This may be a stupid question but can any leafy green vegetable be safely eaten raw?? I know there are lots of green vegies that are only ever eaten after they have been cooked or steamed but I just to make sure I will not get any bateria infection by trying some different greens raw.

I can get a hold of kale, collards, and chinese cabbage. And what is baby spring mix? Is this what we call over here "gourmet" lettuce leaves? The ones with a mixture of different lettuce leaves such as the purple ones and bitter variety? I assume these have more nutrients than iceberg lettuce?

Thanks again.

It's fine to eat them raw. Just be sure to wash them thoroughly first. Yes, the spring mix is just a variety of different lettuces. They aren't bitter though - sounds like you might be describing an herb mix?

Thanks! These smoothies are addictive, I have to have one everyday!

Sure!! Glad you're addicted to them! hehe 🙂

and what about results guys? Mood/skin etc? all good? i will read over this thread when i got some time. any of u guys recommend a good juicer?? 300 i can spend up to

Vita-Mix is awesome. The blades spin so fast that you never have to mess with keeping them sharpened. I think the Blendtec El Guapo mentioned might be similar to the Vita Mix as well. Any high-powered blender will do well. You did specifically ask about a juicer though. I believe the Green Star is still the top of the line juicer.

This may be a stupid question but can any leafy green vegetable be safely eaten raw?? I know there are lots of green vegies that are only ever eaten after they have been cooked or steamed but I just to make sure I will not get any bateria infection by trying some different greens raw.

I can get a hold of kale, collards, and chinese cabbage. And what is baby spring mix? Is this what we call over here "gourmet" lettuce leaves? The ones with a mixture of different lettuce leaves such as the purple ones and bitter variety? I assume these have more nutrients than iceberg lettuce?

Thanks again.

It's fine to eat them raw. Just be sure to wash them thoroughly first. Yes, the spring mix is just a variety of different lettuces. They aren't bitter though - sounds like you might be describing an herb mix?

 

Thanks! These smoothies are addictive, I have to have one everyday!

Sure!! Glad you're addicted to them! hehe 🙂

 

and what about results guys? Mood/skin etc? all good? i will read over this thread when i got some time. any of u guys recommend a good juicer?? 300 i can spend up to

Vita-Mix is awesome. The blades spin so fast that you never have to mess with keeping them sharpened. I think the Blendtec El Guapo mentioned might be similar to the Vita Mix as well. Any high-powered blender will do well. You did specifically ask about a juicer though. I believe the Green Star is still the top of the line juicer.

 

are juicers better to have in which case? The only difference between the two is that via the blender you also get the roughage that comes with it right? not that that's to much of a prob

are juicers better to have in which case? The only difference between the two is that via the blender you also get the roughage that comes with it right? not that that's to much of a prob

I use a blender for my green smoothies. I like the blenders, because they leave in the fiber, and I think that's really important.

The only thing I don't like about the spinach smoothie is that it smells like old grass, like a day after you cut your lawn - the old wet grass.

Kind of gross I guess, but it tastes OK with fruits added. I think I may be drinking too much smoothie right now and I have to work up to a large amount.

The only thing I don't like about the spinach smoothie is that it smells like old grass, like a day after you cut your lawn - the old wet grass.

Kind of gross I guess, but it tastes OK with fruits added. I think I may be drinking too much smoothie right now and I have to work up to a large amount.

haha, yeah, maybe do half the amount of spinach for now and then work your way up. 🙂

I like the blenders, because they leave in the fiber, and I think that's really important.

I enjoy the fiber. It makes the drinks full bodied. It's what makes a smoothie a smoothie. 🙂

Here's a tip I may have shared several pages ago. I don't think so but I'm too lazy to look back.

If you're making more than one smoothie a day, you can put the blender vessel in the fridge so you don't have to wash it. Also, you don't have to finish the morning smoothie if it's in the fridge. You can just add fresh stuff after work and blend it up with what's left of the morning stuff. This way, you only have to wash the vessel once a day.

If I finish the smoothie, I rinse the vessel but still put it in the fridge. Sometimes I don't wash it for a couple of days. I don't like to wash the blade assembly by hand as it seems to dangerous. I just keep it in the fridge and then throw it in the dish washer when I'm running a load every day or two.

Hey, Smoothie people!

I made my first green smoothie tonight and had it for dinner. Water, blueberries, peaches, a ton of spinach, cucumbers, apples, and cinnamon. It was GREAT! Much better than I expected. I'm wondering how long I have to drink them to see an effect? 2 weeks? a month?

The other thing is, can you still eat other foods while you're on this diet? As much as I enjoy these smoothies, I think I'd go crazy if that's all I ate.

But, anything for the sake of that lovely clear skin we all covet, right?

-funshine-

The other thing is, can you still eat other foods while you're on this diet?

Great question. I'm curious to hear other people's answer. I drink a few vegetable smoothies and a few milk/yogurt based smoothies every day. So much so that I'm down to one meal. I try to make that meal as nutritionally potent as possible.

The smoothies have all but eliminated my tendency to 'just grab something' once in a while. When I'm in a super hurry or am really hungry when I get home, I just pour a smoothie from the carafe I keep in the fridge.

Shouldn't smoothies be consumed withing 15 mins of making them, otherwise the nutrients will be depleted? I've read that some people leave the remainder in the fridge till the next morning (including topic creater) when others suggest otherwise. Any clarification would be great.

Shouldn't smoothies be consumed withing 15 mins of making them, otherwise the nutrients will be depleted? I've read that some people leave the remainder in the fridge till the next morning (including topic creater) when others suggest otherwise. Any clarification would be great. :angel:

?? hmm ... where would the nutrients go? its not like they would evaporate or anything. lol

just for the record.. ive been drinking green smoothies for about 2 weeks now. this second week i have noticed that i havent gotten any new major pimples (a few tiny ones on my nose but i never really worry about them cuz those ones usually disappear within a day or two)... err so maybe this smoothie is working its magic? *crosses fingers*. my diet hasn't been too great (went to a fabulous buffet at casino niagara yesterday lol) but i'll keep at these smoothies. still got lots of redmarks though. update again in another 2 weeks!

Shouldn't smoothies be consumed withing 15 mins of making them, otherwise the nutrients will be depleted? I've read that some people leave the remainder in the fridge till the next morning (including topic creater) when others suggest otherwise. Any clarification would be great. :angel:

I agree about consuming them soon after they're made. The refrigeration overnight can't be good, unless vitamins don't mind the cold? I don't know. Either way, a day-old smoothie is still >>>> in nutrients to a sugary high carb food.

How do you guys stay on this diet? I'm getting hungry already, and I don't think I can go for many more days without succumbing to my usual meals. Plus, it's the holiday season! Everyone is baking cookies and I had all these recipes printed out for delicious Indian food I was going to make at home! =(

Shouldn't smoothies be consumed withing 15 mins of making them, otherwise the nutrients will be depleted? I've read that some people leave the remainder in the fridge till the next morning (including topic creater) when others suggest otherwise. Any clarification would be great. :angel:

Yeah, drink it as soon as possible. I wouldn't let it sit around. It'll start to decay. Kinda like when you cut an apple. If you leave it out it will start to turn brown and deteriorate, even in the fridge.

Shouldn't smoothies be consumed withing 15 mins of making them, otherwise the nutrients will be depleted? I've read that some people leave the remainder in the fridge till the next morning (including topic creater) when others suggest otherwise. Any clarification would be great. :angel:

I agree about consuming them soon after they're made. The refrigeration overnight can't be good, unless vitamins don't mind the cold? I don't know. Either way, a day-old smoothie is still >>>> in nutrients to a sugary high carb food.

How do you guys stay on this diet? I'm getting hungry already, and I don't think I can go for many more days without succumbing to my usual meals. Plus, it's the holiday season! Everyone is baking cookies and I had all these recipes printed out for delicious Indian food I was going to make at home! =(

 

I don't think anyone drinks green smoothies exclusively. They are just a healthy addition. I eat a normal diet of...ugh...solid food with a calorie dense green smoothie for breakfast everyday. My other meals will be chicken and veggies, oats, etc...

Here's a tip I may have shared several pages ago. I don't think so but I'm too lazy to look back. 😀

If you're making more than one smoothie a day, you can put the blender vessel in the fridge so you don't have to wash it. Also, you don't have to finish the morning smoothie if it's in the fridge. You can just add fresh stuff after work and blend it up with what's left of the morning stuff. This way, you only have to wash the vessel once a day.

If I finish the smoothie, I rinse the vessel but still put it in the fridge. Sometimes I don't wash it for a couple of days. I don't like to wash the blade assembly by hand as it seems to dangerous. I just keep it in the fridge and then throw it in the dish washer when I'm running a load every day or two.

🙂

Thanks for the tips! I always just rinse mine right away, otherwise, the smoothie left behind would start to harden... eeeew! hehe When you pour out the smoothie from the blender, doesn't that leave smoothie left behind on the side walls that would harden in the fridge? Or, are you just saying that it doesn't matter, because you throw it in the fridge every couple of days anyway? Either way, I'm glad you've worked out a system that is convenient for you - sounds like you've got this smoothie thing down! 🙂

Hey, Smoothie people!

I made my first green smoothie tonight and had it for dinner. Water, blueberries, peaches, a ton of spinach, cucumbers, apples, and cinnamon. It was GREAT! Much better than I expected. I'm wondering how long I have to drink them to see an effect? 2 weeks? a month?

The other thing is, can you still eat other foods while you're on this diet? As much as I enjoy these smoothies, I think I'd go crazy if that's all I ate.

But, anything for the sake of that lovely clear skin we all covet, right?

-funshine-

Funshine, I saw results in a little over a month, but give them at least 6 weeks.

You can definitely still eat other foods. This isn't a diet, don't worry! 🙂 We're merely supplementing our pre-existing diets with green smoothies. Look at my signature to see what else I eat.

Shouldn't smoothies be consumed withing 15 mins of making them, otherwise the nutrients will be depleted? I've read that some people leave the remainder in the fridge till the next morning (including topic creater) when others suggest otherwise. Any clarification would be great. :angel:

Ideally, the sooner you can drink the smoothie, the better, but making smoothies everyday isn't always convenient for people. The creator of the smoothies, Victoria Boutenko, actually say they can last for up to 3 days I think. But basically, nutrients start to oxidize...

just for the record.. ive been drinking green smoothies for about 2 weeks now. this second week i have noticed that i havent gotten any new major pimples (a few tiny ones on my nose but i never really worry about them cuz those ones usually disappear within a day or two)... err so maybe this smoothie is working its magic? *crosses fingers*. my diet hasn't been too great (went to a fabulous buffet at casino niagara yesterday lol) but i'll keep at these smoothies. still got lots of redmarks though. update again in another 2 weeks!

Awesome! Yes, let us know how you're doing in 2 weeks! 🙂

How do you guys stay on this diet? I'm getting hungry already, and I don't think I can go for many more days without succumbing to my usual meals. Plus, it's the holiday season! Everyone is baking cookies and I had all these recipes printed out for delicious Indian food I was going to make at home! =(

You poor thing! Can't believe you thought you could only drink smoothies! I would have a really hard time doing that - especially this time of year. I love warm, conforting soups this time of year, and I agree with you about the holidays - way too many goodies around to fully ignore! Now go make your Indian food!! hehe 🙂

Is it safe to eat. Wher's the meat. I recommend following it up with a coffee and a donut to balance out the healthy with the unhealthy.

Is it safe to eat. Wher's the meat. I recommend following it up with a coffee and a donut to balance out the healthy with the unhealthy.

LOL! That is for sure one of the funniest posts I've read on this thread. Seriously. hahahahaha

I have to agree too - well, not with the donut and coffee thing (neither temps me!), maybe some chocolate instead, haha, but yes, if one was only focused on eating 100% healthy all the time, they might end up sacrificying their mental health in the process... some can handle that, but I wouldn't do well on a 100% healthy diet - way too restricting!

Here's to green smoothies and lots of chocolate! hehe 🙂

When you pour out the smoothie from the blender, doesn't that leave smoothie left behind on the side walls that would harden in the fridge? Or, are you just saying that it doesn't matter, because you throw it in the fridge every couple of days anyway?

It doesn't harden, but there is some firming. 😀

Seriously, it's not a problem. Keep in mind, I'm not talking about putting the vessel in the fridge for a week. I'm talking about a few hours with the lid on.

When you pour out the smoothie from the blender, doesn't that leave smoothie left behind on the side walls that would harden in the fridge? Or, are you just saying that it doesn't matter, because you throw it in the fridge every couple of days anyway?

It doesn't harden, but there is some firming. 😀

Seriously, it's not a problem. Keep in mind, I'm not talking about putting the vessel in the fridge for a week. I'm talking about a few hours with the lid on.

 

Might just have to consider this... 🙂 Thanks!

ICE ICE ICE!!

Mum took possession of my blender last night and made a smoothie (using the same ingredients I use). It tasted soooo much better than mine, despite enjoying my own smoothies in the first place. She mentioned she added ice cubes to the greens/fruit whilst blending - the result, a thicker consistency and a much sweeter brew. So sweet in fact, I was quite certain she added sugar to it. She didn't however.

This morning, I added 4 large ice cubes to my smoothie. Exactly the same the night before - so damn tasty. Seriously, I'm not sure if this has been mentioned or even suggested earlier in this thread, but if tempted, please add some ice cubes to your smoothie and taste for yourself

hey independant, what kind of diet do you eat. Could you give me a sampler day like breakfgast lunch and tea plzz lol. Sorry to ask

Blendtec Total Blender, Trust me.

How do the blades stand up to long term ice crushing?

 

It's has an ice crushing guarantee.

I've had it for a little over 3 months now and it's still taking care of business but if the blades do get dull, all you have to do is buy a new jar and if your blender is still under warranty, the jar is free.

My old blender broke from blending 24/7 for 1 month... and it cost me $200!

Check out www.willitblend.com

ICE ICE ICE!!

Mum took possession of my blender last night and made a smoothie (using the same ingredients I use). It tasted soooo much better than mine, despite enjoying my own smoothies in the first place. She mentioned she added ice cubes to the greens/fruit whilst blending - the result, a thicker consistency and a much sweeter brew. So sweet in fact, I was quite certain she added sugar to it. She didn't however.

This morning, I added 4 large ice cubes to my smoothie. Exactly the same the night before - so damn tasty. Seriously, I'm not sure if this has been mentioned or even suggested earlier in this thread, but if tempted, please add some ice cubes to your smoothie and taste for yourself 😀

I'm glad you like the ice so much. I use frozen fruit instead of ice. I tried ice in the beginning, and for some odd reason, I absolutely hated it - it made everything a nasty consistency, and I've ran into other smoothie makers who felt the same. I'm not sure why the frozen fruit works so much better for me, but it really adds so much. I don't like my smoothies to be ice cold either, but adding just a little frozen fruit doesn't seem to make it overly cold. Anyway, it's great that you've found a way to make your smoothies taste even better. Thanks for sharing the tip!

hey independant, what kind of diet do you eat. Could you give me a sampler day like breakfgast lunch and tea plzz lol. Sorry to ask 😛 :boohoo:

Well, I'm not a big eater, so I'm not the best person to follow. I usually do a green smoothie for breakfast, or maybe some raw oatmeal with almond butter. I might later eat some almonds/walnuts, etc. Then later maybe some steamed veggies with a bean soap, or brown rice. Besides the green smoothies, I try to eat veggies and beans everyday. I eat a mostly vegan diet. If I were eating a perfect diet, I'd be eating what Dr. Joel Fuhrman suggests in his book, Eat to Live. See my signature below for his website. 🙂

Sounds like your on the perfect diet for acne any way.. Maybe I still eat too much crap, my diets slightly better than it was before.. but i woudln't go to far.

Sounds like your on the perfect diet for acne any way.. Maybe I still eat too much crap, my diets slightly better than it was before.. but i woudln't go to far.

Yeah, but again, not perfect. Eating only about 80% (probably more like 90%) healthy still allows for stuff like cheese, sugar, fat, etc. And, I have not changed my diet since doing the smoothies. I'm still eating the same as I was before, and I was breaking out before I started the smoothies. Whenever I stop eating the smoothies for a few days, my skin starts to break out again... so, the greens are really, really important! 🙂 Instead of trying to fully change your diet right now, just simply start adding green smoothies to your diet. Once you're comfortable with that, then start adding in more changes. 🙂