14 days gulp, gulp, gulp

I am taking the green smoothie fourteen-day challenge again!  In April, 2010 I took this same challenge and was so impressed with the results that it converted me into a green smoothie lover for life.  I will list all the smoothies for each day of the challenge, however, if you are doing this with me I would suggest you register using the above link.   You'll be able to receive more detail information on the food and maybe answer some of your questions. 

Summer is in full swing, hot and humid where I live, creating a perfect opportunity to do this challenge because of all the awesome fruits and vegetable in season at the moment .   My goal is to lose about 15 pounds by August 14^th, to feel more energy and to get that fresh looking glow that you get by detoxing. 

What really supported me in this challenge last year was to receive the daily recipes.  It served as a reminder and also gave me something to look forward to because everyday was different.  Included in the daily email is encouragement and wisdom. 

So wish me luck, it is my first day!  If you want to join me, today we are drinking: 

• ½ romaine (cos) lettuce 
• 3 bananas 
• 2 cups water

Day 2  

• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup raspberries
• 3 hand full of baby spinach
• 2 cups of water 

Day 3

• 4/5 Kale leaves
• 3 apples
• 1/2 lemon juiced
• 2 cups of water

I bought a blendtec!!!  It was a bit pricey but so worth it.   It is very cool, quick, and makes the most amazing smoothies.  Hubby thinks I have a blender addiction.  I don't.  I have everything I need and I think, I won't have to buy another blender.  Maybe.


Day 3

• 2 -3 cups of grapes
• 1 handfull of parsley
• 2 handfull of baby spinach
• 2 cups of water

I didn't have grapes on hand, so I used cherries (in season and so juicy).   

Day 4   

•  1 cup of raspberries
• 1 cup of blueberries
• 1 apple  or banana
• 3 handfulls of spinach
• 2 cups of water

Really, you can't taste the spinach and even kids will love this one!

Ayurveda - Art of Being Part 4

I am absolutely without a doubt, enjoying following the principles of Ayurveda.  Since eating foods that are good for my dosha ( body type) I have noticed many benefits.   In particular, I am never hungry, and have more energy.  I have lost weight and feel in balance emotionally and physically.

However, getting used to eating lunch type foods for breakfast is taking some getting used to.  And when I am travelling it is even more difficult to eat foods that I should be eating especially for breakfast.  But when   I stayed at the Mayfield Inn in Edmonton, and I ate at the Botanica Restaurant  I had a pleasant surprise. I requested a "green smoothie" and they made it for me.  I told them it was an easy smoothie, just lettuce, fresh ginger, and berries blended with a cup of water.   My server came back and said  that the cook asked what planet I was from, but after making it, said he would put it on the menu.  yay!!!

A Day Without Cheating

I am beginning my day with the intent not to cheat. I've already had my brisk walk, although those deer flies are very annoying. And I did my TM meditation. I'm feeling really positive about the day even thou it is going to be another hot one.

For Breakfast today I had a tasty green smoothie, actually, it was so good I had two glasses. This is what was in it:
two cups of water
one inch of ginger including skin
two large chard
1/2 a cup of blueberries
8 red grapes
2 oz of Aloe vera juice
1 tbs of flaxseeds

After the green smoothie, I drank barley water, not as pleasant a taste. But it is apparently good for flushing the kidneys and it is a diuretic. If you want the recipe email me.

It was another scorching day, temperature was in the mid thirties. I so wanted a frappuccino, but order a bottle of water instead.

Today was a great day!