Live and Learn
When I first went raw in 2006, I'd never heard of green juices or green smoothies, but I had learned from raw foodists about fruit smoothies - that they are healthy and should be a part of a raw foodist's diet. I made these fruit smoothies even though they were too sweet for my taste and too high in calories for my needs. In life we do what we know how to do at any particular time, and what I knew to do in those days was to drink fruit smoothies to get a lot of natural vitamins into my diet in a convenient and fun way. I even got artistic with them, as you can see. I've learned a lot since then. Today I'm more aware of blood glucose, hypothyroid and other issues that touch my life. I've also discovered the benefits of green juices and have been trying to incorporate them into my diet without all the sweet fruit. Unfortunately, it hasn't been an easy journey. First, I've had a hard time creating palatable flavors, and when I'd read about everyone else lovin' on their morning juices I'd feel like a weirdo with my nasty concoctions. Sure, once in a while I'd hit on a really good combination, but I think on those days my taste buds, attitude, and ingredients were in sync. Mosts days, though, one of those was off-kilter. Finally, I hit the wall. Green juices just tasted bad to me! When I drank them I had nasty images of what the liquids reminded me of. I found myself pouring precious green elixirs down the drain- along with the dollars it cost to purchase those vegetables.
To make matters worse, I had an allergic reaction to something and didn't have a taste for green juices at all afterwards, though I have been trying to drink them at least on weekends. I increased my salad intake to make up for the low amount of greens, but I also found myself eating more processed and junk foods. Lo and behold, the symptoms of poor health have gradually returned: worsened allergy symptoms that keep me from sleeping, feelings of depression, lack of mental energy. I've had insomnia for the past week.
I know I have to get back to the greens and the juices, and I know the key to enjoying green juices and smoothies is flavor- they've got to be palatable. Apples don't work- they are the wrong kind of sweetness. Tomatoes and cucumbers are too mild, though they help cut bitterness. Mangoes are too sweet. Yesterday I bought grapes and bananas. Here's what I concocted this morning:
- 1 frozen banana
- 1.5 cups purple grapes
- 2 huge rainbow chard leaves
- 1/3 head of romaine
- 1 large carrot
- 3 large stalks celery
- 1 tbsp kelp powder
- 1/2 cup water
When I was a kid I was a picky eater, and I was naturally skinny as well. I didn't think about food until it was time to eat, picked my way through my meals, and then was off to play again. I guess I'm still picky about my food. Too bad I'm not picky when it comes to junk food, but that's because I eat it habitually and mindlessly. Raw foods I eat with more care and thoughtfulness, so I spend lots of time picking out quality produce and thinking about how the flavors will blend. I find I need something between bitter and sweet, between pure juice and thick smoothie, and between mild and powerful flavoring. Eventually I will find it.
Hi Allison,
I hear u re the really bad green juices, I went through the same thing.
Since I have been juice feasting I have come up with a really tasty juice and it works for me. The ingredients are:
Chard/Escarole/Romaine- one leafy green
Celery - 1 head
Cucumber-1
Lemon-1
garlic-1 lg clove or 2 sm or medium ones
1 jalapeno pepper or banana pepper
juice everything and put in a large mason jar and put 1 tbl sp of flax or olive oil, and 1 tbl spoon spirulina a couple of ice cubes. Its delicious Allison, not sweet and really filling.
I switch up the green leaves but this is a basic green juice it keeps me full and I find it palatable. Ciao, let me know if you like it. Dea
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I like adding extra lemon or lime juice to cut bitterness, that might help you? Or maybe grapefruit juice?
Hope you find your green groove so they can help you feel better
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I'm all for eating what I'm drawn to at the time. I just haven't been drawn to green juices, yet. I think in the future I will be, but for now they just don't look appealing to me.
I enjoy reading about your raw adventures. Thanks for sharing!
Lots of love to you,
Wendi
XOXO
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