Green Smoothies -All that?

[janem]

Good Morning!
I am off to start a day? week? month? year???? of green smoothies to see if they really can be healing. I am not trying to prove anyone wrong - I am just at my wits end and having a hard time believing anything can help. I did not put this in the fasting section because I will probably mention food and I dont want to offend anyone.
My Goal is to drink green smoothies - I would like to say exclusively but my confidence is shot so for now I will say my goeal is to drink one gallon a day.
My reasons - Well - it is nearing the winter months in New england and that is when my mood goes waaaaaay down. I can deal with "being down" but the total lack of motivation that accompanies it is more than I can put up with. I have tried everything from prozac to vitamin D therapy, fish oil, injectable b12 - nothing has worked liked good old pharmacueticals but at this time I would like to avoid them if I can. My diet has been horrendous - lots of "healthy" junk food - including organic wine - I can justify anything at times:)!! All that junk only worsens my mood - but at the time is very soothing. So I am hoping with the addition of the green smoothies my desire for junk will diminish.
Recipe - in the past I have always tried to perfect the smoothie - lees fruit so its not so glycemic etc... Not this time though. I am trying to drop the rules and enjoy the drink - if that means I need a banana in it - I will do that!
This morning I used -
1 fresh bunch of spinach
3 kale leaves
parsley
head of romaine
24 oz of water
frozen organic cherries - maybe a handful?
frozen organic sliced peaches
1 banana
Blended it filled a gallon mason jar. I am sitting at my desk sipping:)
My evening smoothie will probably include fats like coconut oil and flax seed and maybe less fruit?
Wish me luck?:)

[Raw Angel Mom]

This is great that you are giving it a try. Good for you and enjoy the ride.

I made mine this morning with parsely, cilantro, kale, mango and banana and of course water. Very yummy.

Are you using a vitamix or you have a regular blender?

Congratulations!

[Basenjimamma]

You can do it..wishing you all you need to stay on course.
I love my green smoothies and can't tell you how they will work on your mood, but I do know they taste delish and give you oodles of energy and happy feelings.

on a side note;
As far as mood, have you ever thought of getting one of those seassonal depression lamps? My dad's fiance use it and swear by it, although she is in Sweden and they are very dark and gloomy there durning the cold months, unless they have snow..

[janem]

I can't thank you both enough!! Your support feels great! I have a splitting headache which hopefully is a good sign? Maybe toxins already releasing?? Thank you again I really appreciate the help:)

[Basenjimamma]

Yes, unforyunately..headaches might happen..cleaning that ole' body out..drink water and if you can lay low until it passes, it will pass, just give it time.

Good luck and let us know how you are doing. :D

[janem]

Such good advice! Thank you - I did not really think I would have a headache so soon but then I remebered that I am not drinking coffee:( and that I usually skip breakfast or have a bagel:eek: if I am really hungry - so I guess there is plenty to detox over:) My husband just asked me out to dinner tonight - after 30 years he still makes me weak in the knees!!! Had to say yes! I know the resaurant and I can actually put something raw together from the menu - yeah!!

[snoops]

I must second the light therapy. My seasonal affected disorder is greatly minimized by sitting in front of my light every morning for half an hour. Totally eliminated the need for drugs for me anyway. Its a cheap non drug fix. Not in any way discounting the effect of the green smoothies :p

[Mary Kay]

OOOHHH, I hate headaches. Not to dissuade you, but are you sure you want to go cold turkey on coffee? Maybe wean instead so you don't feel so crappy?

I do want to encourage you though, just hate to see you suffer.

Sounds like you have a great attitude about the whole thing.

Mary Kay

[Raw Angel Mom]

I can't thank you both enough!! Your support feels great! I have a splitting headache which hopefully is a good sign? Maybe toxins already releasing?? Thank you again I really appreciate the help:)


Oh yes, this is detox. Hang in there, you will feel better soon. You want that stuff out anyway. The smoothie has the fibers so it will help you to cleanse your guts too.

[Eva]

all that and a jar 'o bubbies pickles.

i love me my green smoothies!

[PunkRotten]

I love green smoothies. It's what I have for breakfast almost every day. I like it for the fact it's easily digested and absorbed into your body. You get your daily veggies and fruit (usually) just in this 1 smoothie. And it's easy and fun to make. My green smoothie is like this (with some variations),


2-3 cups of greens - usually kale and chard, or kale and collard greens
1 banana, sometimes 2 bananas
About 2 cups of berries - Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries etc
An apple or pear, or maybe even a mango. Alot of times I don't add any of it.
Few drops of stevia, or a few dates. Or you don't have to use any sweetener
And I add a tablespoon of flax oil