The Fierce Diva Guide to Life

In Praise of Pop Tarts

 

“Sprinkles, Mommy!  I want sprinkles!”    

“Rainbow or chocolate?”  

“Both, Mommy! I want them both!   Ow!”  My daughter winces. “They’re hurting me!”  

“Look at me, baby!  Look at me!” I turn her head to face mine.   “Don’t look down there!”

“You can have whatever toppings you want.  You can have every topping in the store.”

“Mommy!  Make them stop!”

S. looks past me at the open wound and at the nurse, in the middle of sewing 17 stitches into her leg, as a result of being hit by a car hours earlier. The staff assures me that she can’t feel a thing, but every time she glances at her injury, she panics. 

“What about marshmallow sauce?”

“Yes, Mommy!  Yes!

S. wraps her arms around me and hugs me hard.

For the moment, she forgets about the stitches.

S. was released from the emergency room that night and the next day, I wheeled my daughter, high on codeine, unable to walk and sitting in an old stroller, into the self-serve frozen yogurt store, to make good on my promise.

This has been the year about food.

Not good food.  Not the clean eating green smoothie kind of food that I used to blog about eons ago.

This year has been about comfort food.

It has been about Happy Meals and peanut butter sandwiches and taking my kids for self serve frozen yogurt more time than I can count. It has been about letting them eat their Halloween Candy and Easter Candy that sits in the kitchen cabinet on any day they want instead of it having to be a special day or occasion. It has been about giving my daughter lollipops three times a day when that’s how many times a day I had to change those bandages on her leg, that first lollipop given at 8:00 in the morning.

Our best nights together were are the pancake house, where I never once stopped them from pouring too much syrup on their waffles, the bagels on the way to soccer games washed down by juice  boxes.

Have you ever checked to see how many grams of sugar are in a juice box?

This was the year I stopped caring about things like that.

This was the year that it was more important to me to watch three children marvel at the taste of a waffle when completely engulfed in syrup.   This was the year that I gave them money for school lunch, even on French toast stick day.   This was the year that we ate pizza three nights in a row.

This was the year that while my kids delighted in Girl Scout cookies before dinner or salt water taffy too close to bed, we sat around a table and delighted in each other.  We shared stories, of school days and soccer practices and play dates.  They were conversations sweetened by and bonded over food.  

These were the moments that I sat with them.  These were the moments that I listened.

We’ve had our best discussions over ice cream sundaes, when, in between each spoonful, my giddy sugar rushed children, eagerly offered the truth.    

One night, a few weeks ago, after B.’s school play and on an 8:00 pm run to Target, with all three kids in tow, Miss F. grabbed my hand as I drove.

“Mommy, I have to tell you something.”   

“What is it baby?”

 “I did something you’re not going to like.”  

“Did it happen at school?”

“It wasn’t at school.”

“Did you hurt someone?  Were you fighting with your brother?”

“No, Mommy. No,  I.. I…”

It was then that she burst into tears.

“I stole something.” 

Through her sobs, Miss F. told me the story.  It had happened in Kindergarten, three years ago.  She had taken a tube of Chapstick from a checkout line display in a grocery store, which had sat in a drawer, forgotten about, until earlier that day.

“I want to take it back, Mommy!”  

“We can take it back.”

“And I want to pay for it.  With my own money.” 

“I think that’s a smart idea.”

“I’m so sorry, Mommy!  I’m so sorry!”

“I know you are baby.” 

“Are you mad at me?”

“You’re mad enough at yourself right now.  You don’t need me mad at you, too. As a matter of fact, I think I love you more right now than I ever have.”  

“Why?”

“Because you were brave to tell me the truth.”  

I pull into our parking space and give my girl a hug.

“I promise it will never happen again.  Ever.”  

“I know it won’t.  Just promise me one more thing?”

I gently grab my girl’s face and turn her eyes toward mine.

“Just keep talking to me.  Every day.  About everything.  Please.  Just keep talking.”   

###

This post is dedicated to Eli Pacheco of Coach Daddy Blog, and was inspired by his post, “What Sandy Hook Taught Me: Keep My Girls Close" that I featured as one of my favorites of the year.  His resolve on how to parent in the wake of the Sandy Hook Tragedy is by far the best I have come across.  If you haven't read this post, you really should. 

This post is also written in memory of my father, Douglas Kaplan, who passed away last week, on the 24^th of April. Running is how we kept each other close, even during the years when we weren't.   Running was our language.  Then, now, and always.  

 

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My Evil Mistress

“I need a favor.” My mother’s voice quivered.

“Mom, are you OK?”   I had just left work and gotten into my car, which was semi covered in the first round of slush from our Friday-Saturday snowstorm.

“You don’t have any Diet Coke.  Can you stop at the store and get some?”

My mother had moved in with us for the night in anticipation of the first blizzard of the winter.  The kids love having her around. 

And they love that she travels with Carrie.

I love having her around, because when she’s here, I can slip off to Target by myself for an hour to buy things I don’t need, although I didn’t think I would be doing that this weekend in the blizzard.  

To my mom, Diet Coke is like crack, and surviving a weekend without it would have been impossible for her.  In all honesty, the big DC is like crack to me, too, except I finally kicked the habit a year ago. It had been a dysfunctional relationship and a torturous parting to say the least…I’ve always thought of the big DC as an evil mistress.  So bad for me yet I kept going back…

But I’d do anything for my mom – except maybe eat processed sugar or make hamburgers for her, but truthfully, I wouldn’t even make hamburgers for Justin Timberlake (ok, that’s a lie, I might.  All right seriously, I’d slaughter a cow for him.  With my own hands.  But I digress…).  So, I pulled into the grocery store on my way home.

Here’s what New Jersey grocery stores look like when there is the possibility of being snowed in your house for three hours.

Because  everything to a New Jerseyan is a blood sport, including who can empty the shelves of a grocery store first before the onslaught of a half a foot of snow.

Even though my higher self/inner yogi/diva would rather sit on the sidelines than elbow my way through a frantic crowd coveting pints of Haagen Dazs and eggs, I’m forced to play.

I’m doing it for Mom.  

Although, as you know, when I walk into a store, I get sidetracked, so the one item tends to turn into two or seven or ten. 

Because I realized I was running out of lemons, and water with lemon is like my crack.

And I was down to my last bag of red lentils – and curried red lentils are also like crack.

And the oranges were on sale.

And we needed cocoa powder in the house – because what’s a snowstorm without hot cocoa?

And then I almost bought this magazine but stopped myself – although I might have to go back after the storm and buy it for real.

By the time I got home, my mother was in an almost coma like Diet Coke withdrawal (yes, I remember them well), and I left the groceries at the door to get that first glass to her quickly.  

As I poured the contents of the bottle into a cup, I watched the fizz rise to the top of the glass. The fizz, if you didn’t know, gives off a scent.  A luscious scent, if I might say so myself.

I swallowed hard, and raised the glass to my mouth.  I wrapped my lips around the cup, tilted my head back...and put the glass down on the counter. 

It was a dangerous moment, and one where I could have easily gone back to that mistress, but I’d like to think I’ve learned from past mistakes. When something is bad for you, and you know when it’s bad for you - it’s time to stop that damn foolery of thinking this time will be different – and walk away.

I unpacked the rest of the groceries and got my lentils onto the stove, which I downed with a glass of lemon water, relieved that my Diet Coke moment had passed.

As for that monster storm that sent everyone out to the grocery store, it was nothing like they had predicted.  Six to eight inches, maybe?  

After two hours of digging out, I was back to Target before mom went home.

Namaste, Divas! 

Who or what is your evil mistress?  

Are you guys still together?

And if so, why - for crying out loud! 

Where else to find me:

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Best Granola Ever!

What if I told you that I have the perfect gift idea for any occasion?  It’s a holiday gift, housewarming gift, a “thank you,” and “feel better” gift.  As a matter of fact, it’s the perfect hostess gift for you to bring to your 4^th of July barbecue this weekend. 

It’s inexpensive.

The recipient will love it.  Guaranteed.

And you can make it very easily yourself.

No, this isn’t some kind of as-seen-on-TV gimmick or pyramid scam.

We’re talking granola, baby.  The Fierce Diva’s world famous homemade gourmet granola.   

Oh, and did I mention the ingredients are all as wholesome as hell? 

Of course, you can make it for yourself, too.  It's a great breakfast option when you serve it with your favorite milk, a perfect snack on the go in between activities with the kids, or to refuel on a long distance run. 

 Let’s begin!

 Set oven to 325°

 You will need:

3 cups of old fashioned rolled oats

1/3 cup of flour - brown rice flour tastes the best with this recipe since it’s so light, but whole wheat or pastry flour will work as well.

1 tsp. salt

1/3 cup of ground flax meal - optional but super, super healthy!

1/2 cup pure maple syrup*

1/2 cup vegetable oil - canola or grape seed will give the best texture and flavor.  Sunflower oil is also great in this recipe!

1 tsp. vanilla extract

 Optional mix ins:  1/3 cup dried fruit, 1/3 cup sliced almonds  1/3 shredded coconut

*Variation:  Use only 1/3 cup of maple syrup and 2 tablespoons of brown rice syrup instead.

 Mix oats, flour, salt and flax in 1 bowl and oil, syrup, and vanilla in another. 

Then combine all ingredients in 1 bowl and mix well.  Add nuts or coconut if you are including them.

Spread on greased cookie sheet. 

Bake for 25 - 30 minutes or until edges of the mixture begin to brown.  Do not overcook!

If you are using dried fruit, transfer the granola into a mixing bowl and mix in the fruit now.  Otherwise, keep on cookie sheet for 10 minutes to cool.

You all know by now how I feel about living beyond your means.  One area where people tend to overspend is gifts.  For my full rant on that subject, click here.  

Instead of giving a gift you cannot afford and resenting it, give a gift you can afford, and that your recipient will love and appreciate.  For a great presentation, put the granola in a pretty glass jar and tie it with a bow.    

Last Christmas, I made over 25 batches, gave them to teachers, bus drivers, and everyone else on my holiday list.  Keep it in mind for the next time you need a gift. It's delicious.  And best of all, it was made by you.

Namaste, Divas!

©2012 Ilene Evans 

 

Green Revolution

I have taken a lot of pictures of green smoothies this past month.

Some were straight and to the point.

 

Some were humorous. 

 

Some were thought provoking. 

 

Some were political.  (Hint:  This smoothie drinker can see Russia from her house!)

 

Some were a little warped,

 

No animals were harmed in the smoothie photo sessions.  I promise!

 

 Neither were any children.

29 days ago, I never would have imagined that 22 friends, some old, and some new, would come along for the ride with me on the Green Smoothie Challenge. 

What made the Green Smoothie Challenge so much fun was the company I had along the way.  My smoothie team and I have chatted on Facebook every day.   We have joked, we have shared recipes, we have kept each other motivated.   I have reveled in everyone’s enthusiasm!

I felt a twinge of excitement every time a challenge participant commented on how they experienced some type of transformation this past month.  Although I’m not surprised, since eating healthily and mindfully facilitates our ability to live the life we love.

I hope that these thirty days marked the beginning of a lifelong habit for all of us.

Health and happiness to all!

Namaste, Divas!

©2012 Ilene Evans

A month’s worth of green smoothie recipes

*Add water and ice or the liquid of your choice to the following recipes.  I do not give measurements because I have found that the smoothies work best when you make them to individual taste.  Here are some combinations tried by the challenge participants this past month.  Hopefully the combinations will inspire some ideas for you!  

1. Sweet potato, spinach, kale, blueberry, strawberry, avocado

2. Spinach, Almond Butter, Banana, Honey, Flax meal

3. Spinach, avocado, blueberry, banana

4. Kale, apple, banana

5. Kale, broccoli, apple

6. Spinach, apple, blueberry

7. Kale, broccoli, apple, avocado, banana

8. Apricot, spinach, apple, avocado

9. Broccoli, avocado, carrot, spinach, kale

10. Yellow bell pepper, spinach, avocado, carrot, banana

11. Peach, yellow bell pepper, kale, banana, blueberry

12. Kale, carrot, banana, blueberry

13. Cauliflower, pineapple, spinach, blueberry, banana

14. Kale, carrot, pineapple, banana

15. Spinach, carrot, strawberry, banana

16. Cucumber lime juice kale apple carrot banana

17. Cilantro, kale, spinach, lime juice, blueberry, apple

18. Peach, spinach, strawberry, carrot, banana

19. Cucumber, kale, raspberry, pear, peach

20, Raspberry, blueberry, strawberry, carrot, spinach, banana, apple

21. Kale, lime juice, banana, apple, carrot, blueberry, raspberry

22. Napa cabbage, red bell pepper, kale, blueberry, apple, honey

21. Agave,  spinach,  kale,  apple,  peach          

22. Arugula, spinach, kale, red bell pepper, apple, peach, blueberry

23. Cherry, papaya, arugula, kale, apple, carrot, raspberry, blueberry

24. Arugula, kale, papaya, banana

25. Spinach, apple, avocado, honey

26. Spinach, carrot, banana, protein powder, agave

27. Kale, avocado, flax meal, banana, honey

28. Spinach, coconut flour, banana, honey

29. Spinach, mango, watermelon, banana, agave  

 30.  Spinach, almond butter, banana, flax meal, honey

 

 

Greenalicious

Yes, that’s me, gazing at my green smoothie with reverence and blind devotion.

Perhaps even a bit of a platonic crush. 

Because anything that makes someone feel that good from the inside out deserves praise, and lots of it. 

As we wrap up week three of the Run to the Finish Green Smoothie Challenge, we welcomed 2 more friends to our green team, which means our posse of smoothie drinkers is now up to twenty.  One is an old friend from grade school, and one, a new friend and fellow blogger, Denise, who you can find at accordingtodenise.com 

Our daily roll call on Facebook continues.  It is a recipe swap, a pep rally, and a happy hour, all wrapped up into one.  The happy hour drink is a green smoothie, of course.

Facebook discussion highlights from the week:

1) The ongoing debate over adding avocado to the smoothie.  Do it! Do it! Do it!

2) The subtle flavor differences between adding sunflower butter versus almond butter.  Sun butter seems to be the winner!

Takeaways from the week:

1) The biggest challenge for my smoothie drinkers continues to be preparation time.  One of the greatest all time takeaways from our Facebook discussions is to prepare in advance.  Wash, cut and bag  your fruits and veggies ahead of time to facilitate the daily smoothie making process.     

2) Accountability goes a long way.  Several friends who came into the challenge did so, knowing that there was a better chance they would stick with this if they had to be accountable to a group of peers.

3)  The same goes for support.  Some people drifted away from the challenge for a few days and then came back because the group as a whole, remained strong and consistent.    

Several of you stepped out of your comfort zone to join me in this challenge.  For some it was a tiny leap.  You have had green smoothies before, but not every day, and needed the external encouragement to keep at it.   For some, sipping liquified spinach through a straw was a huge leap.  This challenge is living proof that there is never a downside to stepping out of your comfort zone, especially when the motivating factor is to improve your health.  I am inspired and humbled by everyone who stepped out of their comfort zone to participate in this challenge with me.   

Below are five smoothie suggestions to help you through the final week of the challenge.  Although I hope your smoothie drinking continues well beyond these next 8 days.

Namaste, Divas!

© 2012 Ilene Evans

Smoothie suggestions shared on the Facebook threads:

Start each smoothie with 2 cups of green and about a cup of water or other liquid as mentioned below:

1)  Frozen banana, sunflower butter, cultured coconut milk, almond milk

2) Coconut milk, ice, banana, blueberries

3) Banana, berries, flaxseed, sunflower butter,

4) Mango, frozen strawberries, vanilla protein power

5) Almond butter, avocado slice, cocoa power, honey  

 

Have Your Ice Cream And Eat It, Too!

The neighborhood ice cream truck driver loathes my family.   I have that dreaded clan of children who love to chase down the truck but never buy a thing.  They are the Big Tease.  They are that posse of kids  who would just die for a popsicle created in the image of Sponge Bob or Dora, with eyes made of miniature gumballs, yet they were born to a mother too neurotic about sugar to allow her children to eat "real ice cream" more than once a month, if not once in an entire summer. Not to mention my frugality.  Why spend $6.00 on ice cream truck ice cream that will serve three children one time when you can buy an entire half gallon at the store  for half of that? 

But I don't want an entire half gallon of ice cream in my freezer.  I don't want my children eating the junk inside that half gallon, namely the saturated fat and processed sugar. 

But now, thanks to my homemade ice cream maker, my kids can have their ice cream and eat it too!

Last week, In the middle of the Run To The Finish Green Smoothie Challenge, my blender died, prompting me to make an emergency blender run to the local wholesale club store with my children.   In the kitchen appliance aisle, nestled between toasters and mixers, and the Magic Bullet and something called the Ninja, sat an ice cream maker, whose mere existence beckoned the cries of three ice cream deprived children.  "Mommy!  Mommy!  Can we get it? Can we get it?"      

I paused, as I do before this frugal mama tosses anything into her shopping cart.  The price wasn't bad.  But would we use it? 

During my moment of contemplation, I realized that with a homemade ice cream maker, I could control the ingredients in the ice cream, meaning my kids would get less of the bad stuff and more of the not-so-bad, or even good stuff. 

It was a sale, and an easy one, at that!

That night, we made our first batch of ice cream. 

This is my revision of the Cuisinart basic vanilla:

2 cups vanilla almond milk

1 cup soy coffee creamer (I used the Silk Creamer original flavor) 

3/4 cups of Sugar in the Raw

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

 In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer or whisk to combine all ingredients.  Mix for 1 - 2 minutes.  Pour the mixture into the freezer bowl of the ice cream maker and let it mix until thickened, about 25 - 30 minutes. 

Here is what my daughter said to me about 3 spoonfuls into eating:

"Mom, this is the best ice cream I've ever eaten in my life!"

But I didn't need to tell you that.  That picture said it all.      

I am sure there will be more flavor experimentation with the ice cream maker as the summer unfolds. 

Oh, and that brownie the ice cream sits upon?  That's a sugarless, flourless work in progress.   I promise to share the perfected recipe and more ice cream success stories with all of you as they happen!  

Namaste, Divas!

©2012 Ilene Evans 

 

Fifty Shades of Green Smoothies

Oh, that sophomore slump.   Broken blenders, emergency kale runs in the middle of the night, and smoothie challenge participants suffering from lost momentum.   We are at day 15, exactly that middle point of the Amanda Brooks Run to the Finish Green Smoothie Challenge, and as much as I love my green smoothies, have woken up to a green smoothie every morning for a period of time that spans beyond this challenge,  I've had a few moments where it wasn't easy being green. 

It has not been easy for my blender, either, which took its last breath on Thursday morning, from what I can only describe as green smoothie overexposure.   

My blender has been replaced.  Is this one tough enough to hack it?  Only time will tell.  

The good news is that my merry band of green smoothie drinkers has ballooned to 18 participants!  We roll call every morning on my personal Facebook page (because my Blog page would not let me tag the participants by name.  Oh, Facebook...why do you have to complicate things so...).  Anyone is welcome to join in our daily forum.  I'm serious!  Hop on over to my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ilene.k.evans

The smoothie roll call is always a public post. 

The buzz talk among my smoothie drinking friends is prep and cleanup time, which has been a bit of a de-motivating factor for some.  When she posted this on Facebook, my other smoothie drinking friends jumped into the discussion quickly to offer suggestions.  People advised she save time, by prepping or chopping fruits and veggies in advance,  and placing pre-measured ingredients in baggies to help her prepare a day or two in advance. They advised she mix up the ingredients a little bit, using fruits, yogurt, and natural sweeteners, to turn the smoothie into more of a "treat." A few hours later, my friend reported  in that she was back on the smoothie bandwagon.  Hurray for team work!   

I love the community that this smoothie challenge has built.  It is a testament to the fact that we can do anything when we have support.  From drinking an odd looking concoction made from two cups of raw kale or spinach, to running a marathon, sometimes all we need to hear is "you can do it," to make it to the finish line. 

Over the past two weeks, my friends have thrown out may great ideas for smoothie add-in's.  Don't hesitate to experiment with different ingredients.  All of the smoothie recipes I use began with trial and error. Take your spinach or kale, and a liquid, either water, juice, milk, etc. add a few of the 50 items listed below.  There is no wrong way to do it! 

Namaste, Divas!

© 2012 Ilene Evans

Fruit

1. Lime

2. Lemon

3. Pineapple

4.  Mango

5. Strawberries

6. Banana

7. Apple

8. Blueberry

9. Avocado

10. Raspberry

11. Kiwi

12. Clementine

13. Pomegranate

 

Veggies

14. Red pepper

15. Carrots

16. Broccoli

17. Cucumber

18. Celery

 

Liquids

19. Almond Milk

20. Coconut Milk

21. Soy Milk

22. Rice Milk

23. Coconut Water

24. Orange Juice

25. Sparkling Water

 

Protein

26. Greek Yogurt

27. Almond butter

28. Silken Tofu

29. Soy yogurt

30. Almonds/Almond Butter

31. Rice Protein Powder

32. Soy Protein Powder

33. Whey Protein Powder

 

Sweeteners

34. Rice Syrup

35. Pureed Dates

36. Honey

37. Maple Syrup

38. Agave nectar

39. Stevia

 

Seeds

40. Ground Flax Seeds

41. Chia Seeds

42. Sunflower seeds

43. Pumpkin Seeds

 

Random Good Stuff

44. Cacao nibs

45.Wheat Grass

46. Spirulina

47. Goji berries

48.  Coconut flour - as a thickener

49. 1 tablespoon of coconut oil

50. Ginger root

 

 

Green Smoothie Nation

If you're looking for the party, it's over here. 

Oh, and I should warn you.  There's a lot of drinking going on...drinking of Green Smoothies,  that is. 

A few weeks ago, I beckoned my friends, family, blog readers, Twitter followers, anyone in ear shot, to join me in the 30 Day Green Smoothie Challenge, organized by Amanda Brooks of Run to the Finish.  The only "rule," was to drink a smoothie a day that needed to include two cups of greens, such as spinach or kale. 

Now, you all know what a green smoothie enthusiast I am.  Amanda didn't have to ask me twice to join in.   However, I am pleasantly surprised to see how many of my friends have decided to hop on the green smoothie wagon with me. 

Every morning, I roll call on Facebook, and that post has become a forum for us to share ideas, recipes, and progress. 

Some of my favorite smoothie recipe suggestions so far: 

"Kale, pineapple, mango with shredded coconut, almond milk and a tablespoon of maple syrup."

"Kale, banana, avocado, almond milk and agave nectar."

"Kale, celery, apple, lime, bubbly water and goji berrie."

"Spinach, banana, mango, almond milk with a table spoon of coconut oil."

More than the recipe swapping, I am loving the camaraderie. 

There are the reluctant friends who signed on - to my delight:

"Ok Ilene I bought the kale......plan to make it tonight although I hope my blender doesn't die of shock, the only green thing it has ever seen is a margarita!"

 And the reluctant friends who didn't:

"Does Mountain Dew over crushed ice count as a green smoothie?"

 One of my friends shared a story of his "Green Smoothie awakening:"

"Btw! Ilene, The green smoothie was amazing this morning. I'm pretty sure as I was drinking it, I transcended into the 'Temple of Green Smoothies' where the smoothie gods had all assortments/variety of smoothies.. It was awesome yo.. just.. awesome."   

Most important, Amanda's fabulous idea got people to think about doing something good for their health, and 14 friends of mine (to date), have joined the crusade.  The moral to the story: You never know what a good idea will to and how many people will catch on.  Thank you, Amanda, for the butterfly effect you have created in my corner of the world.  

There's always room for more on the green smoothie bandwagon, and latecomers are welcome. I don't care if my "Day 8" is your "Day 1." It's never too late to go green.

Who else is in?

Namaste, Divas!

©2012 Ilene Evans 

 

Confessions of a Kale Smoothie Addict

On Friday, June 1st,  I begin a 30 day challenge hosted by Amanda Brooks, Creator of Run To The Finish, a website whose mission is to motivate healthy living.  Amanda is the adorable and captivating narrator of articles whose topics include running, nutrition, meditation, and yoga.  Obviously, she's a Diva after my own heart.

The challenge will require me to drink a smoothie, consisting of kale, broccoli, carrots, banana, and protein powder every day during the month of June.

Amanda, if you stumble upon this post, I have a confession to make.  This 30-day green smoothie challenge really isn't much of a "challenge" for me, given I start my day every day with a kale smoothie already. As a matter of fact, I almost feel like I'm cheating, simply because this is so ingrained in my lifestyle, it will require little to no effort for me to complete.  I will have to tweak the ingredients in my current concoction to meet the requirements of your challenge, but I'm cool with that.   

Here is how I will spice up this challenging for myself:  What I'd like to do to is invite my readers to join the 30-day challenge with me!  How fun would THAT be? Click on Amanda's website right here to sign up.  Come on, you can do it!

Once you sign up, contact me to let me know, and I will spend the month of June as your personal green smoothie coach, with my Drill Sergeant bullhorn to your ear to keep you on the straight and narrow.  That's right.  I will  be your cheerleader.  Remember, I want you to live the life you love, and there is nothing better to get you on the right track of a healthy, happy, energetic life than a daily green smoothie.  

If you're feeling a little shy about going all 30, would you do me a favor and at least TRY a green smoothie? Just one.   Report back to me on how you liked it , and more importantly, how it made you feel.  Once you see how much energy a green smoothie gives you,  I bet you'll make it part of your daily routine.  They're THAT awesome.  

Oh, and if you know the perfect candidate for the green smoothie challenge, please share this post with them!

Below are two of my favorite smoothie recipes to get you started on your way to green. 

Namaste, Divas!   

xo Ilene

 

©2012 Ilene Evans  

Green Smoothie: add two fistfuls of kale, half an avocado or banana, and half an apple or pear to the blender, with a cup of water, 6 - 8 ice cubes, and honey for sweetness.  Blend until smooth, drink, and enjoy!

Chocolate Smoothie: add two fistfuls of kale, half an avocado or banana to the blender, with a cup of chocolate soy or almond milk, 6 - 8 ice cubes, and honey for sweetness.  Blend until smooth, drink, and enjoy! 

 

Oh, Avocado!

Now that we have gotten to know each other, I have a confession to make.  I have not been faithful. 

 I have cheated repeatedly and shamelessly on my first love, kale, with the divine, delectable Avocado.

The avocado is more than a paramour that seduced me on a lustful whim.   What we have is something much deeper and more meaningful.  My love for kale is sincere, and is based upon respect for its abundant amounts of of beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, and calcium.  However, my relationship with the avocado is not only fueled by its generous supply of vitamins and nutrients that play a crucial role to our health, but also by its irresistible taste and creamy, tantalizing  texture.

Avocado.org, the website of the California Avocado Commission, reports that an avocado (which is a fruit, by the way) contains the following vitamins and nutrients: 

• Monosaturated Fats:  Help lower blood cholesterol, if used in place of saturated fats
• Vitamin K:  Plays an important role in blood clotting
• Folate:  Promotes healthy cell and tissue development.  This is especially important during periods of rapid cell division and growth such as infancy and pregnancy 
• Potassium: Essential for the proper function of all cells, tissues, and organs and necessary for the building of muscle and for normal body growth
• Vitamin E:  Protects the body tissue from damage caused by free radicals.  Vitamin E is important in the formation of red blood cells and helps the body use vitamin K.   It may help protect the heart and also plays a role in healthy skin and hair
• Lutein:  An important antioxidant that may help your eyes stay healthy while maintaining the health of your skin
• Magnesium:  A mineral essential for the contraction and relaxation of muscles and production and transport of energy
• Vitamin C:  Required for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body.  It is necessary to form collagen, an important protein used to make skin, scar tissue, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels
• Vitamin B6:  Helps the immune system produce antibodies.  Antibodies are needed to fight many diseases.  Vitamin B6 helps maintain normal nerve function and form red blood cells

Part of living the life you love is eating the foods you love, so long as those foods are not classified as crap.  Below are a number of serving suggestions for you and the avocado.   One bite and you will be hooked.

Namaste, Divas!

• Use a ripe avocado as a topping on gazpacho or chili
• Use in place of your favorite sandwich spread
• Easy chip dip: Mix 1 avocado with the juice of half a fresh lemon and a pinch of salt
• Green goddess shake:  Combine 1 cup of vanilla almond or soy milk with 1/2 an avocado, 1 tablespoon of honey and 4 to 5 ice cubes. Mix in blender until smooth.   Outrageously  good!
• Avocado Chocolate Pudding:  Combine 2 ripe bananas, 2 ripe avocado, 1/2 cup chocolate soy or almond milk, 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder,  1 - 2 packets of Stevia for sweetness according to taste.   Combine all ingredients in a food processor.  Chill for 2 hours and serve. Yum, yum, yum!

 

©2012 Ilene Evans