26 Mar 2011 42 Comments
FINALLY! The Kale Grail!
Life often provides us with some very strange challenges. The 17 Day Diet, for some reason, has decided to challenge us with Kale. To be specific, what is known in the 17 Day Diet Club as “Krispy Kale”. So unsatisfied are most of us with this idea that we’ve tried all kinds of variations on the recipes– but few have found what we consider to the “The Kale Grail”.
Until now.
Terri found a company called Brad’s Raw Chips and funny enough they make Brad’s Raw Leafy Kale. After a few emails back and forth, they sent us some samples. In the last two days I’ve put more leafy greens in my system than I have in the last five years. These things are good. Really good.
I highly suspect that Brad is insane. Not insane in a bad way, but insane like “Thomas Edision Insane”. Because he found a way to do this wihtout baking or frying. Instead, he dehydrates Kale Leaves at a temperature slightly below 115 degrees and has discovered that this temperature does not affect the potency of the nutrients. See what I mean? How insanely dedicated to healthy food would you have to be in order to figure that out? It’s like he’s a mad vegan scientist or something!
We got samples of all three of their Raw Leafy Kale products:
- Vampire Killer (Garlic and Cheese)
- Nasty Hot (Jalepeno and Vegan Cheese)
- Naked Plain (Vegan Cheese)
I found all three to be incredibly good. In fact, I cannot name a favorite. All I know is that what they sent us will probably not last through the weekend– unless Terri hid some somewhere. I finished off a box of the Naked Plain today and was literally eating the crumbs at the bottom of the container. I will say that the “Nasty Hot” is spicy, but not nearly as hot as you would think the title indicates. We tested them on our 13 year old son because he eats raw Jalepenos like they’re candy. He said they’re pretty mild. As his official interpreter I can tell you that means they’re spicy, but not Tabasco spicy.
The Raw Leafy Kale is packaged in plastic boxes so that it’s not crushed and the packaging did it’s job– the few ”crumbles in the bottom of the box seemed entirely reasonable.
While at first the Raw Leafy Kale seems expensive, (about $7.50 per box), there are several servings in a box. Compare the quantity in the box to what’s in the bag of Cheetos you pay for (or used to pay for) at the convenience store and the price seems to be only a little more expensive than buying a bag of orange-puffy-I-don’t-know-what’s-in-these things.
And now for the REALLY good news: all three Raw Leafy Kale products are legal ON ALL THREE CYCLES!
And now for the FANTASTICALLY GOOD news– next week we’ll be giving away over $100 of the Raw Leafy Kale to some lucky reader of our site. The lucky winner will be able to pick out 12 boxes of Raw Leafy Kale and pick the combination of flavors they want. How cool is that?
The contest rules will be posted sometime next week, so get out your lucky rabbits foot. Wait… that was probably the wrong thing to associate with a company that makes Vegan products…. sorry.
In the meantime, click on Brad’s Logo in the sidebar and check them out. That way when you win, you’ll know what you want.
“The Husband”
Mar 26, 2011 @ 13:44:44
Wow! Exciting! I’ve found some local ones and I have to admit I’ve become very fond of them as a treat. I just bought some kale and am going to put it in my dehydrator today and see how it turns out. A little olive oil spray and some garlic salt is all I should need.
I want to win the prize! I will be looking forward to the contest rules.
Mar 26, 2011 @ 15:45:27
Sounds yummy!
Mar 26, 2011 @ 17:08:46
Now I’m intrigued. Had no intention of trying kale chips after all the “gross” comments on FB. If they were available in CO, I’d might even go on an adventure and track these down. But went to the website, and no such luck. Guess I’m going to have to try and win those Grail chips.
Mar 26, 2011 @ 17:28:37
Whereabouts are you in CO? I’m in Broomfield.
Mar 26, 2011 @ 18:10:01
Daniele– why can’t you just order a box from their website…?
Mar 26, 2011 @ 18:29:17
REALLY! Bevee, you are not far. I’m in Loveland. When I first started, I kept asking people on FB if anyone was from CO. How dumb of me to forget to ask in the blog. I’m so excited to Finally meet someone from Northern CO.
Mar 26, 2011 @ 18:33:23
The Husband, I didn’t want to admit this, but I am a online shopping junky. I have to stay clear because I wouldn’t buy just a few, I’d buy a case to justify making a purchase that has to be shipped. This bad shopping habit is probably the only thing My Husband doesn’t approve of and since we live solely on his income, I can understand why. So, I’m going to keep that addiction in check and pass on ordering from their website, for now.
Mar 26, 2011 @ 19:02:41
“The Husband” feels your pain.
Mar 26, 2011 @ 20:13:51
Update: My homemade kale in my dehydrator is turning out crispy and wonderful!
Mar 27, 2011 @ 04:48:59
Ha Ha… I think you have it backwards… homeland security is keeping other countries safe from your exporting icky snack foods… sorry the whole idea of kale chips just makes me squeemish! But I’m glad you enjoy them… and good luck to those who can and will enter the contest
Mar 27, 2011 @ 06:12:50
Marybeth, let us know how you like your homemade shriveled up kale !!!
I tried the baked kale recipe and burned them..ICK! Maybe I would have more success with a dehydrator….
Mar 27, 2011 @ 11:17:18
Thanks “The husband!” I want to order one of everything!!!! WIN WIN hope I win.
Hey Daniele, I’m down here in South East Colorado, La Junta? Little rural town. Was just in Denver yesterday moving my brother. I have to say, I hate the traffic so bad!!!! Glad to be back in my little town. My poor mother. I make her a nervous wreak. Not with my driving, but with my panicking in the passenger seat! Sorry mom!!!
So I had a idea I wanted to share. First THIRTEEN!!! Finally hit 13 pounds down. So yesterday when we were moving my bro, he is moving into a apartment and of course was on the 3rd floor. No elevator, just stairs. I went up and down and up and down. Great work out and maybe helped get to the 13. So I was thinking… since we were talking about exercise. Here in town we just recently built a wonderful football/baseball/track stadium for the high school. It is open to the public and free! (or course). Wouldn’t that be the best work out. Going up and down the stairs!! then I can walk around the track. I was telling my son and so excited and well he thinks I’m nut. Not me, I think it is a great idea!!!
Looking forward to the contest! Time to find my menu for the week!
Mar 27, 2011 @ 14:03:32
I see they sell it at Whole Foods which is near my home. I will definitely try the Vampire Killer and the Naked Plain now that I know what to look for. Thanks so much “Husband”, your blog always makes me laugh.
Mar 27, 2011 @ 16:19:38
update: So excited. Talked to a gal, only one I know that works out and is trying to loose weight. She is thrilled to go run stairs with me!!!!! Starting next week, every Tuesday and Thursday!!
Mar 27, 2011 @ 17:16:31
Whoo-Hoo! I would be eager to try these, so I hope I win the contest. Will have my eyes peeled for the details. I did try making them. I had to go to 4–5 stores to even find kale, then the baking went “okay.” Someone had said to not store them in plastic, so I put it all into a paper bag to take on our vacation. Well, the taste wasn’t bad (at least the “chips” that were not overcooked), *however,* the oil soaked the paper bag from bottom to top and I finally threw it out just because it was such a MESS. So-o-o-o-o-o-o, all of that to say I can’t wait for some “real” ones.
Mar 27, 2011 @ 19:05:39
Katie, you are a greeny too! (That’s what my friend from Wyoming calls his friends from CO). I use to teach classes in Pueblo; about twice a year. But that is the farthest south I have been other than driving out of CO to NM. I love your stair idea. It is a great workout. I was at a Bridal Expo today and we had to go 3 floors down from the entrance level. Everyone used the escalator while I used the stairs. I still beat them to the bottom.
Mar 27, 2011 @ 19:07:38
“Thumbs Up” (It is my “like” reply to your post. Maybe I have been spending too much time on Facebook.
)
Mar 27, 2011 @ 21:12:19
My homemade kale chips in my dehydrator were very good! I’m also trying the cauliflower popcorn recipe in the dehydrator, but it’s taking more than 24 hours because the cauliflower is so heavy. The kale dehydrated in about 12 hours. I’m going to try it again, although I have to admit I like the ease of just buying it already crisped. My question though is, The Husband says it is legal on all 3 cycles, but doesn’t it have nuts in it? Terri, what about that?
Mar 28, 2011 @ 06:30:11
Marybeth, the “nuts” in it are literally like dust so you are getting probably the equivelent of less than one nut in each package. It’s negligible. So yes, it has been reviewed by a committee of people and it’s fine in all three cycles.
Mar 28, 2011 @ 08:35:10
Daniele,
I love that! I’m a greeny too! My oldest son lives in Pueblo. Well Pueblo west.
Good job doing the stairs. I always do that to. My hubby always takes the elevator and I race him on the stairs!!
I’ll let you know how the stadium stairs go. I’m going to go check it out Tuesday and see if the school is using it. If they are on the track, I don’t think they will mind two ladies climbing the stairs.
Have a wonderful day. Cold today and tomorrow (think your getting snow) then up to 80 on Saturday! YES!!!!!!
Mar 28, 2011 @ 20:06:30
Katie,
You got me thinking. The high school is not far from here. I could walk over and do the same thing. Now I just need my 17DD buddy to move to Loveland. She’s working on it, hopefully by the end of April.
Mar 29, 2011 @ 12:33:09
GREAT NEWS! The company called me and said that THEY CAN SHIP TO CANADA!
So all of you Canadia Folks can play too!
Mar 29, 2011 @ 12:47:50
What are the contest details?
Mar 29, 2011 @ 13:04:59
Just tried the Vampire Killer chips and found them very tasty. Good flavor and crispier than I thought they would be. Whole Foods sells them for $7.99 so it may be wiser to order online (bulk) depending on S&H. The container says it serves 2.5 servings but it is easy to finish it in one sitting. I also picked up a bag of of Sweet Potato chips, I found them somewhat bland, definitely needs more salt or flavor for my taste. Sweet Potato chips also sold for $7.99. I usually don’t go down that aisle but now that I have I see there are a slew of organic options that are allowed in all cycles. All in all, the Kale chips were a good find, thanks Terri and Husband.
Mar 29, 2011 @ 13:34:45
I’m going crazy with my dehydrator. My kale was great, I also did the popcorn cauliflower, it wasn’t so great and took about 48 hours. I’m trying zucchini today, and want to try making some sweet potato chips as well.
Mar 29, 2011 @ 14:20:21
Details will be online on Friday Morning– that’s when the contest begins.
Mar 30, 2011 @ 01:40:39
I think maybe the cauliflower needs to be in the oven at the higher temp so it can brown and carmalize to get the flavor. I have a dehydrator and need to try the kale that way. I really need to do some apples and other fruits. They make handy snacks and its easier to travel with!
Mar 30, 2011 @ 04:59:33
Daniele,
That is so great!! Here is my plan, we will meet every Tuesday and Thursday and run the stairs (pray we don’t fall!) then I recently purchased The Perfect Sit Up. Have you seen it? Got it at Walmart. My buddy has been raving about it, so I got on line, it had great reviews. Well it is WONDERFUL And really works, so Tuesday will be abs and stairs. Then Monday, Wednesday and Friday is treadmill and weights.
I hope your buddy gets there soon! It is just more fun and motivating to have a work out buddy.
Let me know if you go and I’ll let you know how my first day goes. Ouch… but a good ouch!
Mar 30, 2011 @ 05:07:17
OK, can’t wait for Friday!.
When we go to visit our oldest son, there is a whole food. Can’t wait to go look.
Happy Wednesday!
Oh and I mentioned to Daniele about something. Have you seen the commercials about The Perfect Sit Up? My buddy has had it and just goes on and on. So I looked it up and it had really good reviews. Even went on youtube.com to check it out. Got it and LOVE IT!!!! And it has a little click when you do the “perfect sit up”. My buddy calls it the Click N Burn! I highly recommend it!!!
Mar 30, 2011 @ 23:52:55
I’m glad you liked them Mari! It’s the first Kale chip I’ve met, that I liked (or could even eat!)
Mar 30, 2011 @ 23:54:31
Gale, they should be up by Friday…I’ll make sure you don’t miss it! And the person will get to choose the product they want which is really terrific. We are very excited that Brads has worked with us to do our first giveaway and we’re hoping if it’s successful it’s just the beginning of many more to come!
Mar 31, 2011 @ 08:16:23
Hello All!
I am fairly new to this website, however I have been perusing the site for about three days now. I started the 17 day died 2 days ago, on Tuesday. And have lost 2.5 lbs. Go me! I hope it doesn’t slow down. And I am really enjoying reading everyone’s suggestions and ideas. My first day was very hard. I was so grumpy and sad and down. I snapped at my dad (3 of us are doing this diet-mom, dad, and me) when I saw him put half a teaspoon of sugar in his coffee-poor man! But my mother and I have not cheated. Can’t say the temptation wasn’t there, it is here now while I sit at work. It is especially there when I get home at night. I would love to have a sweet snack, or a fruit! But seeing the 2.5lbs gone on the scale today has made the sacrifices worth it. I don’t have too much to lose, about 15 lbs and then I will be able to maintain that by going to the gym 5-6 times a week. I prefer to excercise much more than diet. But on this diet, I tend to be very tired by the time I get home and do not feel like going to the gym. Instead I climb ten flights of stairs up and down at work. And do a few yoga poses at home. I hate the weight I put on after the winter season.
Here is to summer and here is to looking hot and sexy again!!
Good luck guys!
oh and p.s.: I ordered the kale chips of the website in hopes of bringing it up here to work and to snack on it. It shipped out today!
Mar 31, 2011 @ 08:44:27
Yes, about the higher temperature for the cauliflower, I think you’re right. But another comment on this blog also got me thinking about carcinogens. I’ve been using the olive oil, but it is not supposed to be used at high heat. So I went to Whole Foods and bought some high-heat-sunflower-oil spray, and now I’m using that on my cauliflower. It’s supposed to be safe up to 475, so I feel much better using that. I just did a couple of zucchini in the dehydrator. It took about 3 days to get them crunchy at a low enough heat to still be considered raw, but I took them out this morning and they were gone instantly. It’s so easy to eat veggies when they’re just sitting around looking like chips!
Mar 31, 2011 @ 11:05:43
Happy Thursday.
Where are all the usual posters? Just wondering….
Mar 31, 2011 @ 13:07:21
Hey Ty, I was wondering the same thing?? If everyone’s weather is as nice as it is here, maybe your all out enjoying it!!! My sister is coming to town, so I’m busy getting the back ready to BBQ! Feels like summer. She has lost 9 pounds on this diet too! YES!!!
Have a wonderful day!
Mar 31, 2011 @ 13:15:35
Hi Miaya, I’m so glad you found your way here – we have Facebook site too, if you click the scales on the page it will take you there! You can have yogurt at night or on the FB site if you post that you’re looking for nighttime snacks people will chime in with ideas for you…hopefully they will do that here too! If you are finding you are very tired try cuttting back on the green tea and see if that helps…it helps some people as green tea can effect the iron level in your body..
I had the Kale chips and a yogurt for breakfast. Until now I had never met a Kale Chip I liked! But these, the natural are my favorites and they have cheese on them (Vegan cheese) and are delicous… but a few goes a long way. They have so much flavor you don’t just sit down and eat the entire thing..a few are very satisfying which is great! When you have less to lose you lose slower..but exercise can hold the scale back a little. As you know Dr. Mike suggests in C1 to do only 17 minutes of exercise, twice a day and of course you’re doing much more than that. Probably why you’re more tired (no carbs) and I hope you measure as you’ll see inches gone as much as pounds . Your dad can use Truvia in his coffee – has he tried that? Try cutting back on the tea and see if you don’t have more energy!
Mar 31, 2011 @ 16:43:56
test
Mar 31, 2011 @ 16:51:40
Test
Mar 31, 2011 @ 16:52:39
Test
Mar 31, 2011 @ 16:56:38
TEST
Mar 31, 2011 @ 17:34:22
Can’t wait for the details! They sound good!
Apr 03, 2011 @ 05:40:48
I just joined the 17 day diet… easy so far. What I like about the concept is that it’s supposed to bust the dreaded plateaus. I was on a strict calorie counting diet last year that only allowed 1000 to 1200 cal, and while I lost at first, I hit a plateau that lasted 10 days, with NO cheating. To call that frustrating is quite an understatement. I eventually lost about 12 pounds out of the 25 I wanted to shed. My weight has crept up as bad habits returned.
I love veggies… greek yogurt, fish, etc so I don’t think I’ll have trouble staying with the program on the Accelerator phase, but I love savory carbs and worry about adding them back into to my diet. It’s a “Bet’cha can’t eat just one” kind of problem. At least I like whole grains.
Anyway, the kale chips sound good to me, but I note that some contain some nuts and/or buckwheat…. is that OK?