I have tried a few green smoothie recipes and they make me physically ill. I am confused because I actually like to eat greens, but even the smell of the smoothie makes me gag. I think it is possible that I am putting too many greens in the smoothie but I was following the basic "green smoothie girl" recipe, which is 3/4 to 1 lb of greens and 2 bananas and 2 cups of berries. It makes about 64 ounces so you can save it for two days. It smells and tastes so repulsive that I can feel nauseas just thinking about it. I have had greens as part of my diet for years now so I expected to like these smoothies. Also, I used kale and put the entire kale leaf and stem in there. Any advice? Is it possible that green smoothies are not for me?
Thank you for any advice!
Comments
i just know that i get constipated after a full day of smoothies or salads. i had green smoothies for the last 2 full days and have not moved my bowels since. i wish someone could offer an explanation for this very unusual syndrome.
i move my bowels daily and effortlessly if i am on a cooked vegetarian diet, in fact it gets even easier when i introduce a wee bit of meat.
Do greenies, they'll do you right.
We have been enjoying greenies for the past few years as the better part of our raw diet. We love the fresh, "green" taste. We love the convenience of it!
One can make as smooth as it appeals to one's taste. Baby spinach, smoothest. Then the rest, kale, chard, parsley, cilantro, new leaves from citrus trees, celery, basil, with fruits. A little chunk of avocado will make any greenie into a velvety delight. (Personally I like them a bit more watery, diluted with pure water). I use mainly bananas, strawberries (always available in Bay Area) and in season fruits. We freeze fruit in season for later use (winter time). My formula: in a Vitamix, 2 cups of water, 3 handfuls of greens, 1 cup strawberries (handful), 1 banana, mix. Half a honeydew melon, 1/2 bunch of cilantro or Italian parsley, no water, mix. Add a little ice to any for a cooler experience. And don't forget cold soups (and hot, of course).
When possible go organic with thin skinned veggies and fruits, and ALL greens. Know your dirty and clean veggies and fruits. We, well, I combine anything.. it can only taste bad, it will never be bad for you. Fresh veggies and fruits please. No canned or processed anything, anything please. Do you promise? Good.
Most important, the RIGHT equipment. Any Vita Mix (more power) product. The Montel Williams Machine as seen on TV. Both have the power to pulverize! Kitchen appliances, blenders, food processors and juicers just do not make greenies properly. They just are not up to the task... EMULSIFY!
PULVERIZE!
Greenies are 50% of our 85% raw vegan food diet. The only supplement we take is complex B vitamin, once a week. You will learn to love greenies, They make you feel, ENERGIZED! And healthy, of course. Remember, Fresh and alive GREEN is what you're after, fruit makes it more acceptable to the new pallet. GREEN.
Follow this lady.
http://www.rawfamily.com/newsletters.htm
Green for Life
By Boutenko Victoria
http://www.vita-mix.com/
http://www.kitchenu.com/shop/product.aspx?ref=froogle&sku=388
http://www.imshopping.com/question_answer/how-good-is-the-montel-williams-living-well-health-master
Dirty Dozen / Clean 15
http://www.foodnews.org/walletguide.php?key=35626100
Constipation... try a couple of tablespoons of black strap molasses with warm water. Or 2 tbsp of organic ACV (apple cider vinegar) daily will help too..
http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/constipation.html#ACV_28132
Good luck.
Thank you for all the great advice. I had bought a bunch of kale to make these smoothies, but I decided to eat it making raw kale salads, which I love! I think when I try green smoothies again, I will use a lot less greens. Also, I am someone who can eat a huge salad of kale, chard or spinach, so I might not even need to make smoothies as I eat greens every day anyway. I am confused about fruit as well. I am trying to lose weight, but I have found that I can not eat only veggies so I mix it up by having whole fruits first in the day on an empty stomach. This is only week one of being strict raw vegan although I have been playing around with it for over a year. I will see if I lose weight with eating fruit during the day and veggies in the evening.