This is how I started my day - with a Pineapple Chard Green Smoothie! These Green Smoothies are not only good for you - but are refreshing, tasty, and give you a lot of energy!
Pineapple Chard GS
2 cups water
1/2 mango, peeled and seeded
1 banana, peeled
1 cup fresh pineapple
1 knob organic ginger (1/2" to 1" chunk)
1 to 2 cups fresh Rainbow Chard (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
Nutri-Tips:
Both Banana and Mango have soluble fibre to keep
your GS from separating (like when you add citrus or apple). Insoluble fibre
passes through our intestines largely intact - while soluble fibre prolongs
stomach emptying time and may beneficially affect blood sugar levels as sugar is released and
absorbed more slowly. For soluable fibre include fruits like banana, mango, blueberries, or pear. Peel and cut ripe peeled bananas into chunks and store them in a bag in your freezer. This way you always have some on hand for the creaminess you desire!
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Finishing off this Green Smoothie Challenge with a Strawberry Milkshake GS. And although I have posted this one before, it is one that I like. Hope you enjoyed this month's GSC!
Strawberry Milkshake GS
2 cups Arugula/Spinach mixture
2 frozen bananas
1 cup strawberries
2 cups Sesame seed mylk (from unhulled sesame seeds)
- In a blender, mix together until thick and creamy
- Using frozen bananas results in a thicker milkshake effect
- Strawberries can be fresh or frozen - adding more will give a reddish colour and a more intense strawberry flavour
- Use any nut or seed mylk
Nutri-Tips: I find Sesame mylk has more flavour than Almond mylk, and sesame seeds are a good source of calcium, phosphorous, zinc and copper. Unhulled sesame seeds have a higher mineral content and are less processed than hulled sesame seeds; offer more calcium than hulled sesame seeds; and are less prone to rancidity - they are also gluten-free!
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!
Aug 27 and Aug 28, 2012
Monthly Green Smoothie Challenge!
EZ Raw Living and RawBC have partnered in hosting regular monthly 2-day Green Smoothie Challenges. Usually on the 3rd Monday of each month, but since I was away this month it is moved to the 4th Monday!
Once you have completed your 2-day GS Challenge, please contact RawBC with "I did it with your name and town/city" in the subject line at info@rawbc.org so that we get a total number for those having participated.
Each month RawBC will continue to promote the GS Challenge, and record the numbers of people participating in the GS Challenge. Help spread the word...........
You have most likely heard of people doing a detox or a fast -to clean out the body and get rid of toxins. Well here is a different twist on that theme! Why not feed and refuel your body while refreshing your senses by taking a couple of days off from food and just drinking Green Smoothie blender drinks?
It is hard to feel deprived because drinking an entire blender, containing all the fibre from the fruit and greens, is very filling. And as this abundance of organic nutrient-dense dark leafy greens, fruits, and water is slowly assimilated - the body receives what it needs to do its job without stress or interference.
STARTING Monday Aug 27 in the morning - This is a wonderful opportunity to experience more vibrant health and energy! YOU'RE WELCOME TO JOIN US!
- Regenerate, Reactivate, and Restore the body, mind, and spirit NOW!
- Allow yourself this time to disconnect from cable TV, newspapers, radio, outside opinions, and material things
- Connect with nature, feel the movement of energy, the Universe within, and what is truly important to you
- Get rid of brain fog and discover clarity
- Allow the digestive system to receive a well deserved rest. Since drinking a blended drink requires much less energy - more energy is now available for regeneration!
2-DAY GSC - How To:
- A basic Green Smoothie is usually 60% organic fruit, 40% organic dark leafy greens (no starchy vegetables or additives), and 2 cups water (or young Thai coconut water) mixed together in a blender. You will find recipes on this blog to get you started.
- Be aware that combining starchy vegetables with fruits can cause gas in the intestines - so do not use root vegetables. Dark leafy greens are the only food group that helps digest other foods through stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes - so greens can be combined with any other foods.
- And if you are not used to consuming large quantities of raw organic fruit and dark leafy greens, it is possible you may feel worse to begin with - which is a good sign that your body is doing some house cleaning!
- For Aug 27 and Aug 28, drink as many blenders full of Green Smoothie as you want, and supplement by eating fresh fruit only, that is if you feel the need
- Each day I will post my Green Smoothie recipes, let you know how I am feeling, and share new awarenesses as they come
- Final note to consider: Instead of relying on the words of others (myself included), why not have your own personal experience of Green Smoothies with this Challenge? Join me starting Monday Aug 27 - pay close attention to how your body responds - and discover if drinking Green Smoothies is the right fit for you!
- Questions? Need support? Want to share your recipes or experiences? Email ezrawliving@earthanimals.ca to contact me
Here is a recipe that I received and decided to give it a try. It comes from Ron Russell of the Sun Cafe and this is my modified version for the cheeze sauce and veggies (shown here with Portabello Loaf.
Cheezy Veggies
Veggies
1 cup diced celery
1 cup zucchini, quartered and sliced 1/4" thick
1 cup red pepper, sliced in chunks
1 cup green beans, ends trimmed off and sliced
1 clove garlic, pressed or chopped
1/2 tsp Himalayan salt
1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Mix all together in a glass casserole
- Remove bottom 2 trays from dehydrator
- Place casserole in bottom of dehydrator
- Dehydrate at 105 degrees 2-3 hours to give a roasted texture
Cheeze
1 small red pepper, chopped
1 cup sunflower seeds, soaked and drained
4 Tbsp Red Star nutritional yeast
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp paprika
1-1/2 tsp Himalayan salt
2 Tbsp raw agave, or chopped pitted dates
3/4 cup filtered water
- Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender (I used a Vitamix)
- Pour cheeze over veggies - and enjoy!
My first day back from holidays - and I was in the fields picking berries!
For local ORGANIC blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries I like to go to Warketin farm located on Harris Road on the way to Mission. Call Damon at 604-302-4968 for directions and crop availability.
Today I picked nearly 20 pounds of succulent fruit - blackberries so plump they almost fell off the vines, strawberries to make your mouth water, and sweet juicy plums that I have already eaten!
At home, I just rinse the berries in cool water, lay on a towel to dry a bit, and spread on trays in the freezer till semi frozen. Then they go in ziploc bags into the freezer, ready for use in green smoothies and desserts during the winter months!
Just got back from my vacation in Ontario where I was visiting my son's family! It was a wonderful visit and I can't wait to see them again! Here are my grandchildren Keegan and Mackenna dancing to their Wii system!
But this morning there are no greens in the fridge. Thankfully today is market day so I can stock up. But I did have enough in to make up an Avocado Blue GS. Check out the recipe on 'My Daily Eats' page.
This afternoon I was mesmerized by 'The Beautiful Truth' - a DVD that I picked up at the library. This is the second DVD I have watched about Max Gerson and his amazing discoveries!
'The Beautiful Truth' follows the assignment of Garrett, a 15-year old boy, to study a controversial book written over 50 years ago by Dr. Max Gerson.
Dr. Gerson found that diet could, and did, cure cancer. Garrett took on the challenge of researching this amazing therapy to see if these claims were true. With the help of Dr. Gerson's daughter and grandson, he interviewed specialists, and a number of cancer patients diagnosed as terminal. They shared their stories and medical records with Garrett - and contrary to opposition, a cure for cancer and chronic diseases does exist - and has existed for over 80 years.
This DVD shares little known facts about the dangers of MSG, GMO's, mercury in dental amalgams, as well as natural cures - in my opinion, this is a must watch DVD!
The Gerson Miracle" on DVD (picked up a copy at the Library) is about Dr. Max
Gerson's vision for natural healing. The DVD cover states "More than 75 years
ago he developed a therapy that has proven to cure cancer and most other chronic
and degenerative diseases". To say his work was astounding is an understatement.
That it was based on eating living food shows me I am on the right path, and so
my research continues! Here is their website http://gerson.org/gerpress/the-gerson-therapy/
When I came across this information, I wanted to share it with you! These 7 ingredients listed below are found in processed foods. You're invited to join myself and so many others who have already made the switch:
- Say NO to buying processed foods in containers such as bottles, packages, boxes, cans, and jars. (Make your own sauces, dressings, cereal, mylk, and snacks!)
- Say YES to buying fresh whole food from the produce aisle, or from your local farmers market!
You know how there are always two sides to every topic - well (aside from the obvious health benefits) here is my win/win discovery:
- The downside - No space in my fridge because it is packed with fresh leafy greens, veggies, sprouts, nuts and seeds - yeah!
- The upside - Lots of cupboard space because without all the cans, boxes and bottles, my cupboards are empty - yeah!
This is how I started my day - with a Pineapple Chard Green Smoothie! These Green Smoothies are not only good for you - but are refreshing, tasty, and give you a lot of energy!
Strawberry Milkshake GS 
