Seeing Red

Hello readers! Long time no post. I am still going strong with the shakes! I stopped for awhile during finical difficulty (as cheap as veggies are, my blender broke!) but I have been back at it.

Doing it  for  awhile now, I have noticed I have been able to do little to no fruit at all in the shakes. So what I have been doing is making 1 shake with fruits in it, the another with none for the day.

This might change however, for I plan to start juicing. There isn't a huge difference in the shakes and juicing, just consistency and how much you drink. Once I get the juicer, I will let you guys know how it goes.

Right now, I am drinking a shake I call "Red Power"

1 red plum
2 red tomatoes
1 pear
1/2 red apple
8 oz Orange Juice
1 cup of spinach
2 scoops of Superfoods

My current blender doesn't allow me to blend many hard vegetables or fruit, so I have been limited. Can't wait to start juicing!

Citrus Overload

Hey! So yesterday's shake was a failure! I felt so bad..but it was so thick I couldn't drink it, and it was left out too long to try to mix it again :( Waste of money!

Today I made a Citrus Shake. Pack full of Vit C!

Ingredients:
1 large Ruby Red Grapefruit
1 banana
4 cups (Five large leaves) Kale
1 carrot
1 1/4 cups of Orange Juice (I recommended no pulp; you will taste it in the shake and it is gross)
1 scoop of super food
2 tablespoons of flax seed
1 scoop of whey protein

I was going to add an apple or half of one, but this already yield 32 oz.

This is VERY citrus-y! But good! You can taste the grapefruit. I thought it was a super nice change from the normal taste of these shakes. I also added 5 ice cubes.

Now that I am not adding frozen fruit (I don't have any right now) the shakes aren't as cold (and if they are not cold it isn't as appetizing) or thick. Adding 2 bananas is a big mistake! Then I put it in the freezer for about 20 mins. I will add a comment on how it turned out thickness and cold wise.


Again...I would never eat a grapefruit by itself, so I am adding things to my diet I otherwise wouldn't get.

I hope you all are enjoying the photos. I don't have a camera on hand, so I know they aren't the best, but I hope it does gives some kind of visual.

SUPER Green -Coconut and Kiwi

Wow...this was the most vibrant green I have had so far. The picture really does no justice. I wonder what my classmates will think when I am drinking this in class! The store had 2 things on sale I couldn't pass up: Coconut water and Kiwis. That is a great combination, no?

It is important to remember that when doing green shakes..you do need to vary it. That is the good thing about these shakes. You can get a variety of greens and fruits you wouldn't normally eat. I know I need to start adding more than just kale or spinach, maybe some bok choy?

I even bought some apples; I don't like apples. But I am hoping in the shake I won't taste them, and it will just be sweet.

That is another good thing about super food..you get awesome greens you would never get normally... algae, alfalfa, ect that are super dense in nutrients.

So I thought coconut water and Kiwis would be a great addition.

Ingredients:
1 cup (maybe more; it was a little container) of coconut juice by Naked
2 kiwis
2 bananas
4 cups (5 large leaves) of kale
Medium handful of almonds
2 tablespoons of Flax seed
1 scoop of super food
1 scoop of whey protien

I added another banana because it was a bit plain tasting (although you could taste the kiwis)

This yielded roughly 30 oz.

04/05/2011

Ingredients:
small handful of almonds
1 orange
4 cups of kale
1 banana
1 cup of mixed fruit
1 cup of grape juice
1 scoop of superfood
1 scoop whey protein
2 tablespoons of flax seed

04/03/2011

It happens I added more to this shake than I normally do, but it was mostly vegtables. I orginally made this shake without any frozen fruit..but found it to be too plain tasting. Not bitter, just really dull. It yelieded a hearty 32 ounces, for I have bought a bigger to-go container that also has measurements on the side.

Today's Drink:
1 packet of Emergen-C
1 cup of Pineapple Juice (100%)
2 Tablespoons of Flax Seed
1 scoop of Whey Protien
1 scoop of SuperFoods
1 banana
2 carrots
3 pineapple rings (fresh)
5 large leaves of kale
1 cup of frozen fruit (mangos, peachs, strawberry, pineapple)

04/02/2011

Yesterday, I had to wake up extra early to go to the mechanics. Well, I stayed up really late so I figured it was time to try some almonds.
I had:
1 banana
1 cup of grape juice
4 cups of spinach
2 pineapple rings
1 cup frozen pineapple
7 (small handful) almonds
1 scoop of superfood
2 tablepoons flax seed
1 scoop whey protien

I really didn't feel super engergized in all honestly, but it very well could have been from my 4-5 hours of sleep. Maybe I need more almonds?

Aloe Vera

Today at Sunflower (One of my favorite organic stores, Whole Foods is often too expensive, and while I like Sprouts, Sunflower is closer) I noticed something on sale:

Aloe Vera Juice.

Now, as a Native Arizona, Aloe plants are such a common sight. And of course, I remember breaking them and putting the goo on my sunburns to see "If it really worked."

Today, Aloe Vera is still used in many cosmetic and conventional medication. But..as a juice? I have never heard of that.

It seems that the idea of Aloe is it's wonderful constipation remedy! :)
But I always here "digestion this" "detox that" ect ect...and I am starting to think it isn't really true (Or in complete TMI I have a colon of steel)

But I did find some that said it helped blood sugar. I have to say...I am tempted.

Maybe I am a sucker for all these bogus ideas right?! But it is actually very cheap, and I think what is the harm of adding 2oz a day?!

I'll sit on it :)

http://ezinearticles.com/?Drink-Your-Aloe-Vera-Juice-Daily&id=298055
http://blog.wholefoodsmarket.com/2008/09/drink-your-aloe-vera/
http://www.naturalnews.com/021858.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/214356-why-is-aloe-vera-juice-good-to-drink/

Added ingredients: Nuts and SuperFood

For my hypoglycemia, nuts are always a warm welcome for a great energy boost. I heard of many people putting almonds in their raw shakes, and I knew I had to as well.
But at 4.99 lb at the cheapest bulk store I know, it can be pricey. I been thinking if it might be better to add the almonds only when I know I have long days (Such as Tuesday for me)

I will let you guys now if adding them made any difference in how I feel.

Then I finally bought some "Super food." Super food is pricey, and will cost you about $20 a month for everyday shakes. But everyone who uses them swears by them-so I am giving it a month trial.

I bought "Amazing Grass" Organic superfood from Sunflower Market
Ingredients:

Grass Greens:
Wheat grass, barley grass, alfalfa, spirulina, spinach, chlorella, broccoli.
Antioxidants:
Acai (first ingredient!), Maca, carrot, beet, raspberry, rose hips, pineapple, green tea, acerola cherry
Fiber: Flax seed, apple pectin
Digestive:
A bunch of stuff I don't want to type out LOL

The main reason why I bought it was a fair price (Not the cheapest though) and the fact it has acai in it as well. The clerk also told me it is pretty popular because it taste pretty nice.

Here is a link to their website which describes the benefit of their ingredients which I find interesting:
http://www.amazinggrass.com/superfood-ingredients.html

I also did my weigh in at 160.8. I technically gained 4 ounces :P
But it is steady and I am hopeful :) I have also been concentrating less on cardio and more on strength so I honestly wouldn't be surprised if I gained some weight.

Thanks for reading!

03/29-04/01/2011

Sorry guys I haven't been posting! I have just been busy. Still raw though!

On 03/29 I had the first recipe I made (blue/black berries, spinach) and it was good.

But on 03/30...I made the mistake of running out of bananas! Wow! It totally is gross without bananas..it isn't the same consistency and honestly made me gag a little. I couldn't drink it all. It tasted pretty much the same, just the consistency was way off.

Yesterday, I had:
1 small orange (fresh)
1 banana
1 cup of frozen mixed fruit
1 cup of grape juice
4 cups of spinach
2 tablespoons of flax seed
1 scoop whey protein

It was pretty good, but yielded again too much. Today's shake I made all fresh.

1 small orange
1 banana
1 cup of cranberry juice
4 cups of kale
2 tablespoons of flax seed
1 scoop whey protien

It is light, not as thick, and the flavor while not bitter, is what I am starting to call "normal" for these shakes. Not too sweet, just right. It yielded a perfect amount for my to go bottle as well.

I am trying to get a lot of Vit C because of my brother, and people in school, specifically my topic class, are very sick. Hence all the oranges!

Today is my weigh in and I will post results tonight or tomorrow.

03/28/2011

Mmmm today's shake is the best shake I have had yet! It isn't too sweet, just the right amount!

I had:
1 cup of Grape Juice with one of those emergen-c packets (James is feeling down, so I want to make sure I don't get sick)
6 fresh pineapple rounds
1 1/2 cups of frozen pineapples
1/2 banana (Its a pretty big banana, probably equates to 1 regular sized banana)
4 cups of kale
2 tablespoons of Flax Seed
1 scoop whey protein

I thought the grape juice and pineapple would compliment each other, and they sure do! However, this wielded a huge amount of shake..enough to fill up my to go bottle and a full sized 12 oz cup.

I realized I wasn't adding enough liquid to the first couple shakes...they were hard to blend ,and now that I am using more, it is quite easy to blend.

Then I also realized that flax seed (Mine is grounded up) taste like banana, and that is why sometimes I taste it. I don't think it is just the banana I add.

Kale also makes the greenest shakes, that is for sure. The bunnies love it though, because they get my left over stems! (and banana!)

Today's workout I really pushed the resistance and I feel great! I am also down to 160.00 even. Yeah it is only a 1.4 difference (and probably water weight) but I really see a difference in my body.

Thanks for reading!

03/27/2011

Yesterday, Saturday, I found it difficult to finish my shake! Only because with no work or school; I had no motivation. And in fact, I was a little heavy on the junk food. It is my only day off during the week!

Today's shake is waiting for me after I work out. It has,

4 cups of spinach
2 cups of grape juice
1 large banana
2 cups of frozen fruit mix (strawberries, mangoes, peach, pineapple)
2 tablespoons of flax seed
1 scoop of whey protein

This one you can defiantly taste the grape juice. It isn't as sweet again, I think due to the grape juice. Which isn't a bad thing, I am just not used to drinking grape juice. But it is a good way to get another fruit into the mix. Today I go to work, so I am no worried about having the will power to drink it, lol!

I have been thinking of taking acai supplements, but usually I don't buy into those hyped up fruits (Remember pomegranate?) and to buy it in juice form is a bit too expensive. Someone else recommended I use super foods green in my shakes too, for added benefit. I think this is totally okay, if I can ever afford the $35 powder, lol.

There was also discussion for when I go on soy protein powder if I should do a work out blend (with more protein) or a more natural soy. I work out regularly (Now 4 days a week) but unless I start lifting, I am not sure if it is worth all the extra punch.

What's on the dinner plate

I have been posting mostly on raw shakes, and I have decided to talk about what I have been eating as well.

The goal of eating well, in my opinion, isn't cutting out anything, or depriving yourself. It is about eating in portions and adding healthy greens to each meal.

6 years ago, I was 210 pounds, at the age of 15. While I carried my weight well, I was overweight. I was in the drama program at my school, and I couldn't fit into any of the costumes they had. I knew something had to change.

I started walking for exercise. It was difficult for me to run, as I have a lactic acid problem (achy joints during hard activity) and at that time I had a DDD chest which made it hard as well. So I simply walked in my neighborhood for about an hour a day, five days a week. It was very nice, because unlike how most people feel about exercise, walking (with music of course) was very relaxing and helped improve my overall life.

Then I cut portions of what I ate. So, I didn't cut out soda, pizza, or junk food most teenagers love, I just limited how much I had. I had to recognize when I was full.

It took 3 years, but I lost 60 pounds. Now, most people want to lose 60 pounds in 4 months, and mine took 3 years, so it isn't worth it to some people. But, I kept the weight off. Even when I have times I pig out (for months), I gain at most 10 pounds. I also lost a ton of fat. I went from a size 16 to a size 9. I think most people who lose the 60 within a couple months only go down a 2 pant sizes.With my fat loss, it was a huge difference.

The past 5 months I have gained about 10 pounds. In November, I was running 5 days a week and getting really fit. My scooter was stolen, then Julius (my brother) had health problems, so it came to a stop. Then I started over eating as well.

So at this point, I am at 161.4 pounds. I was 150-155. I would like to get down to 145. So that is a roughly a 15 pound goal.  And I am doing it the same way I did it before.

Yesterday, I had my green shake for breakfast. For lunch, I did have a foot long veggie sub at subway, but it was all  veggies pretty much, with light chipotle sauce. Then for dinner I had white rice and steamed string beans.

I was able to incoperate veggies into all of my meals, which really does make a difference.

Tonight, I am making veggie burgers, sweet potato fries (Organic and baked, not fried or greasy!) and broccoli for dinner.

James, who is a meat eater, has been taking the lack of meat on the dinner plate well (although he on his own is still eating meat everyday) because the dishes are usually so filling. While rice and steamed beans doesn't sound filling it is. He added some teriyaki sauce to his as well.

I don't recommend eating substitute meat everyday either...I think it deters you to eat meat instead of preventing it. But we both were craving a bigger dinner.

Then I have been slipping whole wheat into his (and mine) diet. I bought whole wheat pasta, which I will make Sunday or Monday. Spaghetti is really easy to add vegetables too. I get the sauce, add chopped tomatoes, chopped mushrooms, fresh parsley and cilantro, and it creates a very thick sauce so you don't miss meatballs at all!

Then I bought whole wheat bagels (which was a $1 CHEAPER than regular ones!) I need to buy some vegan cream cheese for them ,which actually tastes just like light regular cream cheese.

I think the main dinner plate problem is adding variety...it is very easy to slip into rice and vegetables every night.

And for someone on a budget, some recipes I find online are not so practical for every week meals!

I really appreciate any feedback you might have-even a simple "I read your post today!" would be great. Also feel free to share your own weight loss, green eating, or vegetarian/vegan stories by posting a comment!

03/25/-03/26/2011

Today's shake (that I made yesterday) was a bit too thin this time. It wans't as filling, probably due to the lack of thickness. It also got really green as it sat overnight (in the fridge of course). which was cool because I finally felt pretty cool with my green shake (lol!)

Tomorrow's shake:
4 cups of Kale
1 cup of frozen blueberries
1 cup of frozen blackberries
1 small orange
1 large banana
2 tablespoons of flax seed
1 scoop of whey protein

This is unfortunately not as sweet as the previous shakes. You can't taste the greens still-and thank goodness-I hate Kale, but it isn't as sweet. It is again dark purple blue due to the berries. I added the orange for some extra vitamin c for my immune system.

I need to incorporate more fruit, but I am finding it really difficult. I did buy some grape juice tonight so I can add that. Then I thought of getting some frozen raspberries too.

I thought I would also add in my weekly weigh ins. As of Friday, March 25th, I am 161.4 pounds and 5'8.

Thanks for reading!

03/23-03/25/2011

Today I brought my first shake to my school day. I had coffee for breakfast at 8 am, and between 9:30am and 10:30 I drank the shake I made last night. I was kept full until 4:30pm! I didn't eat anything! Which is great for school days because I don't have time to eat, so a lot of time I am dying of hunger (and collapsing because I am hypoglycemic) or I am stuffing my face of some quick food that really isn't filling just to keep my blood sugar up (Odwalla bars are a favorite..so good, but not filling!)

Tomorrow is just a work day, where I do get the chance to eat regularly, so we will see how it goes.

I am also inc operating fresh, raw greens every night for dinner. I had steamed broccoli tonight (along with fried eggplant, still a vegetable right? lol)

I am going to try really hard to have raw greens during lunch as well but until I can get to a farmer's market and get quality vegetables for a reasonable price.

Tomorrows (3/25) shake:
4 cups of spring mix dark greens
2 cups of mixed frozen fruit (peaches, pineapple, mango, strawberries)
1/2 of a banana
1 cup of light cranberry juice
2 tablespoons of flax seed
1 scoop of whey protein

 I wanted a vegetable packed smoothie, so I added twice as much greens. To contrast the greens, I used a lighter mix than just one type of dark green. Then I added really sweet fruit, which is bought in a mix already. 1/2 of a banana for thickness, since my last shake was too thick.

The color is a weird one..not quite green, but a green-grey. But it tastes amazing! So sweet! Yesterday's shake tasted like banana, but this one you can really taste the sweet fruit.

03/23-03/24/2011

Shake #1
2 cups of Spinach
1 cup of blackberries (frozen)
1 cup of blueberries (frozen)
1 large banana
1/2 cup of diet cranberry juice
2 tablespoons of Flax Seed
1 scoop of Whey Powder

This shake is pretty delicious! For a "Green" shake, it is pretty blue! It is also a bit thick, I think because I used a very large banana. But it is really filling...I had a small glass after dinner and I feel like I ate 3 pizzas! Can't wait to bring it school tomorrow to see how much energy it gives me and how filling it is.