Living a healthy lifestyle is not always easy. It took a serious health crisis for me to make significant changes to improve and maintain my health.
While some of my health problems are hereditary, some of them can also be linked to unhealthy habits.
I didn’t exercise as much as I should have, I ate way too much salty, fatty foods, high cholesterol foods, I neglected regular doctor visits, and I allowed stress to overwhelm me.
Thankfully, I’ve changed my behavior and am on the road to recovery.
You can also improve your overall well-being by modifying your lifestyle.
Heart attacks, heart failure, strokes, or heart disease can be prevented with changes to your lifestyle.
My biggest lifestyle modification was changing the way I cook and eat.
I’ve reduced the amount of red meat in my diet and replaced it with more fruits and vegetables.
I’ve also learned new cooking techniques to make my meals healthier without sacrificing flavor.
One of my recent recipes is a healthier version of my family’s collard greens recipe (which was loaded with salt and fat) to share with you.
This healthy collard greens recipe is full of flavor and easy to make.
Heart Healthy Collard Greens Recipe: Soulful Smoky Greens
Smoky Soulful Collard Greens
This healthy collard greens recipe was created to be full of flavor without adding excessive salt and fat. It will be a hit with vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters alike.
- Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 medium bell pepper, diced
5 medium garlic cloves, minced
1 16-ounce package collard greens
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 medium bay leaf
Dash hot sauce
4 cups water
Spice Blend
3 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons dried thyme, crumbled
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon preferred hot sauce
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- In a small bowl, stir together the spice blend ingredients. Set aside.
- In a medium skillet, heat the oil over medium heat, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook the onion, bell pepper, and garlic for 7 minutes, or until the onion is soft and the bell pepper is tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the collard greens and spice blend. Add apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and bay leaf. Cook for 3 minutes.
- Stir in the water. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 1½ hours.
- Add hot sauce and serve.
I hope you enjoy this healthy collard greens recipe. If you like it, please share it with your friends and family.
Try them with this Heart Healthy Jerk Seasoned Pork Tenderloin.
I encourage you to make small lifestyle changes to live a healthier life, especially if you have a history of heart attacks or strokes.
Someone with these conditions may have a life expectancy 12 years shorter than someone without these conditions.
Your greatest asset is your health. Eat well, stay active, and take care of yourself.
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Frederick J. Goodall is the Editor-in-Chief of Mocha Man Style, media spokesperson, event host, photographer, and a top social media influencer in Houston, TX. He likes to write about fashion, cars, travel, and health.