So I am taking this simply wonderful e-course about de-stressing your life. I am loving it. Partly because so far it is a much needed affirmation of the discoveries I’ve made on my journey to understand my body better and what I need to do to keep it healthy and happy. And partly because of the inspiring opportunity to connect with other women seeking to understand their personal health better too.

In the first week of the course we dug into how sound nutrition can keep physical and emotional stress at bay. We began by discussing why breakfast is important. Personally, I need breakfast. You don’t want to see me without breakfast. Not pretty.

The second week of the course we are talking about eating dark leafy greens. I must confess I have never been a huge fan of greens. I remember making salads in college with all the veggies, except greens of any kind. But this week I decided to put leafy greens to the test and see how my body felt afterward.

What I’ve found: eat greens = *presto*, feel calm, feel alert, feel no sugar cravings, feel…good!

Now, how have I been preparing these dark leafy greens I don’t prefer to consume? Well, a variety of ways. Green smoothies. (Okay, must divulge, I thought this was the weirdest idea at first…but it actually tastes…okay.) Kale, beef, and fresh tomato scramble. This turns out to be a super-duper quick, easy, and satisfying lunch for me. And finally kale chips. Thought these too were weird. And since I don’t like potato chips I thought I wouldn’t like these either. Wrong. They are actually kind of addicting. (Maybe like potato chips for some of you.)

So you ask, where can I get this great information about the fantastic Stress Cure for Moms? Lisa Byrne is the great mind behind The Well Grounded Life blog and a certified holistic health counselor. Her holistic philosophy about total body health really falls right in line with everything I believe about our mind-body connections. And for what I’ve learned about my body through trial, error, and luck, she supplies the scientific reason behind it all. It is like my eyes are opening a bit wider, and I can feel my health improving. I believe she will be holding another e-course this fall about stress, but in the meantime, give her blog a read and I am positive you’ll find a little something that can help improve your bodily health.

So, on to the recipes I’ve been using to make me feel a bit better….

Green Collard Smoothie

• 2 large collard leaves, veins removed, and leaves chopped finely
• 1/2 large banana
• 3/4 C peaches chopped, skins on
• 1/2 C plain whole yogurt
• 1/2 C filtered water

Blend all ingredients until smooth and enjoy. (If you like a bit of sweetness, add 1 t of agave nectar.) (Getting the greens smooth may take a minute or two, so be patient blending.)

Kale + Beef/Sausage + Tomato Scramble

• 8 oz ground beef
• 8 oz sausage (taken out of the casings)
• 1 t garlic, chopped finely
• 3 C curly kale, chopped finely
• 2 medium tomato, diced 1/2″
• 1 t red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 1/4 t freshly ground black pepper

1. Brown meat in skillet (that has a lid) uncovered over medium high heat. (Drain meat if needed.)
2. Add garlic and kale greens, and cover. Let greens steam for 1 minute, or until bright green.
3. Uncover and add red and black pepper. Stir.
4. Remove from heat, plate portions, and sprinkle with fresh diced tomato.

Serves 4 (But I can eat a large double portion.)

Kale Chips

I am going to defer to this Bon Appetite recipe. But my own note is that lacinato kale, a flat leaf kale, is the variety that I use to make these chips. Oh, and really do take the time to remove the leaf veins, it makes for a much more pleasant eating experience.

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So, if you are interested in learning more about how to deal with stress, revitalize your body, and feel better able to do more, visit Lisa’s blog. She just posted a Special Report about Natural Ways to Relieve PMS and actually used my testimonial in her report. I am just delighted that she gave such respect to my personal journey to better health. Thank you Lisa. And to all you fellow Stress-Course moms out there, I hope these recipes can help you like they have helped me.