1.06.2013

New Year's Resolution? Forget Fad Diets, Start Jucing & Blending Your Veggies!


Green Smoothie from Basic Blender
 Happy New Year!

It's that time of year we are inundated with more diet commercials then we could possibly follow, and for what?  To be on the fad diet for a few weeks, lose a couple pounds right away, only to gain back those pounds going back to poor eating habits  because we didn't learn how or why we need to eat healthier.   I don't disagree we all want that svelte body, and in as short of time as we can get it.  But, it is also important to feed our bodies from the inside out, resulting in beautiful skin and abundance of energy and health.

As a Certified Health Coach, I teach people how to progressively crowd out the poor food choices that offer no energy, and add in highly nutrient dense foods that will begin to change the way they eat, how they feel, and how they
Greens & Tomato Juice from Omega Cold Press Juicer
look at food.     When you begin to understand how your brain, digestive system, skin and energy is effected immediately by what you ingest, then you begin to make better choices.    It is only when you realize, "Wow, I didn't need that coffee at 2 p.m. today because I am eating healthier."   You might say, what does it hurt to have the coffee?  Well, a couple cups of coffee in the morning before noon is fine, but after that time many of us experience wakeful nights due to the late intake of caffeine.    Not to mention the fluctuation of the stimulate giving you that lift, only to plummet in energy later, and causing more frequent urination.    Or  eating that candy bar can give you immediate gratification, only to feel like you need a nap an hour after. 

Instead of getting caught up in those fad diets, how about making one change for the better?  Many of us don't get the amount of vegetables and fruits we should daily.   A few cucumbers and tomatoes on a mescalin salad is good, but it still isn't giving us the full potential of nature's hearty bounty.

The new "craze"  is juicing.   I began  making smoothies in my blender a few years ago, and juicing about 1 1/2 years ago.  I have been dedicated to it ever since.  There is nothing as great as drinking a healthy smoothie or juice you made with all types of nutrient dense foods.  You can experiment with other items to add in besides fruits and veggies, such as Kifer (with probiotics), Flax Oil (for the Omegas), Coconut Mana (for the brain), Whey Protein Powder (for the amino acids), Ginger (for the immune system and tummy).   The options are endless and the more you create the better it gets.   And it is my most convenient "fast food" when I make double batches for on the go days (canning jars make it easier)!

Begin with a typical smoothie, my favorite is:



½  Cup            Just Cranberry by R.W. Knudsen
½ Cup              Purified Water
1                      Banana
½                     Cup Frozen Blueberries
1 Tblsp            Flax Oil (I use Barlean’s Highest Lignan Unfiltered – must shake before use)
1 Scoop           Whey Unflavored Protein Powder

Optional:  Plain Kifer, Coconut Mana, Wheatgrass cubes

I tried a new blender smoothie recipe with the following (see top picture):

1 Bunch of Baby Kale Finely Chopped
1-2 Grated Carrots
2 Cups Boiled Water
Place this in the blender for 2 minutes then add
1 Cup of Coconut Milk

I personally enjoyed it better when I added the following to it:

1 Banana
1 Tablespoon Coconut Mana
1 Tablespoon Flax Oil
1 Scoop Unflavored Whey Protein Powder

YUM YUM!!!


If you want a great juice to make in a cold press juicer (extracting the pulp), I love Dr. Oz's Green Juice using Organic Ingredients of course.

Dr. Oz's Green Juice

2 Cups Spinach (Kale or any Hearty Greens are fine)
2 Cups Cucumber
1 Head Celery
1/2 Inch or Tsp. Ginger Root
1 Bunch Parsley
1 Granny Smith Apple (Make it 2 if you need sweeter)
Juice of 1 Lime

My rule of thumb is you juice or make a smoothie once a day.  Your other 2 meals include healthy choices of lean protein, beans and legumes, vegetables, hearty grains and lots of water!!  Over time you will start experiencing the benefits of your juice or smoothie in your energy level, digestion,  and beautiful skin. 

If you don't know where to begin I would be happy to help get you started into the new year with integrating more healthy nutritious vegetables and fruits into your daily life!

(Note:  As always, check with your physician if you are currently on medication or have an illness that is in need of medical attention before changing your diet.)