Green Smoothies

[RAWCA]

Hi all-

I wanted to start greeen smoothies..I just needed some input from all the wise ones on the board:)

1. how do they really taste?

2. Is the food combining thing ok (ie fruits, vegtable, etc)

3. HOw long after making does it need to be consumend for taste and nuttritional purposes?

THANKS again!

[Veganforlife]

Hey there!
1. They really, really taste good. They don't (to me anyway) taste green unless I make them taste green. I prefer to sweeter, fruitier flavored GS's. You can however have GS's with stronger greens, kale, parsley, etc.
2. Yes. A handful of spinach or other organic raw greens, water and a couple fruit choices is fine.
3. I drink mine right away. I would say at minimum - kept in the fridge and drink the same day.
Get Victoria Boutenko's book - Green for Life, maybe your library has it? She thoroughly explains the benefits of GS's.

[RAWCA]

Thanks Veganforlife...So the combination of fruit and veggie will not cause sotmach issues ( ie constipation..etc?)

Also are greem smoothies better to eat than regular salads?
THanks again!

[Veganforlife]

No. At least for me that has never been an issue (constipation). You figure the greens are already broken down so your body can assimilate them quicker. Your body will get what it needs quicker. However, if you are first going raw, this may cause some loose hoopie-doodles (stools). That's okay. That's part of the detox. They REALLY help with weightloss and detox.
I have eaten very few salads since going raw 9 months ago. But every now and again I prefer to "chew" my greens.
It took a couple months before I tried GS's and got hooked on them. There is a thread going around about GS recipes.
Here's one link with some recipes:
http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=21593&highlight=green+smoothie+recipes

[JGex]

We drink at least 2 a day.... I put more lettuce and kale in mine, and Jeff puts more spinach in his. We also use frozen Acai berry packs, and bananas, apples, cucumbers, peaches and whatever else needs to be eaten.

I actually *love* the taste. I'm not really into very sweet stuff, so using the cukes and lettuce makes mine just right.

Experiment... slowly until you get the taste you like. You can always increse the greens as you get used to it!

[Beckla]

This is so helpful and so perfectly timed. Thanks, everyone!!!

[Missrawdiva]

In my opinion, the banana mask the taste of the kale. I have tried green smoothies without the banana and to me they taste horrible. With the banana added in you can't taste the kale. I recommend using kale as it is very high in calcium! Raw agave nector is a nice added touch if you like yours very sweet. They taste great!

[Stina]

When I first started green smoothies, I juiced apples along with the water to get them sweet, but now I can just do the water, greens, and whole fruit. Unless I'm treating myself.... but feel free to experiment as your taste buds change 'cause they do!

[Tirza]

I usually use pineapple juice as a base for the taste and the digestive enzymes, (which might be the answer to your question about combining), then a red apple with the skin, a banana and a half an avocado for incredible smooth creaminess. Then I pile in whatever greens I want. Usually parsley, cilantro and spinach. If I don't have spinach or if I want a change I use other greens like Swiss Chard, or maybe some kale or a combination.

I have gotten carried away a bit in the attempt to get a LOT of greens into me and it ended up way too thick. Personally I didn't care for that. It kind of didn't even move in the glass. Almost needed to eat with a spoon. I like it at the consistency where it can be drunk - thick, but drinkable. That means I limit the greens to parsley: a good handful, cilantro: the same, and spinach about 2 handsful.

I like those milder tasting greens, but I have done collards or beet greens sometimes. I find the parsley gives it such a *fresh* taste. The cilantro is great for removing heavy metals from the bloodstream and it seems to blend with the other things tending to the sweet side. I just LOVE this. Can't live comfortably without it.

Victoria Boutenko satisfied my concerns about combining by saying that greens are not really vegetables per se. They should be classified in a whole separate category, called: "Greens". Works for me.

As for digestion, you never have to worry about constipation with this stuff. No, No. :)

The other thing I would stress is not to slug it back like a drink of water. Sip and slosh it around, allowing it to blend with the saliva. Since the saliva has enzymes that start the digestive process right in the mouth, it is important to allow it to be in contact with the food. I was wondering about just eating so much "mush" until I realized that the nutrition people have ALWAYS stressed to chew our food to a "cream" before swallowing. In fact they said the food should pretty much swallow itself. So our smoothies, etc. are good as long as we don't deny them the opportunity of combining with the saliva like they would have if we had chewed them to that state.

[solarliving]

I like a combo of Kale, frozen bananas, whole appled cored, whole orange peeled, a bit of water. You can mix it up with chard, frozen peaches, goji berries, etc..

[RAWCA]

Are green smoothies particularyly helpful for acne and thinning hair?

Thanks again all!

[Ariannah]

Greens are not a vegetable. They are a leaf. They are only classified as "vegetables" by grocery stores who need to call each plant either a fruit or a vegetable :D And they go with practically anything.

In my smoothies, I tend to use tender young (often organic) greens (my preference).

I don't know about what they are "good for" (as in treating an ailment) but they are healthy to eat, and a healthy body is self-healing.

[fruit]

I usually drink 1 or 2 liters of green smoothies a day.
i usually do half fruit,half greens life parsley,cilantro,kale,spinach and argula.

[dextera3]

I love green smoothies! The funny thing is, that I started making them for myself even before I discovered the whole concept of going raw. :)

My favorite combo is: one bananna, some pineapple, 4-5 leaves of kale

You don't even taste the kale, but you're getting all the nutrients! Start with just one leaf of kale (or whatever you like) and then add more as you get used to the taste.

I make mine in the blender in the morning at home, and pack it in a thermos to bring to work. Idealy, I'd make it and eat it fresh, but I can't do that at my work.

I do notice some loose stool when I have these smoothies, but I think it's because I'm very new to raw and my body is going through detox symptoms.

[Raw Mom]

I love kale, frozen pineapple, frozen strawberries, one orange, water and maybe a frozen banana. With the vitamix, using the frozen fruit, allows you to blend longer without worry of it heating. This drink has helped my sixteen year old have softer and more regular bm's. I can buy a lot of fruit, chop or wash, and freeze, so it's quick to make two in the morning before work and school. I actually crave them too in the morning. Crazy.....
And the color? wonderful.....Here's to all shades of green....:cool:

[nzgirl]

I love green smoothies. I never taste the green if I use spinach. My favorite combo is a handfull of spinach, carrot juice instead of water, a banana, strawberries and blueberries.I blend the greens and juice first so it's nice and liquified then add in my fruit. I promise, you dont taste the greens. A banana is key. I usually make a blender full and drink it throughout the day. I tried some overnight once but it wasn't as good so I say drink in the same day.

[rawOrchid]

Mmmm... you get so used to green smoothies.. you start craving them! like I am RIGHT NOW!

I love spinach, dino kale, mixed frozen berries, avocado, apple...

You can be extremely creative and mix and match until you start discovering some favorites that'll stick!

[mercystreet]

It's true, you don't taste the greens. I'm using spinach, banana, almonds, a date or two, seeds, like sesame, another fruit like a kiwi or berries, and some flax oil. You could also use agave to sweeten it a little.

[carolg]

I'm sure it can be helpful for the hair too. I also use hemp powder to my drink. It's so good. Regardless of what I add I love it sometimes more than others but I do use coconut water, called coconut milk too, and if I don't have either, I use water. I'm taking it for the benefits and not necessarily the taste.

As NZ does I too mix the water and the green first, then add the fruits lastly. Enjoy.
carolg

[NicoleDaboin]

I've been noticing that a lot of you eat kale quite often. I am planning on buying it with next week's groceries!

What about other greens? Right now I have romaine, red leaf, and mustard greens. I also have ice berg, but that is just because it is very cheap and we are feeding four adults and the salads go fast!

I think I am going to try a green smoothie tomorrow morning.

Another question.. When you eat a green smoothie does that replace your "salad" for the day? Because I am having a hard time eating a salad everyday because I cannot find a dressing that I like at all.

[Zella Juice]

There are so many different combinations of green smoothies that are just amazing. I just made the most awesome one this morning. It's my Green Banana-Ginger Shake:

two frozen Bananas
one fresh Banana
1 inch of peeled ginger
One stalk of celery
Squeeze some lemon juice in there
1/2 Bunch of Cilantro
Leaf of Kale
Fill up the pitcher to almost 32 ounces with Raw Honey Almond Milk

OMG I was in heaven. So creamy and yummy yum. So filling too. No hunger pains at all today thanks to this baby !! This one is definatly going on the menu here at my juice bar.

[RawFoodieMom]

Another question.. When you eat a green smoothie does that replace your "salad" for the day? Because I am having a hard time eating a salad everyday because I cannot find a dressing that I like at all.

It would depend on if you feel satisfied. If you have a green smoothie, and you don't feel like a salad, then sure it can replace the salad. But if you have a green salad in the morning and still feel like a salad for lunch or dinner, by all means go for it. Raw is all about what makes YOU feel satisfied! :)

What dressings have you tried, and what dressings did you like on SAD? Maybe we can give you some suggestions that you might like...

Debra

[carolg]

I just finished smoothie:

spinach
banana
pineapple
coconut water

Wow....never made it with spinach before and couldn't even taste the spinach. It was delish! Next time I'm going to remember to add ginger which I have done with other drinks. Wow, am I loving these green smoothies!

carolg

[NicoleDaboin]

I have tried Alissa's dressing (I don't like apple cider vinegar at all!!), Caesar Dressing (Tasted nothing like caesar, had a bad taste), Italian Dressing (very thick and disgusting, I might have put too much parsley though), Ginger Vinaigrette (Again the apple cider vinegar), and I think that is all. This is all since Monday!! sheesh... I am very picky though, which I hate and I am working on very hard! My whole like I have never liked bananas. So, before I went raw I just started eating them slowly. For ex. one a week, then two a week and so on, now I LOVE them! So, I am trying lots of new things. Some things I like and some things not..

SAD dressings that I like are Ranch and Caesar are my FAVE! Ranch dressing would be delicious right now!

[Rawkinlocs]

I have tried Alissa's dressing (I don't like apple cider vinegar at all!!), Caesar Dressing (Tasted nothing like caesar, had a bad taste), Italian Dressing (very thick and disgusting, I might have put too much parsley though), Ginger Vinaigrette (Again the apple cider vinegar), and I think that is all. This is all since Monday!! sheesh... I am very picky though, which I hate and I am working on very hard! My whole like I have never liked bananas. So, before I went raw I just started eating them slowly. For ex. one a week, then two a week and so on, now I LOVE them! So, I am trying lots of new things. Some things I like and some things not..

SAD dressings that I like are Ranch and Caesar are my FAVE! Ranch dressing would be delicious right now!

Ooo, I used to LOVE the Alissa's Dressing, dressing - never tried the Caesar, though. But I was going to suggest when a recipe calls for ACV (apple cider vinegar), sub with lemon juice instead and if it calls for both lemon juice AND ACV, omit the ACV. I have what I consider to be a ranch-like dressing that you can try (www.eatlivingfood.com/recipes.htm) - But since you've not liked most of what you've tried so far as far as dressings go, only whip up half so you won't feel like it's a total waste in the event that you don't like it.

But a green smoothie can replace a salad too provided it has an ample amount of greens in it. But hopefully you'll also find a dressing you really like or love so you can enjoy salad - even if something as simple as an avocado mashed up with lemon juice!

[RawVee]

I have tried Alissa's dressing (I don't like apple cider vinegar at all!!), Caesar Dressing (Tasted nothing like caesar, had a bad taste), Italian Dressing (very thick and disgusting, I might have put too much parsley though), Ginger Vinaigrette (Again the apple cider vinegar), and I think that is all. This is all since Monday!! sheesh... I am very picky though, which I hate and I am working on very hard! My whole like I have never liked bananas. So, before I went raw I just started eating them slowly. For ex. one a week, then two a week and so on, now I LOVE them! So, I am trying lots of new things. Some things I like and some things not..

SAD dressings that I like are Ranch and Caesar are my FAVE! Ranch dressing would be delicious right now!

Nicole,

Try blending (I have a mini prep Cuisineart that is great for dressings) miso paste, nama shoyu, scallions, ginger, a little olive oil and the juice of a small orange. It's a nice, mellow, Japanese-style dressing. If you like Ranch, try making a dressing with a base of soaked cashews, lemon, herbs and spices. Experiment with taste! Have fun!! :)

[carolg]

I never had ranch from bottle, but I have made sauces playing around and added tomatoes giving it that red look....unless ranch is strictly white....I would use Raw Vee's: "a base of soaked cashews, lemon, herbs and spices" and then add tomatoe if you want a color.

carolg

[carolg]

My husband pours the smoothies onto his cereal. He still loves drinking them, but just an added use for cereal liquid now.

Yes, yes...I love cilantro in my smoothies..hubby hates cilantro in any form.

Gosh, veggies are outrageous these days. Need more kale which I just remembered!

carolg

[RAWCA]

CAn I mix grapefruit as the base for the smoothies..what vegiges would taste good with that?

thanks again all

[Ariannah]

I've been noticing that a lot of you eat kale quite often. I am planning on buying it with next week's groceries!

What about other greens? Right now I have romaine, red leaf, and mustard greens. I also have ice berg, but that is just because it is very cheap and we are feeding four adults and the salads go fast!

I think I am going to try a green smoothie tomorrow morning.

Another question.. When you eat a green smoothie does that replace your "salad" for the day? Because I am having a hard time eating a salad everyday because I cannot find a dressing that I like at all.

If you have a green smoothie it can be a good start to getting your salad. I don't have a pre-set quota for "salad for a day". I eat salad when I want it, and don't when I am not in the mood. I don't see salad as a "have to have one for the day" type of thing. That's the beauty of raw, only eat what you like!

Some of my favorite dressings are squeezing an orange over it. It adds a gorgeous tropical taste to it.

I am not a kale eater. I dislike kale raw. I use romaine, leaf lettuce, iceberg lettuce, any tender and mild tasting leaf.

My favorite salad is tender leaves, tomatoes, apples, celery, red peppers.
I blend up some of the apples and celery with a banana, (in my cuisinart mini prep, I don't have to add water, I get a creamy, delicious dressing with bits of celery and apple in it... yum!!). I pour it over the greens and eat! Delish!

[greenfeline]

I have to have bananas in my smoothies for creaminess and sweetness, otherwise I would rather juice. Some good combos I like for grapefruit are:

grapefruit juice, banana, strawberries and greens. I am sure any berry would go well.

Grapefruit juice, an orange, banana, greens

Grapefruit juice, banana, mint, greens

The greens I use vary from week to week. I don't love any green in particular in green smoothies because I can't really taste them. Two that I can taste in particular are parsley and mint. I have been wondering about cilantro because I saw a juice recipe in RFRW with cilantro and pineapple. I think I will try a smoothie version now!

[NicoleDaboin]

Ooo, I used to LOVE the Alissa's Dressing, dressing - never tried the Caesar, though. But I was going to suggest when a recipe calls for ACV (apple cider vinegar), sub with lemon juice instead and if it calls for both lemon juice AND ACV, omit the ACV. I have what I consider to be a ranch-like dressing that you can try (www.eatlivingfood.com/recipes.htm) - But since you've not liked most of what you've tried so far as far as dressings go, only whip up half so you won't feel like it's a total waste in the event that you don't like it.

But a green smoothie can replace a salad too provided it has an ample amount of greens in it. But hopefully you'll also find a dressing you really like or love so you can enjoy salad - even if something as simple as an avocado mashed up with lemon juice!

Thank you Rawkinlocs! The rawnch dressing looks delicious. I really hope I like it! I am determined to find a dressing I LOVE! Thankfully I have my husband, my brother-in-law and his wife who are all going raw who are eating my dressings that I don't like, haha!

I have a question though about that link you gave me to the raw recipes. The first recipe on the page is Peach (or Apple) Delight and it calls for ground oat groats or organic rolled oats. Can we eat those on a raw diet? Alissa's book mentions nothing about them.