Day 1 - August 2012 GSC

Welcome to our Monthly
Green Smoothie Challenge!
Usually it is held on the 3rd Monday and Tuesday each month - but since I was away, for this month it is on the 4th Mon and Tues.

Next month the GSC will be on September 17 and 18 - be sure to mark on your calendar!

Begin by opening a fresh young Thai coconut (they are the white coconuts that have been shaved to a point and are wrapped in clear plastic). I find they are fresher and cheaper in Asian markets. 

Remember when buying coconuts to always shake them! If you hear liquid sloshing around - put it down and select a different one. The sound of liquid sloshing means the coconut is older and fermentation is taking place inside - you only want the young ones packed full of the precious liquid!

After removing the lid with the heel of a large knife and pouring approximately 2 cups coconut water into the blender, the meat is removed from the coconut with a heavy spoon, put into a bag, and stored in the freezer for later use in recipes.

Rainforest GS

2 cups coconut water
1/2 cup orange juice, fresh squeezed
1/2 mango, peeled and seeded
1 banana, peeled
1/2 papaya, peeled and seeded
1 to 2 cups fresh spinach (depending on your tasts buds)

• Placing the water and fruit in the blender first makes for easier blending
• After blending the fruit, add the torn or chopped greens
• Blend again and taste
• If using a Vitamix you can add the whole orange (peeled and seeded)

Nutri-Tips:
I always enjoy fresh spinach once a week. It is loaded with vitamins, is a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids, and with anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory antioxidants, spinach shows evidence of protection against the occurrence of prostate cancer. It also alkalizes the body, nourishes the eyes, and strengthens the bones!

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For dinner on the first day of a challenge, I usually make a thick pudding that fills me when I am normally looking for a meal!

Blueberry Pudding GS

1 cup water
1-1/2 cups frozen blueberries
1-1/2 bananas, peeled
1-1/2 stalks celery, chopped
1 cup fresh parsley
1 Tbsp Chia seeds (optional)

• As usual I place the water and fruit in the blender first for easier blending
• After blending the fruit, add the chopped greens
• Blend again and taste
• Optional: After all ingredients in GS are blended, add Chia seeds, pulse for a few seconds to mix through and not break up the seeds - let GS sit for 5 minutes or so to thicken

Nutri-Tips:
Blueberries combat cancer, protect your heart, stabilize blood sugar, boost memory, and prevent constipation!