Day Ninety Six

I totally spaced on posting a smoothie yesterday. I have no idea how that happened. I don't even remember yesterday. I'm trying with all of my might and I'm drawing a blank. Not just for the smoothie, but for the whole day. Was I here? Were you here? What is my name? Have I met you?

Oh wait....now I remember. I even took pictures. Hhmm, those will be posted another day.

• 1 large Fuji apple
• 1 banana
• bunch o' spinach
• some kind of frozen fruit (strawberries maybe?) LOL

I do remember that I didn't care for it much. But Mr. Smoothie and lil smoothiekins loved it. I'm losing my mind.....

Day Ninety

Ninety? Really? Phew!! It seems like just yesterday that I cooked up this crazy blog idea. Today I went to a friend's house for a playdate and I took my blender with me. Yes, you read that right. "Have blender, will travel."

• 1 apple (Fuji is my fave)
• 1 banana
• bunch o' spinach
• frozen peaches
• frozen strawberries
• water

YUM! I love the strawberry & peach combo!!

Day Eighty

In an attempt to commemorate yesterday's junior high indulgence, I thought making a Bloody Mary. My one and only smoothie with Mustard Greens (inedible) was so peppery that I thought to myself "Hhhmm, that would make one kick @$$ Bloody Mary." Except here's the kicker: I'm not normally a big fan of Bloody Marys so I'm not so sure how, in my mind, this was a good idea. I've had one really really good Bloody Mary in my life. ONE. That was probably about 15 years ago or so. What in the name of Henry made me believe I could recreate it? So today I tried:

• 3 roma tomatoes
• 1 carrot
• 1 stalk celery
• 2 mustard greens leaves
• 1 handful of spinach
• 5 large strawberries
• 1 apple
• water
• ICE

It was bad. Like not just "oh, well that's not very good." More like, "Oh Holy mother of Greg, what the hell WAS that?" Just in case it was just me, I took a cup to my husband and said "here try this before I dump it out." He took one sip and made me swear on our marriage that I'd never do that to him again. I guess he didn't like it. In fact, he wouldn't even talk to me until I took the cup out of the room and brought him something to "wash that awful taste" out of his mouth. So, we're drinking the rest of yesterday's smoothie and I'll make up another one later tonight. Live and learn. : )

Day Seventy Five

We were without power today for about 9 hours. Its typical, here in the Northwest. Today's outage was fairly minor. We've been out for days before. Oh, and Mr. Green Smoothie has never been in town for an outage lasting longer than a few hours. Typical. Anyway, I'm so glad I made my smoothie early this morning. But I had put it in the fridge and I don't open the fridge during outages because I want to keep the cold air in. Thankfully the power came back on and I was able to drink the rest of my daily quota. I was so afraid I might fail today. So, here we go:

• 1 apple, cored & chopped
• 3 c water
• 4 big handfuls of spinach
• frozen peaches
• frozen strawberries

Its delish! This afternoon I felt really really bad, but I think it was the stress of the power outage. I'm feeling much better right now. Not 100% yet, but still much better. Its probably why I'm wide awake and can't get to sleep.....

Day Sixty Nine

As much as the giggling highschool girl in me wants to, I'm going to refrain from making a comment about the number of today's smoothie ; )

Today's smoothie is sweet & simple, just like me!

• 2 bananas
• 1 apple
• lots o' spinach
• 2 handfuls of frozen strawberries
• water

And its really really yummy!!

Day Sixty Eight

Whatever germs invaded my home last week seem to be rebounding on my husband. I feel great and so do the kids, but he's back in bed. I'm staying far away from that man : )

• 1 ginormous apple!
• handful of fresh pineapple
• 6 oz bag of spinach (going to Costco today to restock!)
• handful of frozen peaches
• handful of frozen strawberries
• water

I ran out of spinach over the weekend (gasp!) and had to run to the grocery store and buy three little bags of it. I spent TWICE as much on those little bags than I do for 10 days worth at Costco. OUCH!

Day Fifty Five

My husband is in town and he prefers banana based smoothies, so today I made him:

• 2 c water
• 3 huge handfuls of spinach
• 2 bananas
• 1 apple, cored & chopped

My husband and our youngest loved it. The oldest and I? Hated it. I'm off to make myself something else. I'm making extra so it will also be tomorrow's smoothie.

Day Fifty Four

Would you guys like it if I uploaded a video of me making a smoothie? It was just a thought I had since I finally have a new camera :) Today's smoothie:

• approx 3 c organic OJ (I really really want to start squeezing my own)
• 1 apple, chopped & cored
• 1 banana
• 3 big handfuls of spinach
• 1 lb bag of frozen tropical fruit mix (pineapples, strawberries & mangos)

Its good. Not very creative, but good. I am sssooo ready to start experimenting with fresh produce this summer. Come ON Spring!

Day Forty Seven

Thank you so much for the support and feedback from yesterday's post. Its comforting to know that I'm not the only person out there struggling with my food relationship. Today's smoothie is more purple than green, but no worries, its still chock full of goodness!

• 3 c water
• 1 apple, cored & chopped
• 2 bananas
• 1 big handful frozen blackberries
• 1 big handful frozen strawberries
• 3 big handfuls spinach

I'm not a fan of seeds. In fact, I rarely use blackberries or raspberries because I find them so offensive. However, they pack quite beneficial punch. They offer a great source of fiber and they cling to, and rid our bodies of, some of the toxins trapped in the lower intestine and colon. So grab your straws and get ready for some detoxin'! Enjoy!

Day Forty Six

I found a big box of plums at Costco last week. I used to love eating plums all summer long as a child. Sweet, juicy, red plums....mmm. My oldest son, when he just less than a year old, once reached out of the grocery cart, grabbed a plum from the produce section and took a big bite out of it. Sadly, that was the last plum he ever ate. Until today, that is ; ) Today's smoothie:

• 4 small plums (I removed the pit, but left the skin)
• 2 small apples (cored & diced)
• 2 bananas
• 4 HUGE handfuls of spinach
• ICE
• water

Its delicious! I made a full blenderful this morning so I can have extra throughout the day. I'm off to the pool for a workout and I love smoothies as an after workout treat. Enjoy!

Day Forty Two

Blogger is still not cooperating with me. It keeps erasing my posts. Yesterday's smoothie was:

• 1 apple
• 2 huge handfuls spinach
• 2 bananas
• 1 10 oz bag frozen cherries
• water

Day Forty

Let's see if blogger cooperates a little better today than it did last night. I actually made this smoothie last night, but there is enough left in the fridge to last me through most of today. I think, until the germs are out of our house, I'll be making my smoothies early. Just in case those germs get me, I'll have smoothie on hand to combat them and still keep my on track for my challenge. So, last night's smoothie was:

• 1 apple, cut into cubes (skin left on)
• 1 10oz bag of frozen sweet cherries
• gobs of spinach
• 2 c OJ

Its tart, but very very good. My husband hasn't tried it yet, I'm not sure if he'll like it or not. He's not a fan of cherries.

Day Thirty Eight (its a two-fer)

Can't seem to catch a break around here these days. We went to my inlaws to watch the game today and by half time my oldest son was curled up on the couch (after having spent most of the first half curled up on either my or my husband's lap) with a low grade fever, crying because his throat hurt so badly. So, we packed up and came home early. We'll be heading to the dr in the AM to get a throat culture and probably some antibiotics. Hmph.

I made a smoothie for my inlaws and then made a second one when we got home. Trying to pump my son (and family) up with some extra vitamins & anti oxidants to get these nasty germs out of our house! So, today's post will be a "two-fer"! Enjoy!
Smoothie One:

• 2 bananas
• 3 big handfuls of strawberries (rinsed, with tops intact)
• 2 cups water
• 3 big handfuls spinach
• 1 apple
• the juice from the bottom of my fresh cut pineapple bowl
• ICE

It was yummy, but for some reason did not come out very smooth. My inlaws liked it, but both my husband and I were a little put off by the grittiness. I think I just didn't let it go long enough in my vitamix. I dunno.

Smoothie Two:

• 1 banana
• 1 pineapple spear
• 2 c OJ
• 2 big handfuls spinach

This is an old standby for my kids and I knew they'd drink it. They loved it and both had seconds.

Day Thirty Two

Phew, talk about cutting it close! I made it just under the wire here tonight. Luckily, I live on the West Coast, so its not actually past midnight yet. For those on the East Coast, I apologize for getting this out so late. Monday's are crazy days in our household and while I rely heavily on my smoothies to get me through them, I rarely get the luxury of sitting down to the computer long enough to get my post finished. Ok, here we go:

• aprox 2 c fresh blueberries
• 2 bananas
• 2 cups water
• 1 cameo apple
• whole bunch of spinach
• squirt of agave

Let 'er rip. I love blueberries and bananas together. YUM.

Day Thirty

Oh Green Smoothie, take me AWAY!!!!! Its a rainy, muddy mess here in the Pacific Northwest. Living here for over six years now you'd think I'd be used to it. But sometimes it still takes me by surprise. This morning the dogs were outside wrestling around in the mud, which they always do and I went about my morning and making my green smoothie. I realized I needed some ingredients that were out in the (detached) garage. I opened up the side door and the dogs immediately attacked me. Within 1.7 seconds I was covered in mud. Did I mention I'd already showered? In an attempt to get away from their "affection" I tried to run back into the house. But the dogs are faster than I am. And they ran straight through the door, pushing me to the side. Muddy paw prints are the new decor of my kitchen floor. It took three of us (myself, hubby and oldest son) to get the wet, soppy muddy dogs into their crates and I went about making the green smoothies, heading back out to the garage in peace. I got said smoothies made, and poured and handed out to all of the members of our family. I went to put the leftover smoothie into the fridge and yesterday's smoothie decided it had had enough and wanted to end it all. The (glass) pitcher jumped of the shelf, taking down a brand new bag of spinach with it, and another (glass) pitcher of extra smoothie. So, on top of the muddy paw prints there was now a beautiful swirl of green and deep purple, littered with spinach leaves on top. Oh, and the pitcher smacked into my shin on the way down. Thankfully neither of the pitchers broke and the mess was somewhat contained to right in front of the fridge. Its cleaned up now and I think, after I finish this smoothie in front of me, I may go take another shower. Oh, did I mention we're having company this afternoon? Fun times.

Ok, into the vita-mix:

• 1 cameo apple, chopped
• 2 bananas
• OJ
• frozen pineapple (ingredient that prompted the canine attack)
• kale
• spinach
• ICE

Its been brought up that Kale has a fairly strong flavor and I was asked how I'm able to mask it in my smoothies. I only use 3-4 leaves per smoothie and lots of spinach. I also like to pair it with fairly strong flavored fruit, such as pineapple & banana. I hope this helps! Keep the questions and comments comin'! I love getting feedback from you guys!

Day Eleven

My kids are addicted to juice. As a new mother, that didn't know any better, I got them started on juice habit way too early. In an attempt to repent for my prior mistakes, I've switched them from apple juice to V8 V-Fusion. Its not a perfect solution, but its better than the other alternatives. They love this stuff and it does have a decent amount vitamins and minerals, so I don't feel overly guilty about it. Probably the most frequently question I'm asked is "why don't you just drink a V8?" This question, along with any others you may have will be answered in an upcoming Q & A post. I've been collecting your questions and now's the time to ask any more that you may have! They don't even have to be about smoothies! Anything you want to know!

Ok, back to business. I have one son who will eat his weight in fresh fruit and cherry tomatoes. However, this one does not like smoothies. Go figure. I allow him a little lenience because he does get a lot of raw goodness in otherwise. My older son, however, would live on PB&J and chicken nuggest if I allowed it. Thankfully, he's the one that loves smoothies. I just love it when things work out for me this way!

So, in an attempt to find the perfect smoothie for my youngest son (ie, one he'll actually drink without arguement) I decided to try to recreate his beloved V8. The flavor I modeled today's smoothie after was the Strawberry Banana. These are the ingredients as listed on the side of the bottle:

reconstituted vegetable juice blend (water and concnerated juices of sweet potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, beets), reconstituted fruit juice blend (water and concentrated juices of white grapes, oranges, apples, strawberries and clarified bananas), contains less than 2% of the following ingredients: natural flavoring, banana puree, malic acid, vitamin c (ascorbic acid), citric acid, vitamin e (apha tocopheryl acetate).

Ok, not too bad. But I'm quite sure I can do better with my vita-mix. So this is what I blended:

• A handful of butternut squash chuncks (purchased at costco) (approx 8 1" cubes)
• 1 medium carrot washed, unpeeled
• 5 -6 cherry tomatoes
• a small piece of beet
• 1 cup of water
• 1 cup of oganic OJ
• 1 whole apple
• 2 bananas
• 2 large handfuls of frozen strawberries

And guess what??? My youngest gave it a thumbs up! He didn't drink a lot of it, but he rarely drinks or eats much in one sitting. He's more of a grazer. But he liked it and asked if I'd make it everyday. I don't think I'll go that far, but this recipe is definitely a keeper. My husband enjoyed it, despite the fact that it wasn't green. But he did say "just don't tell me what's in it". I told him not to read my blog. To which he answered "I don't". LOL! So go smack your forehead and say "Doh, I coulda had a V8!"

Day Ten

Good evening smoothie friends! We left the house early this morning and just walked in the door about 10 minutes ago. We've been to Portland, OR and back and we're all exhausted. I made two smoothies this morning for the ride. I made the strawberry milkshake as well as a new one:

• 2 cups of water
• 1 large apple
• 2 bananas
• 3 handfuls of spinach
• ice

Gave it a good whirl in the vita-mix and off we went!

Day Nine

Good Morning internet peeps! Tomorrow is my husband's birthday, but we are celebrating today. His special request for this morning's smoothie: "no rice milk, no coconut anything and just some basic, 'normal' ingredients" (he's no fun!). So, being the loving, adoring, accommodating wife that I am I obliged. Today's smoothie, as brought to you by my husband is:

• 2 c water
• 1 large apple
• 2 bananas
• 1/8 of a cantaloupe
• 3 large handfuls of spinach
• ice

Its quite yummy! Enjoy!

Day Eight, Part Deux

Yesterday's smoothie did not yield enough for all of us to have our desired amount, so I whipped up another one in the afternoon. It was delish! Into the vita-mix:

• 2 c organic OJ
• 1 large apple
• 1 whole kiwi (skin & all)
• 1 banana
• 6oz clamshell of raspberries
• 6oz clamshell of blueberries
• lots o' spinach
• ice

gave it a whirl and let 'er rip! It was good. DH said it was a bit too citrusy for his taste, but I think that was the combination of kiwi and OJ.

Day Seven

WooHoo! We made it a whole week! How are you guys feeling? Are you noticing anything different? I'd love to hear how your first week went. Some things I've experienced and have heard from others is that for the first few days you may experience some negative side effects. Especially if you have been consuming a standard american diet comprised of processed foods, refined sugar and lots of white flour, animal protein and fast foods. A lot of people notice a difference in their, um, digestive abilities. Green Smoothies will clear ya out! But that's a good thing! Some other symptoms include headaches, a bit of nausea, muscle aches, etc. These are short lived and its actually your body trying to rid itself of the toxins that the green smoothies are pulling out of your cells. Keep up the green smoothie habit and these symptoms should go away quickly.

Now, onto today's smoothie. I've been experimenting quite a bit lately so today I went totally minimalist. Into the vita-mix:

• 1 apple
• 2 bananas
• 3 handfuls of spinach
• 2 cups of rice milk
• big squirt of flax oil
• ice

I thought it was a bit bland and my husband didn't care for it at all. The kids haven't tried it yet, but I'm going to add some mixed frozen berries for them and that's how I'll drink my second pint this afternoon. Live and learn!

So, what's with all the rice milk lately? My oldest son has been requesting "milk shake" type smoothies this week and I use rice milk to achieve that texture. I'm currently reading the book "The China Study" and it really has me rethinking the amount of cow's milk we consume. Hopefully soon, I'll get around to making my own, raw almond milk. I can really have some fun with that!