[JerseysGirl]

Hi all.... I make kale chips by laying out some kale on a cookie tray, spraying a light coat of cooking spray and sprinkling them with no-salt seasonings like Mrs. Dash. Then I bake them for about 10 minutes. They almost taste like potato chips, and I just really like them. Even with the spray and seasoning, they are zero points. But I am wondering if they actually count as a fruit/veggie serving. They *are* veggies, of course, but there's so little to them once they're baked that it seems like I'm eating air (even though they are oddly satisfying). Most days it doesn't matter because I get plenty of servings of fruits and veggies, but some days it seems like a chore. So what's the verdict ... kale chips _ veggie serving or not? Thank you!

Maggie

[mcorbesato]

I wouldn't count them. They are so dehydrated that all of the "good stuff" is probably gone. To play it on the safe side, you should still try to get your 5 servings elsewhere.

[JerseysGirl]

Thank you. That's what I was thinking.

[yoyoma]

Um, gee, I'd disagree. Dehydrating just reduces the water. Those kale chips are super-concentrated.

Cooking veggies and meat does change the chemistry. Typically, nutrients become much more available in cooked food. So, if anything, the kale chips should count more than uncooked kale (but not many folks eat kale raw).

One possible problem with cooking veggies is that if you boil them in water then drain them, you can leach out lots of good stuff. But baking kale neatly avoids this problem!

[JerseysGirl]

Thanks, yoyoma. I didn't think of that -- I guess because they are so light and airy, they seem like "nothing." Sounds like a question for my leader at the meeting this week. Thanks again!

Meg

[Dzbabykel]

Mmm I love kale chips, thanks for the info!

[nancylmrn]

going to give these a try they sound great!

[nancylmrn]

Tried them last night..so simple yet so good going to make another batch tonight!