Here’s a quick article to cover some of my favorite green drink recipes. Modify these basic ideas in any way you see fit…and remember that each green drink tastes different. These all work well with neutral-tasting drinks and I’ve made notes for mixing with green drinks that have more “flavor” to them.
Enjoy and send me your ideas!
Chocolate, Peanut Butter Smoothie
Mix 12oz of vanilla almond milk with 2 tablespoons of pure cacao powder, one small ripe banana, and two tablespoons of organic peanut butter. Add your green drink powder (your normal serving size) and honey or unrefined sugar to taste. I also add liquid B complex (half dropper), olive leaf extract (half dropper), mushroom powder (or extract), and dandelion extract (full dropper). If you have some bee pollen, throw a teaspoon in too. This does not work well with green drinks that have a strong fruit flavor.
Fruit Smoothie
Mix 6oz of vanilla almond milk, 6oz of fruit juice (grape, pomegranate, or apple are best) with frozen berries. I prefer a mix of blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, but use whatever suits you. Add your green drink powder and a packet of Emergen-C or equivalent, a teaspoon of bee pollen, liquid B complex (half dropper), olive leaf extract (half dropper), and dandelion extract (full dropper). This does not work well with chocolate or mint-flavored powders, but can work well with vanilla-flavored powders.
Healthy Mary
If you like spicy tomato juice, then this mix is for you! Add 12oz of tomato juice (not vegetable juice) and double your normal green drink powder. Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon of tumeric, 1 teaspoon of celery root powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, the juice of 1/2 freshly-squeezed lemon or lime and salt to taste. Extras: olive leaf extract, dandelion extract, liquid B complex, and mushroom powder or extract. If it gets too thick, you can add a little water and shake well.
May 6th, 2009
Nuts and seeds are becoming immensely popular due to their health benefits. They provide a wealth of healthy fatty acids, which help to recude bad cholesterol. They are also full of vitamins and minerals and make a great alternative to meat. Here is a terrific recipe for a meatloaf alternative that you may like even better than meatloaf itself. And your body will definitely get a kick out of it.
It’s easy to make and you can use it for sandwiches or in any way meatloaf is used.
- 1 cup almonds (vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, vitamin B2, minerals, healthy fats)
- 1 cup raw peanuts (protein, magnesium, calcium, minerals, vitamin E, vitamin B3)
- 1 cup walnuts (tannin antioxidants, iodine for healthy thyroid, omega-3 fatty acids helps reduce cholesterol levels, vitamins B and E)
- ¼ cup flax seeds or sesame seeds (calcium, magnesium, phytosterols to reduce cholesterol)
- ¼ cup lecithin granules (regulates cholesterol, aids arteries)
- 2 cups cooked brown rice (vitamin B, magnesium, iron, fiber, manganese for energy and protein assimilation, selenium for thyroid health and combines well with vitamin E)
- 2 cups tomato paste (vitamins C and A, potassium, iron, betacarotene and lycopene antioxidants, cancer-fighting chlorogenic acids)
- 4 cloves garlic (blood cleanser, liver tonic, vitamins C and B6, selenium)
- ¼ cup fresh thyme (promotes perspiration which cleanses the body, antiseptic, relieves coughs and congestion, omega-3 fatty acids, flavonoid antioxidants, iron, magnesium, calcium, vitamin K)
- 1/8 cup oregano (flavonoid antioxidants, antibacterial, antiviral)
- 1 Ts fresh rosemary (improves digestions, stimulates immune system, increases circulation, anti-inflammatory and bronchial dilator)
- 1 ts Cayenne pepper (anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, circulation stimulator)
- 1 chopped onion (flavonoid antioxidants, blood cleanser)
- ¼ cup olive oil (oleic acid and other fatty acids help control cholesterol, vitamin E, phenol antioxidants, benefits for colon, heart, and liver)
- 2 eggs (beta carotene)
- Salt and pepper to taste
To prepare, begin by mixing the nuts and spices (including garlic) in a food processor to a course grind. There should be some small pieces of nuts remaining. Cook the onion in olive oil until it is slightly carmelized, then add the cooked onion, cooked rice, two-thirds of the tomoto paste and the eggs to the nut and spice mixture in a large bowl. Transfer to a baking pan and cover the top with the remaining tomato paste. Bake uncovered for one hour at 425 degrees or until the sides begin to brown. Remove and let cool for 20 minutes before serving.
Almond photo by http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Koyaanis_Qatsi
December 29th, 2006
Studies show that chicken soup, if made properly, does contain healing properties that help combat colds, flu, and general malaise. A healthy chicken soup has antibacterial and antiviral properties, boosts the immune system, builds energy, cleanses the blood, reduces mucus, provides healthy vitamins and minerals and helps reduce inflammation. Here’s a recipe that will ensure excellent results and great taste:
- 1 small (5lb) chicken* with bones and skin (protein, amino acids)
- 1 medium lime, washed and cut in half (vitamin C and A)
- 2 ts curry powder (circulation and metabolism enhancer, antibacterial, antiviral)
- 1 ts tumeric (anti-inflammatory, improves circulation)
- 4 cloves minced garlic (blood cleanser, liver tonic, vitamins C and B6, selenium)
- 1/4 cup fresh thyme (promotes perspiration which cleanses the body, antiseptic, relieves coughs and congestion, omega-3 fatty acids, flavonoid antioxidants, iron, magnesium, calcium, vitamin K)
- 1/8 cup fresh dill (cancer-fighting properties, anti-bacterial, calcium, digestive aid)
- 1/8 cup olive oil (oleic acid and other fatty acids help control cholesterol, vitamin E, phenol antioxidants, benefits for colon, heart, and liver)
- 3 cups grated carrots (alpha- and beta-carotene, vitamin A, fiber)
- 1 large onion, chopped (flavonoid antioxidants, blood cleanser)
- 2 cups chopped red potatoes (B vitamins, carbs, potassium)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Cut chicken into two or four pieces, place in a large pot and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil and remove the fat that accumulates on top. Add the lime halves, spices, garlic, onion, and potatoes. Cook on medium-low for about 1.5 hours. Remove the chicken and pull the white meat off of the bones with a fork (remove the skin and any skin remaining inside the pot). Return the white meat to the pot and keep the dark meat for future use. Add carrots and cook another 20 minutes. Removed lime peels, squeezing any extra juice out. Pour a little olive oil on top before serving.
* Please try to find an organically grown chicken, since studies show that most commerically grown chickens are loaded with bacteria.
December 9th, 2006
Walnut and Spinach Stuffed Grape Leaves
Here’s a delicious recipe that is not just acceptable for diabetics, but actually helps combat diabetes and many side effects resulting from diabetes and high blood sugar. The combination of the antioxidants, live probiotic cultures and LA (lipoic acid) combats diabetes and helps maintain healthy immune and digestive systems. Garlic, onions and other ingredients help purify the blood, while walnuts, brown rice, and selenium sources work on the thyroid.
But this is not just for diabetics. The health benefits from this dish are great for anyone. Don’t let the quantity of different ingredients scare you off. This recipe is not difficult to put together.
- 1 jar of grape leaves (about ½ lb) (vitamins C, E, A, K and B6, niacin, iron, fiber, riboflavin, folate, calcium, magnesium, copper and manganese)
- 1 large bunch of spinach chopped (lipoic acid purifies the blood and enhances insulin activity and glucose-insulin response, carotene antioxidants, iron, potassium, calcium, folate, vitamins C and E)
- 1 cup chopped red tomatoes (vitamins C and A, potassium, iron, betacarotene and lycopene antioxidants, cancer-fighting chlorogenic acids)
- 1 chopped onion (flavonoid antioxidants, blood cleanser)
- 1 cup of ground walnuts (tannin antioxidants, iodine for healthy thyroid, omega-3 fatty acids helps reduce cholesterol levels, vitamins B and E)
- ¼ cup raw sesame seeds (calcium, magnesium, phytosterols to reduce cholesterol)
- 1 cup medium grain brown rice (vitamin B, magnesium, iron, fiber, manganese for energy and protein assimilation, selenium for thyroid health and combines well with vitamin E)
- 1 cup green olives (vitamin E, flavonoids)
- 3 cloves minced garlic (blood cleanser, liver tonic, vitamins C and B6, selenium)
- ¼ cup of chopped, fresh dill (cancer-fighting properties, anti-bacterial, calcium, digestive aid)
- ¼ cup of chopped, fresh parsley (kidney and blood cleanser)
- 3 Ts sesame oil (calcium, copper, helps reduce hypertension)
- 1/2 cup olive oil (oleic acid and other fatty acids help control cholesterol, vitamin E, phenol antioxidants, benefits for colon, heart, and liver)
- 2 cups white wine (the alcohol will mostly cook out of the wine, leaving just the flavor)
- 2 cups yogurt, Indian Dahi, or kefir with live cultures (probiotic cultures aid digestion and combat yeast infection, constipation, and diabetes).
- 1/8 cup finely chopped fresh peppermint leaves (digestive aid, anti-depressant)
- Sea salt and pepper to taste
Instructions: Heat the rice (dry) in a large pan with a little bit of the olive oil for about 10 minutes. Add ¼ cup of water and cook for another 10 minutes. Add onion, tomato, garlic, dill, and parseley and spinach. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 10 minutes. Let cool while you prepare the grape leaves.
Prepare grape leaves by boiling them for 5 minutes to soften. Trim off any excess stem and place face-down (smooth side down) for stuffing with the mixture. Add the olive oil, sesame seeds, olives and ground walnuts to the mixture, then spoon out a portion onto a leaf, fold the sides in, and roll it up. Stack these two or three layers deep in a glass pan and pour in the white wine and water until the sides are covered. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, then remove foil and bake another 15 minutes or until the liquid is mostly gone and the rice is cooked. Remove and serve on a platter with sesame oil drizzled on top.
Combine chopped peppermint leaves with yogurt and serve as a dip for the grape leaves.
November 26th, 2006
A tasty way to cure the blues
Here’s a recipe for a tasty chocolate smoothie that combats depression. The ingredients in this concoction are selected for their antidepressant qualities and for their ability to work together in this mixture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 capsule of dry St. Johns wort (anti-anxiety, mood enhancer, antiviral, antibacterial)
- 1 capsule of Unha de Gato (Cat’s Claw) (circulation enhancer, blood purifier, immune system enhancer)
- 1 capsule of powdered DHEA (mood control through brain cell membranes)
- 1 tsp glutamine powder (stimulates metabolism, growth hormone and protein assimilation)
- 1 tsp powdered cinnamon (circulation stimulator)
- 1/8 cup pure, unsweetened chocolate or cocoa (antioxidants, endorphin stimulation, circulation regulator)
- 1/8 cup chopped mint leaves or 20 drops of mint essential oil (antispasmotic and anti-anxiety)
- 1/8 cup chilled flaxseed oil (omega-3 fatty acids)
- 1/4 cup walnuts (tannins, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids)
- 2 cups crushed ice
- honey or sugar to taste
Mix all ingredients in a blender (emptying the powder from the supplement capsules into the blender) and liquefy until fully mixed and smooth. Drink immediately.
Chocolate photo byhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/whitewizard_studio/147401275
November 7th, 2006
Here are two great recipes that help to reduce heavy metal toxicity in our systems. They both use a generous amount of cilantro, which has been shown to have chelating qualities, meaning that it binds to heavy metals in our blood and helps carry them out. Other ingredients are chosen for their antioxidant-rich qualities (helping reduce damage from heavy metals) and other benefits.
Cilantro Pineapple Mint Juice
This first recipe is a wonderfully refreshing juice that you can easily make in your blender. The result will surprise you.
1 whole pineapple, skinned and chopped (bromelain and vitamin C)
½ cup cilantro (chelation)
¼ cup peppermint leaves (menthol helps releive stress)
1 cup spring water
sugar or honey to taste (honey has B vitamins and iron)
Blend all ingredients in a blender until liquefied. If desired, you can strain before drinking.
Cilantro & Olive Chelating Spread
This savory spread can be used on bread, meats, or even as a dip for romaine lettuce or celery stalks. It’s rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, as well as the chelating qualities of cilantro.
3-4 cloves garlic minced (antioxidant)
1/3 cup brazil nuts (antioxidant, selenium)
1/3 cup sunflower seeds (antioxidant, cystine)
1 cup pitted and drained green olives (vitamin E)
2 cups chopped, packed cilantro (chelating qualities)
¼ cup linseed/flaxseed oil (antioxidant, omega fatty acids)
¼ cup olive oil (vitamin E, omega fatty acids)
juice of one medium lime (vitamin C)
sea salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients in a food processor until chopped to a fine puree. Best if eaten at room temperature (in other words don’t cook it).
September 16th, 2006