3 Quick, Healthy Meal Ideas for Busy Moms

Before having Jack I had plenty of time to try elaborate, healthy recipes – like cauliflower crust pizza (now we just treat ourselves to delivery). Now that I’m a mom, I don’t have the same amount of time to cook, but it’s still so important for me to eat healthy.

Here are a few quick, healthy meal ideas for busy moms.

green smoothie

The Green Smoothie

Who doesn’t have 5 minutes to throw a bunch of ingredients into a blender and hit start? My green smoothie recipe is unique because it’s a combination of healthy fats, protein & fiber – a combo that will keep you feeling satisfied for longer. Unlike most smoothies out there, it’s not all fruit, which just spikes your blood sugar and leaves you feeling hungry again soon after. If you don’t even have 5 minutes in the morning, put all the ingredients in your blender the night before, and hit go in the morning.

Green Power Smoothie
Serves 2

Ingredients

1 banana
½-cup frozen mango or blueberries
1 tbsp. chia seeds
1 tbsp. hemp seeds
1 tbsp. flax seed
1 tbsp. coconut oil
2 spoons plain Greek yogurt
3 handfuls organic baby spinach or fill blender to the top with greens
1-2 cups liquid (water, almond milk, etc.)

Method

Blend all ingredients together in a blender or food processor.

Boiled Eggs-8

The Lettuce Wrap

I love this lunch because the only cooking that’s required is to boil an egg. It’s also a combo of protein, healthy fats and fiber, which keeps you satisfied. And because you’re using a lettuce leaf instead of a flour tortilla, you’re squeezing in a serving of raw veg, saving calories and it’s gluten-free!

Egg & Avocado Lettuce Wrap

Ingredients

1-2 eggs, boiled
½ of a small avocado
¼-cup feta cheese, crumbled
¼-cup salsa
1 collard green lettuce leaf (or Boston, Romaine lettuce leaf)
Salt & pepper to taste

Method

Boil or scramble eggs. Fill collard leaf with egg, avocado, feta cheese and salsa. Wrap and enjoy!

gefu spiral slicer

Zucchini Noodle Pasta

This meal idea requires that you go out and buy the Gefu spiral slicer, but I would strongly recommend it. This pasta dish is easy, healthy, and once again, you’re swapping carbs for raw veg = more fiber, less calories and gluten-free (good for healthy digestion). Zucchini makes an awesome substitute for noodles because they have a noodle-like texture, and a neutral flavour, which makes it easy to pair with your favorite sauce and toppings.

Zucchini Noodle Pasta

Ingredients

1 tbsp. grapeseed or avocado oil
1 package shrimp
1 tsp. chili flakes
1 clove garlic, minced
1 yellow onion, diced
1 package sliced cremini mushrooms
2-3 medium zucchinis
2-cups marinara sauce or pesto
½-cup feta cheese, crumbled
Salt & pepper to taste

Method

Using your spiral slicer, make zucchini noodles, and set aside in a bowl.

Using a large skillet, heat oil on medium-low heat. Add chili flakes, garlic and shrimp. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until pink. Remove shrimp from pan, and set aside on a plate.

Using the same skillet, sauté onions and mushrooms for 5 minutes or until mushrooms are softened. Add sauce and zucchini noodles, and warm for 5 minutes. Serve, and top with feta cheese, salt & fresh ground pepper.

About Lauren

Welcome! I’m Lauren Follett. A couple years ago, while working in the corporate world of downtown Toronto, I decided to pursue my passion for healthy living and enrolled in the Distance Education program with The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. I studied on my lunch breaks, after work, on the weekends, and while travelling through South America. The world of health & nutrition can be confusing. There are a lot of mixed messages out there when it comes to health: low fat, low calories, sugar-free, low-carb, gluten-free…leaving you confused, frustrated, and wondering where to start. That’s where I come in. As a Registered Nutritionist, my goal is to help you accomplish your health & wellness goals. I don’t believe in diets or quick fixes. I believe in living a healthy lifestyle, which requires you to get educated, and learn how to make healthy choices. I’m dedicated to working closely with my clients to teach & motivate them to make healthy choices, discuss healthy living strategies and create customized nutrition programs that fit with their life.

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