Quick & Healthy Collard Green Wrap + Tips to Stay Healthy on a Busy Schedule

Collard green wrap with cannellini beans and avocado - grain free, gluten-free

I’m a busy (and sleep deprived) momma these days with a two year old toddler and a 7 month old babe. Once I joined the ‘parent club’, I became a lot more sympathetic and non-judgmental about quite a few things in life. I get it now when parents, especially new ones, say they are tired and a bit overwhelmed in life. I make babies that don’t like to sleep much. It took my first daughter 11 months before she slept through the night, and her sister seems to be heading the same direction:) I may be tired, but I refuse to put my health on the back burner. I have not let myself succumb to take out or ready made meals. I have just become a bit more conscious, efficient, and organised and I want you to do the same!

Once you get caught up in that circle of feeling tired, eating crap, then feeling even more tired and moody, then life just becomes more and more difficult. You start to rely on stimulants, like caffeine and sugar, to fight the fatigue and giving you that much needed kick.

But this only ends up depleting your system even more, messing up those hormones and disrupting your sleep, and adding to weight gain. Like that’s what we need!! As any nutritionist or health expert will tell you, sleep is one of the most vital parts of maintaining a healthy mind and body, not to mention healthy weight. So it’s a bit painful when you know all the facts but your little ones just need their momma a few times a night.. So how have I maintained the balance in my healthy eating habits?

Here are some tips on how to keep healthy on a busy schedule my dear:

Don’t buy crap – if it’s not in your house, you won’t be tempted to eat it. Simple as that!
Make food in big batches – especially soups, stews, healthy baked goodies – all of which you can freeze.(Don’t forget to label them!) I also make a big bowl of green salad to last me 2-3 days a couple times per week and a yummy dressing to go with it.
Have some ready made foods in the fridge – such as fresh fruit, cut up vegetables, and boiled eggs, some good quality gluten free or sprouted bread, nut butter, etc. This way, when you need to reach for something quick, it will be nutritious! My favourite thing to grab is an avocado sprinkled with lemon juice, sea salt and some spice like Ancho chili pepper.
Carry snacks with you. Not just for your toddler, but for yourself as well. I always have a little glass container with various nuts, seeds, and dried fruit with me in case hunger strikes when I’m out and about.
Always have smoothie ingredients at hand. Smoothies are an amazing way to get loads of nutritious fruits, greens, veggies, fibre and protein into your system within a couple of minutes! To learn how to create the perfectly balanced smoothie click here.
Plan ahead. Avoid mindless, and hungry trips to the grocery store where you grab everything in sight, then get home and feel way too tired to think of a meal to make with anything! Look up a couple of recipes and make a list, then head out to get your groceries.

Here is a 5 minute nutritious and delicious lunch idea when you need some good quality fuel fast! You can use collard greens for this wrap or choose an organic sprouted tortilla or brown rice wrap. If your wraps are too tough, you can steam them for a minute to make them more pliable. I have used cannellini beans here but you can opt for chick peas or any other beans you have handy. If you’re using canned beans, look for a BPA free can!