In The Green

If you are anything like a large percentage of the world’s population, the following question crosses your mind more often than not, “What can I do to be healthier?”  There are a million responses to this question. Some will say, exercise, do yoga, meditate, don’t eat carbohydrates, walk to work, watch less TV, do crossword puzzles, travel, hang out with friends, etc. The possibilities really are limitless. One thing that is limited is our time. There are only so many hours in the day, so we find ourselves saying, what is just ONE simple thing I can do to be healthier, that is quick and easy?  There are numerous things, but the number one thing I recommend to my clients is to start blending their greens.

We have all heard of the infamous wheat grass shot, we know it is good for us, but it sure tastes like we imagine fresh cut grass after mowing our lawn would. This is based on the same principles but a tad tastier. Blend greens into a smoothie once a day. Add everything you would normally to a smoothie, and then throw in a handful of spinach, kale, or collard greens. Greens are however a little bit bitter by nature and some are even spicy. When you are blending, try to have a 60/40 ratio. That is 60% ripe fruit to 40% greens. The ripe fruit will sweeten the drink to make it palatable to even the tiniest family members.  I encourage you to stay away from the spicy greens as their flavor tends overpower the fruit with which it is blended and when in doubt add a banana, it makes everything just a little bit sweeter.  Why greens you may ask?

“A molecule of chlorophyll closely resembles a molecule of human blood. According to teachings of Dr. Ann Wigmore, "consuming chlorophyll is like receiving a healthy blood transfusion". Many people do not consume enough greens, even those who stay on a raw food diet. By drinking two or three cups of green smoothies daily you will consume enough greens for the day to nourish your body, and all of the beneficial nutrients will be well assimilated.” ~ Victoria Boutenko Author of “Green for Life”

                Greens support detoxification in the body all the way to the genetic level. They have been linked to lowering cholesterol, lowering the risk for 5+ variations of cancer, reduced inflammation, and improved complexion. By blending the greens, the individual chlorophyll molecules are ruptured or broken, making the nutrients immediately digestible and easy to absorb. The body can then go to work; using the nutrients in the thousands of daily processes that occur.  

So, do something quick and easy for you and your family, make a smoothie and add a little green.

Basic Balance
Victoria Boutenko

1 mango
1 cup kale
1 cup water
Yields 1 quart

Rocket Fuel Smoothie
Victoria Boutenko

2 cups green or red seedless grapes
3 golden kiwis, peeled
1 ripe orange, peeled, seeds removed
1 small leaf of aloe vera, with skin
5 leaves red leaf lettuce
2 cups water
Yields 2 quarts

Morning Zing Smoothie
Victoria Boutenko

½ bunch dandelion greens
2 stalks celery
½ inch fresh ginger root
2 peaches
½ pineapple
Yields 2 quarts

Parsley Passion Smoothie
Sergei Boutenko

1 bunch fresh parsley
1 cucumber, peeled
1 Fuji apple
1 ripe banana
1–2 cups water
Yields 2 quarts