Green Smoothie question

[godsqd]

With all the talk about food combining....How does green smoothies fit into this? Just wondering!

[Rawkinlocs]

There isn't much talk about food combining UNLESS someone is having particular problems with digestion from what I can see here (on this site, that is). See, when you are first starting out in raw, many of the food combining "rules" are disregarded in order for one to transition to a raw foods diet. Most of the recipes and dishes also break the "rules" of food combining. But again, for many, the recipes are used in order to minimize or completely get rid of any feelings of deprivation one might feel coming off of a SAD (or healthy cooked) diet and going into a raw diet.

Now with the green smoothies, many people, even those who have been raw a long time...even those who are sort of Natural Hygiene, enjoy them and have no problems with digestion or gas/bloating but actually feel terrific after drinking them and gain great benefits from them. But there are some who do have problems with digestion when drinking them.

Soooo, the thing is that if they don't bother you and you feel good when you drink them, then enjoy them! If you find that they bother your stomach, then you can either try using milder greens like lettuce or celery (which I know isn't really a "green") or just do all fruit smoothies.

But I also wanted to add that not all food combining charts are created equal. I've seen charts that say never mix greens and fruit...then I've seen charts that said lettuce mixes well with virtually anything.

So again, the best guide is always your own body! It will surely let you know if something is working for you or against you...we just have to learn the signals.

[godsqd]

I am glad to hear that! I was just wondering. I agree that "food combining" isn't always necessarily right. I am planning on enjoying a green smoothie tomorrow morning! Can't wait! :)

[Rawkinlocs]

No prob! I know for me, personally, I feel SOOOO good after drinking them! I've actually had the reverse where I'll have an upset tummy and then drinking my smoothie soothes it!

You also might want to look into Victoria Boutenko's new book, "Green for Life" as it's supposed to be very comprehensive on the topic of greens and green smoothies and I'm sure she probably addresses the food combining question there! http://rawfamily.com

[ladybug]

I got great advice from this site when I could not get down a smoothie made from "Quatum Greens Mix" (since Alissa's store did not have greens at time I ordered, and "Hemp Protein Powder" from Alissa's store. I was told to put in fruit jucie not carrott/spinach juice. My new question is I use to be on a drug for bone denseity. Tore up my stomach. I have been off it and lifting weights so far so good. However, I have been advised to take a lot of calcium and vit D, so how often do I need to drink the aforementioned drinks, how much, etc... I really enjoy celery and spinach. I don't like collards raw, too bitter. Thanks in advance for the help.

[Universal]

Peace,

I'm also part of the "Green Smoothies work extremely well for me!!" club. I drink 'em every morning, and the benefits are tremendous. So much more energy, and also very nutrient dense. So therefore, i don't have to eat as much afterwards. It really helps with dealing with cravings for other foods that you may tend to overeat at times.
I've had no digestive problems. It actually has a cleansing effect on me, forcing me to eliminate smoothly and effectively. I agree with Rawkinlocs that you are the best test of the food combining effectiveness. Most of my smoothies consist of kale, parsley, lettuce, cucumbers, celery, and an apple and/or pear. Sometimes i may throw a carrot in there too. I try not to put too much in it. Its usually a short combination of the above mentioned foods. Works excellently!

And also ladybug, i agree that collards can be a bit bitter. I feel the same way about kale. But that's another tremendous gain that you get from smoothies. It allows you to combine green vegetables that you may not like by themselves, and their bitter taste will become "masked" in the midst of the other vegetables you combine with it. So you'll get the best of both worlds. Obtain all the great nutrients from the vegetable, WITHOUT having to deal with its bitter taste! Give it a try to see what happens. I guarantee, you'll find the right combination if you experiment.


PEACE
Universal

[faith4u]

So, do you blend these up in a blender. I am assuming you do since they are "Smoothies"? Or are you putting them through a juicer?

Thanks,
Tracy

[ladybug]

So I guess tomorrow I will try collards and carrott and maybe an apple to sweeten. But again how much of these do you need for bone health a day or that just not something to worry about just like calories/fat are not to worry about on a Raw Diet?

[karotw]

faith4u - I make my smoothies in my blender, as I think some others here on this board do, too.

[RawTruth]

faith4u, I strongly suggest you get Victoria Boutenko's book Green for Life. Also, if you do a search for Ode to a Green Smoothie by her (or go to her website www.rawfamily.com as it used to be posted there). It has everything you know to get started on green smoothies. Just a bit of info here: 60% fruit to 40% greens.

Also, in this latest book, she explains that greens are NOT vegetables therefore they easily combine with fruits. Thus, the food combining issue is moot.

[jenna rose]

Ode to Green Smoothies: http://www.rawfamily.com/articles.html