
2 green onions, sliced
2 hard boiled eggs, chopped
6 slices beef bacon, cooked and crumbled

Dressing:
1/2 cup oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup ketchup
1/3 cup sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

Put salad ingredients together in large serving bowl. Combine dressing ingredients and cover to shake vigorously to mix well. Pour over salad right before ready to serve. Serves 6.

Spinach is an amazing food that your body--your health, needs every bit of. Even if spinach is not usually an item found in your grocery cart, it's worth at least trying.