It's a wrap!

A collard wrap, that is.

I’ve been really into collard greens lately.  Here’s why…

Collard greens are loaded with vitamins A and K, which support bone health and eyesight.  They are also a good source of vitamin C, folate, manganese and calcium.  They contain glucosinolates that support your body’s ability to fight off toxins and may even lower cancer risk.
So collards (like all leafy greens) are awesome for you.  Problem is, the traditional way of serving collards involves cooking them to death.  So I’ve been trying to use them in some different ways.
Sometimes I throw them in my daily green drinks.  This morning I blended collard greens, a peeled lemon, a big chunk of fresh ginger, and a generous splash of water in my Vitamix for a totally badass green drink.  (Warning…if you are new to green drinks, don’t start with this one.  But if you are already into them and feeling adventurous, give it a go!)
But something else I’ve been doing with them lately is using them for wraps.  I buy whole, fresh collard greens from my local market (I love the Broad Street Market in Midtown Harrisburg!)  After washing them and blotting dry, I cut out the big thick stem that runs down the middle. Which leaves me with two decent sized pieces that I can use for a wrap.
This is a wrap that everyone can agree on.  Whether you are paleo, vegetarian, vegan, raw vegan, gluten free or just someone who is trying to eat healthier food, this works!  I have used collard green wraps for chicken salad, egg salad, and avocado and tomato.  It would pretty much be good for anything.
And I’m not the only one using collard wraps.  Bareburger, one of my favorite places to eat in NYC, offers them as an alternative to a bun.  On my most recent visit, I had a medium rare, grass fed burger with spinach and tomato in a collard green wrap.  What’s not to like?!
Remember, consuming your greens (and other veggies) with a healthy fat source helps you absorb the nutrients.  I have my green drink along with coffee that is blended with coconut oil.   And if I’m using collard greens as a wrap, there is some sort of fat involved, whether it’s from avocado or from the Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayo that I use in my egg salad and chicken salad.
So, can collard greens help you feel happy, healthy and hot?  Well of course!  I’m always happy finding fun new ways to eat more greens.  As far as healthy, collard greens are loaded with essential nutrients.  The vitamin C promotes collagen production for firm healthy skin on your face and body, and swapping out your bread for a collard wrap can help you maintain a healthy weight.  So you’ll be hot too!
Thanks for reading!  Have you tried collard greens?
SHOP THE POST:
Vitamix
Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayo
Thrive Market…great way to get the Primal Kitchen Mayo and other happy, healthy and hot essentials at a deep discount