Every now and again, it is good to post some vivid colors and remind the world that veggies smoothies really are great. There is a critic for every cure, as I like to say. (Disclaimer: Absolutely no guarantee is provided, by this blog or anywhere else, that supports veggie smoothies as a cure or remedy for any disease.) In any case, I just thought that I would share some of the delightful smoothies that we have made over the past few months...    

Long time no see. =) Because I have neglected this blog for so long, I decided I should treat you with something special. Green smoothie, anyone? I would argue that this smoothie is more of an introductory one: -- the flavor is pleasant and sweet, which is perfect for a child being introduced to this for the first time. The baby spinach does not assert its own flavor, so the banana is dominant. Diabetics will probably want to cut back on the amount of fruit that is in here.  The Verdict: Delightfully mild and gently sweet. Easily assimilated and digested. (To assimilate  is "to take in; to absorb and integrate".) Spinach Banana Cradle  (Makes 5 twelve-ounce glasses) 1 cup of baby spinach 1 large carrot ( at least half of a cup when chopped) 1.5 bananas (they were frozen -- they could be fresh or both) 1 small apple (about half of a cup when chopped) 1 six-ounce container of soy yogurt (we used WholeSoy's Mixed Berry Yogurt) 1/4 pumpkin ...

This is a smoothie from a few days ago, featuring prized ingredients: I do not know very much about the health benefits of figs; but I love them! I enjoy black mission figs fresh, while I prefer Turkish figs dried. Either way, they are spectacular. I am aware that they contain substantial amounts of calcium (considering that they are fruits). Three dried mission figs provides approximately eighty milligrams (80 mg) of calcium. That's pretty good! Recipe 6 - makes 5.5 cups 2 cups of beet greens, stems, and beets 2 cups of carrots 1/2 of a lemon with some skin and all seeds 1 cup of figs Personal Take:  Pretty good smoothie. It definitely tasted like vegetables, though the figs gave a slight sweetness. The carrots impacted the color again, but it did not bother anyone. I left more of the zest this time, and you could taste it. Again, not bothersome to me or anyone else (I think). My mom did mention the thickness; I am going to have to use more water. =)

Each day brings more and more benefits. Do it for yourself, and you will see. ;) Here is the smoothie we had today: Recipe 5 - makes 7.5 cups  (why I made so much, I am not certain...) 2.5 cups of spinach with stems 1/2 lemon with some skin 2 large  carrots (about two cups worth) 1 apple 1 cup of mango Lots of water Personal Take:  This smoothie tasted more like fruits -- it would be a great introduction to the realm of vegetable smoothies. However, I've already been introduced. Also, we have been on a nearly-no-sugar diet, so this tasted rather sweet to us (it is amazing how one's taste buds adjust). Other than that, it was a great smoothie. The color was different because there were more carrots in this batch (it is usually only one cup). I still thought that it looked pretty though. This required more blending (hence the suggestion for "lots of water"). I was able to manage though, because  I used part frozen mango; and that kept the smoo...

These smoothies are amazing! They really rejuvenate you and give you a good clean out. Just make sure to drink lots  of water throughout the day -- at least five cup for children, and at least eight to nine for adults. Recipe 4 - makes 6 cups 1 1/2 cups of turnip greens / stems 1 1/2 cups of spinach  / stems 1 cup of purple carrots 1 avocado 1 banana 1/2 lemon, with some skin 1/4 cup of leftover cereal about 4-5 cups of water (whatever it takes to blend it smoothly) Personal Take: Pretty good. Turnip greens are pretty strong, but their taste was in the background. I think that it is the avocado that neutralizes it. The taste was mild -- it did not pull in any particular direction. It was thick, but not of a consistency that would choke you. =) I should have blended it a little  longer, but it was relatively smooth. My favorite part was the green color! It is just a beautiful shade of green. It definitely looks appetizing.

The title sounds funny; but honestly, this is a good idea. Everyone should do it. The basic premise is this: create a smoothie that is primarily made up of fresh vegetables, add a few pieces of fruit to make it palatable, and consume for the best health. In effectiveness, juicing is the champion (pun intended). But smoothies are next in line. For my family, this begins the third week of smoothies. We have been drinking them every morning, about thirty to forty-five minutes before breakfast. I decided to share our ideas with the general public so that everyone can have the opportunity to try something new. Veggie Smoothie - Recipe 1 (makes five servings) 2 bunches of beet greens, with stems and baby beets (about 4 loose cups when chopped) 1/2 of an avocado 4 small purple carrots (about 1.5 cups chopped) 1.5 bananas 1/2 of a lemon, peeled half-way (do include seeds) Enough water to just cover the contents of the blender Blend for three to five minutes, or until smooth. D...