Photo: Andy RogersHow does a four-ton elephant get its protein? What about a gorilla that can easily bench press 2,000 pounds? Both consume large amounts of green leaves.
Benefits of Eating Leaf Protein:
Benefits of Eating Leaf Protein:
- loaded with vitamins, minerals, enzymes, phytochemicals, antioxidants and chlorophyll
- easy to digest
- nutrients absorb quickly
- none of the harmful effects of flesh protein
While everyone agrees that leafy green vegetables are a great way to get the nutrients you need for optimum health, the average person doesn't even consume one green salad a day.
Smoothies are a quick and easy way to start adding more greens to your diet. Green smoothies are a complete food, containing all essential amino acids. If you follow a ratio of 60% fruit mixed with 40% green leafy vegetables, you can't go wrong. Dr. Ann Wigmore called them Energy Soup, and added avocado and sprouts to the mix.
Variety Is The Spice of Life
It's very important to rotate your greens. Leafy greens contain alkaloids that can be slightly toxic if you eat the same greens every day. But with so many different varieties, it shouldn't be hard to mix it up a bit.
Greens found at Whole Foods Market:
Smoothies are a quick and easy way to start adding more greens to your diet. Green smoothies are a complete food, containing all essential amino acids. If you follow a ratio of 60% fruit mixed with 40% green leafy vegetables, you can't go wrong. Dr. Ann Wigmore called them Energy Soup, and added avocado and sprouts to the mix.
Variety Is The Spice of Life
It's very important to rotate your greens. Leafy greens contain alkaloids that can be slightly toxic if you eat the same greens every day. But with so many different varieties, it shouldn't be hard to mix it up a bit.
Greens found at Whole Foods Market:
- Arugula
- Beet greens
- Bok choy
- Chard
- Collard greens
- Dandelion greens
- Endive (Chicory)
- Escarole
- Fresee
- Kale
- Mizuna
- Mustard greens
- Radicchio
- Romaine lettuce
- Spinach
- Turnip Greens
Start Your Blenders
The amount of time you blend will depend upon your blender. If you're fortunate enough to own a high-powered commercial blender, you'll be done in 60 seconds. I always start by blending my greens. Other people will tell you to begin with your fruit. Some people like ice in their smoothies. I don't. In other words, it's all a matter of taste and preference. Do what works for you. Have fun experimenting!
To thin your smoothie, you can use filtered water, coconut water, or Rejuvelac.
The amount of time you blend will depend upon your blender. If you're fortunate enough to own a high-powered commercial blender, you'll be done in 60 seconds. I always start by blending my greens. Other people will tell you to begin with your fruit. Some people like ice in their smoothies. I don't. In other words, it's all a matter of taste and preference. Do what works for you. Have fun experimenting!
To thin your smoothie, you can use filtered water, coconut water, or Rejuvelac.
Here's some recipes I enjoy. Each will yield one quart.
3 handfuls fresh baby spinach
1 C frozen mixed berries
1/4 inch fresh ginger, grated
2 C water
1 bunch romaine lettuce
1 C pineapple chunks
2 seedless oranges
3 dates
1 C coconut water
6 kale leaves (pull them off the stem)
10 mint leaves
3 bananas
2 Tbsp carob powder
2 C water
2 handfuls mixed baby greens
2 stalks celery
1 cucumber
1 handful dulse
1 banana
2 Fuji apples
2 C water
What's your favorite green smoothie recipe?