Green smoothies for breakfast

[Zizzle]

I visited a friend this weekend who is doing Dr. Fuhrman's vegan diet for weight loss. She demonstrated how she makes her green smoothies for breakfast, and I was inspired. This is day 2 of green smoothies for me. Today I made it with kale, parsley, some fennel leaves left over from a recipe last night, blueberries, a few chunks of pineapple, a small beet, 2 scoops of flax meal, 2 scoops of rice protein and almond milk. I love it!!!

I’m also PMSing and starving for carbs all day, so I brought the other half of my smoothie to work with me. Should keep me full all day!

Also, no tummy trouble. In fact, things are better than they have been (in part due to the PMS). Two perfect normans in a row!! We’ll see how long that lasts. Sure beats GF granola and corn cereals for breakfast when I’m on the run.

So, I'm not juicing as much, mostly because I don't have the time and clean up is a bit more onerous than my blender. I think the ground up fiber is helping, and of course is more filling. Plus I'm getting omega-3s from the flax (Which I used to think I didn't tolerate - I think it was the whole seeds not digesting) One rule of thumb in making green smoothies is that you not use too much fruit. Only high-nutrient fruits like berries, bananas, avocado, etc. And BTW, you don't need a fancy blender. I'm using my 10 yr old refurbished 2 speed Osterizer. I am committing to making a green smoothie every workday.

Incidentally, I read a few pages in my friend's Dr. Fuhrman book about how he treats patients with autoimmune diseases. He said they all get off gluten AND dairy right away, they increase plant-based foods and limit animal protein (but it seems he does not recommend full meat avoidance for this group), then do trial eliminations of other foods. He says most patients can stop all their immunosuppressive drugs on his diet plan, although those with long-term disease and permanant damage may not get as much relief. Makes sense to me.


This is a smoothie of course!

[CathyMe.]

Ohh....I LOVE my green smoothies. I sometimes do them @ night too and use spinach or kale,1 scoop of pea protein, my glutamine powder, almond milk, a little bit of stevia, ice and some water. I had to do away with my whey protein but find I tolerate the vegan protein powder quite well. This concoction has been staying with me & I am finally maintaining my weight and not losing. I have also done it for breakfast but am really liking my eggs and GF toast in the morning for now. YUMMY!

[Zizzle]

Interesting! I was wondering if it would be safe to put my l-Glutamine powder in the smoothie. I may add a teaspoon of coconut oil too, for good fat and filling effect. It's interesting how the more you throw in, the less it matters what's in there (I can't taste the fennel at all - should have added more!) I can imagine adding all sorts of greens and veggies now. I've even read of people adding curative spices like ginger, turmeric root, etc. The possibilities are endless...unlike juicing.

And yes, I can imagine myself making these for other meals when I'm home. So much easier than cooking!

Now I'm thinking of asking work if I can bring in a blender -- it's only 6 women in the office now. They would likely all get in on the healthy fun. There is a Whole Foods not too far away. We could have inexpensive smoothie lunches!

[wmonique2]

Z.

Aren't they loaded with fiber? I don't think I could have them since I am trying to avoid fiber as much as possible although I made a great smoothie yesterday. A friend told me that she uses a banana and avocado and almond milk. It was yummy! I loved it! (maybe I can think of something else to add).

Monique

[Zizzle]

Yes, they are loaded with fiber from the greens, flax and berries, but somehow I think the ground up fiber is helping bulk up my stool. Had my third Norman tonight! I am in disbelief...

[mbeezie]

I am a fan of green smoothies as well. They are full of fiber and very filling. I have tried all different types of greens, fruits and other veggies. I make them for my son and add honey or chocolate syrup (but then they aren't green any more). I have a Magic Bullet (single serve smoothoe maker) that makes them a breeze to make. This might be the best option for work rather than dragging in a big blender

Mary Beth