it's shocking

I proved it this morning, when I got on the scale. Since we replaced breakfast with green smoothies, I have lost 8 pounds. I've lost track of time, but I think it's been about 6 weeks. I am drinking around a quart and a half to two quarts per day spread out through the morning. Some taste better than others, but I've evolved the recipe until I'm pretty happy with it. I decided to add a whole avocado and 1 T flax oil to Spencer's each day, since he needs to gain weight. Jason is drinking them now as well. Joseph loves them. By adding this much fiber to my diet, I've found that I need to drink more water as well. You can guess the reason.

Now that I'm home, I don't have a Vita-Mix. Although it takes a bit longer to make a smooth puree, I've found that an expensive blender is not necessary.

New Improved Green Smoothies

1 orange

1 banana

1 handful black grapes

1 pear or apple-sometimes I leave this out

1 avocado-I only use one in the first smoothie of the day

2 c. cold coconut or filtered water

1 1/2 pounds greens (I vary the greens everyday and buy everything organic if possible. I shop for greens nearly everyday to assure freshness. I think I'll start growing greens in my basement.)

This makes 8 cups--enough for 1 person's needs or 4 people to have a nice, tall glassful.

I also came up with a different kind of green smoothie for 3 in the afternoon, when I begin craving bad carbs and get sleepy. It's sort of an immune and energy boosting drink in the lines of Gazpacho.

Ugly but Delicious Afternoon Pick-Me-Up Smoothie

2 cups chopped tomatoes-if they aren't fresh from the garden used canned

1 small cucumber or zucchini

1 lime

1 green pepper

1 small clove garlic

1/4 c. chopped green onion

1/4 t. cayenne

1 lb. spinach or other mild green

1 handful parsley, basil, or cilantro

cold filtered water if needed

As with all these smoothies, they are much better if all ingredients are chilled.