Go Green!

I have a conversation this past week with a firefighter who, in less than six weeks, went from requesting a second surgery, to not only not needing surgery, but feeling that he was well enough to return to work.  This was after a year and a half of pain and reduced motion that failed to improve.   What made the difference?  A change in lifestyle which centered on changing the way he ate.  Being inspired by the movie “Forks Over Knives” (click title to watch online for free :)),  he decided to eliminate meat, eliminate sugar, and go with a plant based diet.  One part of his diet was drinking smoothies recommended at the following website link:  7 Nutritious  Recipes (click link for website posting)

I have made some modifications to these recipes, and have come up with three smoothies myself (green, yellow/orange, and red –  I call them my traffic light).  I will share is my green and orange smoothies (still working on the red):

• Green (good for energy): two handfuls of chopped kale, one handful of chopped lettuce, 2 stalks of chopped celery, handful of frozen peas, one apple (green : ), one banana, cup of pineapple, tablespoon of mint leaves, cup of plain yogurt, and 1/2 cup of water.
• Orange (good for my joints): two oranges, yellow apple, 1/2 small sweet potato (raw), 1/2 of large carrot, banana, slice of ginger, cup of yogurt, and 1/2 cup of water.

 Sometimes I will add some beans to my smoothies for a little protein, mainly canned black-beans.

These make more than you can drink in one setting, but  a glass or two will keep you energized for most of the morning : )

If you have a favorite, please share..