Quick and Easy Greens: Recipe 1 of 12

Welcome to Busy Women Mealtime Makeover! Whether you are one of the lovely busy ladies participating in the makeover or just interested in taking your meals up a notch – girl, do I have some rockin’ recipes for you! From now until June 1st, I’ll be featuring twelve new delicious makeover-friendly recipes. This week, we are focusing on eating more dark, leafy greens. (And if you want to join in and get the entire makeover PDF complete with meal plans, shopping lists and recipes, videos and photos of me cooking, weekly emails with additional recipes and kitchen tips and tricks and access to our online forum, you can totally start a few days late – click here and sign up!)
From a young age, my friend and fellow health coach, Melissa, had digestion problems and often struggled with the ups and downs of weight gain. Through trial, error and much research she found that an all natural, whole foods diet, along with regular exercise was the answer to improving her health issues. She was able to lose weight (and keep it off), improve her digestion, increase energy and greatly improve her mood. How awesome is that? Melissa wants to share what she has learned. She is running her Spring Cleanse: Group Program in a few days. It runs from May 14th through May 23rd. Check it out here.
Melissa, you are busy, right? How do you get a decent, healthy meal on the table? 
I like to make meals that are quick, easy, and healthy. I’m definitely not a chef or a fancy cook, just healthy ingredients and a whole lotta love in my dishes. I also try to do the prep work (i.e. cutting, slicing, etc.) either in the morning or when my little one is napping.
Why do you make healthy, real food a priority in your life?
I believe the gift of health is the most important thing I can offer my family and healthy meals are a great way to do that!
What is your favorite thing to make when it is cold outside?
Once springtime comes around I like to add more salads and smoothies into my daily diet.
What is that one thing that busy people can do this spring to eat a little healthier?
Prepare. Cut up fruits and veggies and bag them in individual baggies once you purchase them so this way you can just grab and go!
What is your favorite gadget in the kitchen?
I’d have to say my Vitamix — Love!  My 2 year old son loves the old fashion hand juicer, he helps me make fresh squeezed orange juice.  My best advice for a healthy family is to get your kids involved in the kitchen!
Quick and Easy Greens
Ingredients:
2 carrots, shredded
2 bunches dark leafy greens (kale, collards, swiss chard, spinach) Stems removed, leaves thinly sliced
1/2 small onion chopped
1 can canellini beans
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 C uncooked quinoa
*1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)

Directions:
Rinse and cook quinoa according to package. In the meantime, put carrots, greens, onions, 1/4 C water, salt & pepper into a large skillet and toss well.  Add in canellini beans. Cover and cook over medium heat tossing until greens are witled and tender. About 10 to 15 minutes.  Spoon greens over quinoa sprinkle almonds on top and enjoy! Serve with a wedge of lemon for even more flavor.

Thanks Melissa! 
Visit Melissa over at www.fitandhealthymamas.com. Melissa is leading her Spring Cleanse: Group Program in a few days. It runs from May 14th through May 23rd. Check out the details here.
**Check out all the Busy Women Mealtime Makeover recipes by clicking here.**