Sweet Surrender. Green Drink #21

I did it! I made it 21 days, drinking 1 green drink each day. (In addition to my regular gluten-free, dairy free and refined sugar free lifestyle). At this point, it's a routine. I wake up in the morning and immediately go to find green ingredients. Since I have been doing this, I have not been sick, and I have had more energy than usual. Clearly, this experiment worked. Yay Green!

Ingredients:

Makes 2-3 Servings

1 Apple

2 Tbs Chia seeds

1 handful Spinach

1 cup Filtered water

1 cup pure Apple Juice

1/2 cup ice

Directions:

Blend, drink and feel awesome!

xx

rj

It's not easy being green drink #20

I am surprised by how difficult this green drink challenge has been for me. Unexpectedly flying to another county, going camping on the fly- this challenge requires preparation, and at this moment, I don't have a lot of structure.

None-the-less, everywhere I go, I have had a lot of energy, and people are commenting that I look radiant. While in some ways, this was a bad time for me to embark upon this challenge, in others ways, it was a really good time. It's been really helpful for me to be remain healthy regardless of the chaos of my life.

Ingredients:

Makes 2 servings

1 Banana

1/4 Avocado

2 Cups Coconut water

1 Handful Spinach

Directions:

Blend it up and drink it down.

xx

rj

Savory Green Health Boost. Drink #19.

This morning, someone said to me "You have figured out the secret to yummy, tasty, healthy food: You just mix great ingredients with other great ingredients." I love this because it is so true. The secret to yummy healthy food is yummy healthy ingredients. Keep that in mind when you are grocery shopping. Another way a friend put it is, "You can either pay the grocery bill, or the hospital." So let' s have a toast to green drinks and vitality!

Ingredients:

Makes 2-3 Servings

1/4 Avocado

1 Celery Stalk

2 Cups filtered water

1.5 handfuls of Spinach

7 Fresh Basil Leaves

2 tsp Pink Himalayan Crystal Salt

Juice of 1/2 Lemon

Directions:

Blend it up and drink it down!

*Feel free to taste test from blender to insure that you enjoy the lemon and salt proportions.*

Yumtastic Green Drink #18

Avocado always makes drinks amazing. Just avocado it. Do it. Do it Now.

Ingredients:

Makes 3 Servings

1 Handful Spinach

2 Cups Filtered Water

1/4 Avocado

2 Tbs Almonds

1 Cups Frozen Mango Cubes

Directions:

Blend it together and drink it down.

The ungreen green drink. Drink #17

One of the *many* amazing things about my three-day-dance-camp-experience was the fresh carrot juice in the morning. I tried to make this drink green to no avail, no green powder will out-do the powerful orange color punch that pure carrot juice provides.

Ingredients:

Makes 2 Servings

1.5 cups Carrot Juice

1 tbs Vita-mineral Green

2 Tbs Chia Seeds

Directions:

Stir together, wait 30 minutes for Chia seeds to absorb liquid and marvel at how truly un-green this green drink is.

Coconut, Chia, VIta-mineral Green.

Green Drink # 16- I went to Dance in nature and camp for three days with a gorgeous community of other dancers. I did not bring a blender and this was a great drink because it does not require one. It is also very tasty, and prone to start conversation.

Ingredients:

Make 2 servings

1.5 cups Coconut juice

1 tbs Vita-mineral Green

2 Tbs Chia Seeds

Directions:

Stir and wait 30 minutes for Chia seeds to absorb liquid.

Green Drink #15: The Kitchen Sink

I accidentally put wayyyyy too much vita-mineral green in the first version of this drink. Please learn from my mistakes. I will never do that again!

Ingredients:

Makes 2-3 Servings

1 Banana

1 Tbs Vita-mineral green

1.5 cups Coconut water

6 Strawberries

1 Handful of Spinach

1 cup Ice

Directions:

Blend it up!

xx

rj

Hazelnut Banana Green Smoothie, Green Drink #13

...and the sun shineth on thou smoothie, and thusforth all will be well with the world....

Ingredients:

Makes 2-3 Servings

1 cup Hazelnut Milk

.5 Cup crushed ice

1 Tbs Vitamineral Green (or other green powder supplement)

1 Banana

1 Handful of Spinach

Directions:

Blend and drink

xx

rj

Mango, Chia, Pecan, Spinach Yum. Green Drink #12

The best part about this shake is that it is sooo refreshing. It is hot right now in Sunny California and I am very happy to have a beverage that brings down the heat.

Ingredients:

Make 3-4 servings (which you might want all for yourself)

1 cup Mango

1 cup Spinach

.5 cup ice

1 cup spring water

3 Dates

3 tbs Chia Seeds

6 Pecans

1 dropper full of milk thistle (optional tonic to support the liver)

Directions:

Blend and drink outside on a hot summers day!

Green Smoothie. Drink # 11

I always enjoy giving these smoothies to skeptics. The spinach flavor is hidden and it all just tastes so &^% good!

Ingredients:

Makes 2-3 servings

1 Banana

1.5 cups Vanilla coconut milk beverage (So delicious brand, sugar free)

1 handful Spinach

1 Cup ice

Directions:

Blend!

xx

rj

Green Chia Shake: Drink # 10

When I embarked upon this Green Drink challenge, I had no idea that I would be sleeping in different places every night and flying to Toronto for a family emergency. It has been tricky to find a blender and fresh vegetables. I was very happy to be back in California this morning, where I enjoyed this drink.

Ingredients:

Makes 3-4 Servings

3 Tbs Chia Seeds

1 Apple

2 cups Coconut Juice

3 leaves Kale

1 cup ice

Directions: Blend and Drink. Yum.

Summer Delight! Watermelon, Spinach, Lemonade.

Green Drink # 9

There was so much fruit (and cake) left over from the Shiva at our house. It just made sense to use up the left over watermelon. This beverage was surprisingly very tasty. My mother said that it is the type of drink that she would enjoy with ice on a hot summer's day.

Ingredients:

Makes 2-3 Servings

1 cup Watermelon

1 Bunch Spinach

Juice from 1/4 Lemon

1 cup filtered water

Directions:

Blend, Blend, Blend, Drink.

Lightly Steamed Kale with Coconut Oil, Balsamic Vinegar and Hemp Seeds

Not your usual Shiva Food

This Kale is so tasty that it disappeared from my plate before I could eat it. My brother and his friend figured that if I left it alone for a minute, it must be fair game.

Ingredients:

Makes 2 Servings

1 Bunch Kale

2 Tbs Coconut Oil

2 Tbs Balsamic Vinegar

3 Tbs Hemps seeds

Directions:

Cut Kale leaves into roughly 2 Inch pieces. Lightly steam Kale. Add Coconut Oil and Balsamic Vinegar and stir until Coconut Oil has melted. Put on serving dish or plate and add Hemp Seeds. Fin.

xx

rj

Green Drink #8. Coconut Juice, Kale, Parsley and Sage.

I couldn't figure out why my green drink shakes were not tasting as good in Toronto as they do in California. My brother pointed out that vegetable quality is the culprit. I suggest using high caliber ingredients (organic, local, fresh) wherever possible. This recipe took some significant tweaking to get right, but the end result is delish!

Ingredients:

Makes 2 servings

1.5 cups coconut juice (also known as coconut water)

4 sprigs parsley

3 leaves fresh sage

1 leaf Kale

2 baby Carrots

1 cup ice

Juice of 1/2 Lemon

1 Apple (optional)

Directions:

Blend it up till it is really smooth.

Quinoa Bowl of Yum and Vegetables

There are not a lot of options for gluten free foodies at Jewish Shiva's. This was my response.

Ingredients:

Makes 3 servings

Quinoa

1 Cup Quinoa

1/5 Cups cold water

1/3 tsp Salt

2 Tbs Ground Flax seeds

3 Tbs Wheat Free Tamari

Vegetable Topping

6 Stems Asparagus (Cut into 1 inch pieces)

1 Celery Stalk (Cut into small pieces)

1 Bunch Broccoli (Cut into small pieces)

1 Red Pepper (Sliced)

1 Onion (diced)

10 Almonds (Whole of Crushed)

3 Tbs Coconut Oil

3 Tbs Wheat Free Tamari

3 Tbs Sesame seeds

Directions:

To cook Quinoa first soak for 5 minutes. Drain the water and then add 1 Cup Quinoa, 1.5 Cups of Water and salt to a pot. Turn on high until water boils, then turn heat to low to simmer, put lid on pot at this point. Cook for 15 minutes. Once cooked, add Tamari and ground flax seeds and then stir.

While Quinoa is cooking, using a pan or wok, add coconut oil and turn heat on medium. Once coconut oil is melted add onions and stir until they are translucent. Add the rest of the vegetables and stir until they are just a little bit cooked. Add Almonds and Tamari and stir. Add Sesame Seeds at the end.

Put Quinoa in a bowl, put the veggies on top.

xx

rj

Day #7:Green Drink From Mama's Pantry.

Green Drink Challenge, Day #7.

Fresh from Mama's pantry, this shake is an example of what to do, when you have no time to shop for ingredients nor the opportunity to plan. Taste wise, this was not my favorite shake, but after I drank it, I felt AMAZING.

Ingredients:

makes 2 servings

1/2 Avocado

Juice of 1 Lemon

4 Chives

1 small Cucumber

Salt

1/2 Cup Ice

1 Cup Spring water.

Directions:

Blend and Drink.

Day #6: Mint, Kale, Orange Drink. Ready for take off.

I find it a real challenge to remain healthy during times of stress ( I am taking a wild guess that I am not alone it this).

Celebrating my grandmothers life is all good. Dropping all previous plans, going to a funeral and sitting shiva (it's a jewish thing) is another. I am writing this blog from sfo airport. I made this drink at my friends house this morning in a frantic attempt not to waste the greens that I had in my fridge. It is surprisingly tasty!

Ingredients:

Makes 2-3 Servings

1 Cup Orange Juice

1 Bunch Mint

4 Leaves Kale

Juice of half a Lemon

2 Carrots

1 Cup Ice

Directions:

Blend it up.

xx

rj

Day #5: Lemon Verbena Green Drink. In Honor of Bubbie.

This morning my 97 year old Bubbie (that's jewish for Grandmother) left her body. One of the reasons I am embarking on this green drink journey is to celebrate and live a healthy life. Living to the age 97 will do just fine.

Ingredients:

Makes 3-4 Servings

6 Lemon Verbena Leaves

2 Apples

Juice of one Lemon

1 Handful of Spinach

1 Cup Ice

2 cups spring water

Directions:

Blend it up and drink it. If you are willing to clean the juicer, you could make this a juice instead (omit the spring water and ice).

Parsley Lemon Shake. Day #4.

I woke up with so much energy this morning that I basically jumped out of bed with a smile on my face. Day #4 of 21 day green drink challenge is being good to me.

Ingredients:

makes 3-4 servings

I bunch of Parsley (stemmed)

Juice of 1 Lemon

2 Carrots

1 Celery Stick

1 dash salt

2 cups spring water

1 cup crushed ice

Directions:

Blend blend blend.

xx

rj

Avocado Strawberry Chocolate Mousse

Just because I am drinking a green shake every day does not mean that I am skimping on the chocolate. Here is proof (in the form of a recipe).

Ingredients:

Makes 2 Servings

1 Avocado

3 Tablespoons Raw Cacao

6 Strawberries

3 Tbs Agave Nectar

1/4 cup coconut milk (or other non dairy milk)

Dash of Salt

Directions:

Blend and enjoy!

xx

rj

Orange, Dill, Avocado Hippie Green Shake: Day # 3

Day 3 of the green drink challenge and I am already feeling more energetic and inspired. How are you feeling? How do you feel after drinking the green drinks? Do you have any secrets or tips for me? Feel free to comment below.

Fresh from the farmer's market, the secret to this drink is to "drink is fresh and drink it cold."

Ingredients:

Makes 3-4 servings

2 Oranges (omit peel)

1 bunch fresh Dill

1 handful Baby Spinach

.5 Avocado

1 cup crushed ice

1 cup filtered water

Directions:

Blend, Shake, Drink, Love, Enjoy!

xx

rj

Mango, Kale, Coconut shake. 21 day Green Drink Challenge: Day #2

Yes to green drinks! I am all over this vitality kick. Come join me and Go green!

Ingredients:

Makes 2-3 Servings

3 leaves Kale

2 cups Coconut water

1 cup frozen cubed Mango

Directions: Mix, Blend, Drink, Enjoy!

xx

rj

21 day green drink challenge. 21 days. 21 drinks.

I have been fatigued for a couple days and am feeling the need to take ownership of my health. What better way to do this than to drink green drinks!

Here is the deal: 1 green drink per day for 21 days.

If you wanna embark on this journey with me, I would love some company!

Ingredients:

makes 2-4 servings

Half a bunch of Cilantro

2 medium sized Carrots

5 leaves of Kale

1 small Apple

1/2 cup frozen Pineapple

3 Tbs shelled Hemp seeds

Juice of 1/4 lemon

Salt

1/2 cup crushed ice

1.5 cups filtered water

Directions: Blend together in a good blender and serve chilled.

xx

rj

Vitamineral Green Nori Rolls- Feel good, look good, taste good!

My Gawd! This tastes so $#$#@%$ good, that I want to eat this and only this for the next week!

I have recently been on the market for a new home. Scanning craigslist and meeting "like-minded" people has been an interesting experience. One of the houses that I looked at had a aerial silk hanging in the living room and a super foods bar!

While, I decided that it was not the best housing option for me, one of the good postured yogi's (who slept in the "hippie loft" above the garage) introduced me to the idea of adding green powder to Nori rolls. Good call random Yogi!

Ingredients:

Makes 4 Servings

4 Nori Sheets

1 Avocado

1 Apple

2 Carrots

1 clove Garlic

2 Tbs Vitamineral Green ( the secret ingredient of awesomeness)

2 tbs Olive oil

dash of Cayenne

dash of Salt

Directions:

1) Add all ingredients except Nori Sheets in a blender.

2) Place 1/4 mixture per Nori Sheet and roll it up with your hands.- I recommend sprinkling water onto the Nori sheets after they have been rolled so that it sticks well.

xx

rj

Summer Shake Shake Shake (it like a Polaroid picture)

It's summer time! And you know what that means? Whip out the summer drinks! Feel free to add alcohol to this beverage (If that is your thing). This shake was inspired by the lemon tree and mint patch in my friend's back yard.

Ingredients:

Juice of 1 Meyer Lemon (any type of lemon will do)

A handful of fresh Mint

1 Mini Watermelon (or 1/4 of a big watermelon)

1 medium sized Cucumber

Crushed Ice (optional)

Directions:

Blend all ingredients together until desired consistency. Serve with some mint and lemon as a garnish if that is the kind of thing that brings you joy.

xx

rj

Fruit Kimchee- the best thing since sliced bread!

News Flash: Fermented foods are all the rage in the hippie world!

I got a good dose of healthy vibrant people this weekend at the Moab Contact Improv Jam in Utah. http://www.moabjam.com

Some highlights of this trip involved bonding with nature, dancing with gorgeous people (inside and out) and cooking in the communal kitchen. This dish was inspired and conspired by a combination of brilliance that transpired at the Jam.

The picture above is the delish Fruit Kimchee with Orchid, one of the contact dancers at the festival (the knee pads give her away).

Ingredients:

makes 8-10 servings

1 Banana

1 bunch Grapes (green or red)

1 Apple

1 Pear

1 bunch of Strawberries

1 Orange

2 Peaches

1/4 bunch cilantro

1/4 cup macadamia or cashew nuts

1 Jalapeno pepper (or less if you are super sensitive to spice)

4 cloves Garlic

1 inch Ginger

1/4 Onion

2 teaspoons of Salt

Cayenne to taste

1/4 cup coconut shreds (optional)

Directions:

1) Cut fruit into small pieces (slice bananas and strawberries, half grapes, cube peaches, apples and pears)

2) Stem Cilantro

3) Mince Garlic, Ginger and Onion

4) Add all ingredients together in a bowl and massage together with your hands. The salt will bleed the fruit and provide juice for the Kimchee to ferment.

5) Put in a jar, making sure to keep the lid loose and store at room temp for about 2 days (It will ferment faster if it is stored in a warm environment).

6) Kimchee will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge.

Recommendations:

This dish is awesome with salad- it tastes great with arugula and also with a little bit of chevre.