Ah, I see, haha. Too bad it tastes bad! Another caution with whey is that it's dairy, and dairy can contribute to acne. Rainbow Light makes a whole-food based protein powder that is all vegan. I tried it before and liked it. You could even add sunflower seeds, which are very high in protein, to your smoothies. Eggs are great too of course, and fast if you already have some hard-boiled. I try to eat beans everyday as well, which are very high in protein as well as antioxidants. I totally understand your needing something quick and easy though that you can just drink down! Oh, you could also add natural, peanut-butter to your smoothies!

Well, hi there I'm back hahaha. Hope you didn't forget me ABG fairy! Anyways, some update on my skin...it's been fabulous! since I've started drinking the green smoothies everyday,

it's slowly starting to get better I've also started adding beets into the smoothie ...

this isn't something bad right? I'm also stuck with my juicer now since my parents refuse to purchase another blender...but the juicer's been great! I actually think it's contributing to helping my skin in some way... like the juice it makes is much more fresh & more like a smoothie than the blender's juice because the blender's juice seemed kind of like a sauce. Anyways, maybe that's just me! But I LOVE my juicer!

Oh yeah! I forgot to add ... August 25th will mark six weeks of drinking green smoothies for me Hopefully I'll see an even BIGGER change by that time!

- rosette .

rosette,

I think it's great that you're juicing!!! Juicing is even better than blending, because you're getting such a high concentration of nutrients. However, it does remove the fiber, so be sure you're still getting enough fiber from other plant foods. I will be curious to know of your progress come Aug. 25th!! Thanks for staying in touch!

rosette,

I think it's great that you're juicing!!! Juicing is even better than blending, because you're getting such a high concentration of nutrients. However, it does remove the fiber, so be sure you're still getting enough fiber from other plant foods. I will be curious to know of your progress come Aug. 25th!! 🙂 Thanks for staying in touch!

Yeah, juicing has helped alot! I still do get my daily fiber which is great, also. I will definitely let you know of my progress on the 25th, and your welcome!

^ That sounds great Rosette!!

I really love veggie soup, I'll have to give it a try.

I have been following this thread for few days now.. First of all this is one of the nicest threads I have come across.. Thank you ABG Fairy.. I find you really sweet to answer everyone's queries even though its become so huge.. I have read few pages here and was very happy to hear about great results with green smoothies.. I saw the video

and tried to follow the basic rules while making my first green smoothie.. yay..

So I made my first smoothie using Spinach, Celery, Banana, Carrot & Beetroot.. It didn't taste bad at all.. Everyone in my family liked it too & yeah also my pup .. It tastes amazing chilled.. I also tried it with a pinch of cinnamon & salt.. Wow it was so nice.. So I had this for two days as my breakfast but next 3 days I was very busy so didn't make it.. I am starting again today .. This time I am using Cucumber in place of Banana & rest is same..

I have few queries I hope you can help me with those.. I have controlled my acne quite a lot by changing my diet.. It's helping a lot.. I read smoothies help hormonal acne.. They are my main problem.. I break out mostly during the time of the month.. So I am guessing it will help me.. Currently I have 3 active spots on my cheeks.. And red marks on both my cheeks..

My smoothies are more like the beet's color.. Beet is very strong in color may be because of that.. But I want to know does the smoothie have to be green in color? Do I need to put more greens in it.. I am currently having just 1 glass of smoothie a day.. Is this ok to start with? Also because of the cleansing process does it cause any breakouts? Does it help for mild scars? I have 3-4 on one of my cheeks.. They are not much noticeable but still I'll be very happy if they go..

I am sorry if these are too many questions or if you have answered this before.. But I am looking forward to this..

Poppycock,

Hope you like the veggie soup!! I have more recipes for veggie soups if you'd like.

Romsia,

Thank you for such a kind post! I am happy to answer your questions. That's a great video by Sergei - I should add it to the first post!

You are right that the beet color will take over all the rest!! haha Your smoothie does not have to be green. So long as you have one or two large handfuls of greens in your smoothie, it's a green smoothie.

Spinach is great but be sure to use other greens as well. Try to stick with the cruciferous greens (best for balancing hormones) like spinach, collards, kale, etc. However, spinach is fine to use for now - just be sure to mix it up at some point.

1 glass a day to start with is fine, but try to make sure you work your way up to getting at least one large handful of blended greens a day. Some people do experience additional breakouts for a week or two, but if this happens, just hang in there, or you continue with a smaller dosage in the beginning.

Some people have reported that their red marks heal more quickly after doing smoothies, so I hope they same will be true for you! Salicylic acid and Retin-A also helps with that. In the meantime, there's always concealer.

So glad you wrote, and I really hope you start seeing positive results soon!! Would love to hear back from you down the road!

Poppycock,

Hope you like the veggie soup!! I have more recipes for veggie soups if you'd like. 🙂

Romsia,

Thank you for such a kind post! I am happy to answer your questions. 🙂 That's a great video by Sergei - I should add it to the first post!

You are right that the beet color will take over all the rest!! haha Your smoothie does not have to be green. So long as you have one or two large handfuls of greens in your smoothie, it's a green smoothie.

Spinach is great but be sure to use other greens as well. Try to stick with the cruciferous greens (best for balancing hormones) like spinach, collards, kale, etc. However, spinach is fine to use for now - just be sure to mix it up at some point.

1 glass a day to start with is fine, but try to make sure you work your way up to getting at least one large handful of blended greens a day. Some people do experience additional breakouts for a week or two, but if this happens, just hang in there, or you continue with a smaller dosage in the beginning.

Some people have reported that their red marks heal more quickly after doing smoothies, so I hope they same will be true for you! Salicylic acid and Retin-A also helps with that. In the meantime, there's always concealer. 🙂

So glad you wrote, and I really hope you start seeing positive results soon!! Would love to hear back from you down the road! 🙂

Yeah, Romsia's right. Whenever i put beet into my smoothies, it always turns purple-ish and I was wondering if it's still called a green smoothie.. thanks for answering that ABG FAIRY! 🙂

^ No problem!!! Funny, I've eaten beets both today and yesterday!! Oh, and one thing I forgot to mention with beets! ....when you juice them, I've read to drink no more than 1/2 a juiced beet per day, because they are very cleansing to your liver, and more than that can be overdoing it. Just something to keep in mind!

Romsia,

Thank you for such a kind post! I am happy to answer your questions. 🙂 That's a great video by Sergei - I should add it to the first post!

You are right that the beet color will take over all the rest!! haha Your smoothie does not have to be green. So long as you have one or two large handfuls of greens in your smoothie, it's a green smoothie.

Spinach is great but be sure to use other greens as well. Try to stick with the cruciferous greens (best for balancing hormones) like spinach, collards, kale, etc. However, spinach is fine to use for now - just be sure to mix it up at some point.

1 glass a day to start with is fine, but try to make sure you work your way up to getting at least one large handful of blended greens a day. Some people do experience additional breakouts for a week or two, but if this happens, just hang in there, or you continue with a smaller dosage in the beginning.

Some people have reported that their red marks heal more quickly after doing smoothies, so I hope they same will be true for you! Salicylic acid and Retin-A also helps with that. In the meantime, there's always concealer. 🙂

So glad you wrote, and I really hope you start seeing positive results soon!! Would love to hear back from you down the road! 🙂

Hey ABG Fairy.. Thank you for replying and answering my queries.. 🙂

Oh I found that video by Sergei on your first post only.. Hehe.. (I must say Sergei is cute :wub: )

Thanks for telling green smoothie doesn't always have to be green.. It depends on what you are adding in it.. 😀 I wanted to know coz looking at the pictures of green smoothies I thought I was doing something wrong.. Yeah I am using more than 1 handful of greens right now..

I don't have anything other than spinach & celery at home currently but I know its important to rotate greens.. I'll sure do it once I get more greens.. 🙂

I hope I don't get those initial breakouts.. I am praying for that.. :pray: But if happens I'll try to follow as you said..

I know it will help for red marks cause after changing my diet I did see some improvement in them.. So this should help too.. There are medicines available for the same but I am trying to follow more holistic approach to get rid of acne forever.. 🙂 I don't use makeup at all.. Just for some special occasion cause it gives me new spots.. So I can't consider concealer option.. But I am happy with my efforts right now and I know it will give great results.. I'll keep you updated whenever I see any results.. Thanks again..

^ No problem!!! Funny, I've eaten beets both today and yesterday!! Oh, and one thing I forgot to mention with beets! ....when you juice them, I've read to drink no more than 1/2 a juiced beet per day, because they are very cleansing to your liver, and more than that can be overdoing it. Just something to keep in mind! 🙂

Oh thanks for warning about beets.. Anyways I don't use that much.. I take less than half a beet to make one smoothie cause that's more than enough.. 😀

Romsia,

You are very welcome! I had forgotten I had added that clip of Sergie to my first post! haha I agree that he's cute! hehe

I understand you wanting to use a holistic approach without the addition of chemicals/medicines. The green smoothies are great for that!

I'm sure there are concealers out there that wouldn't break you out. It's amazing how well makeup can cover up marks and blemishes. Back when I was still breaking out, people would tell me my skin was flawless.... I'd always say it was makeup - and it was true!! haha I used to always have several really small bumps on my forehead, and then it was common for me to usually have one or two regular sized blemishes on my chin... this was ongoing, and I was always having to cover them with makeup! It's so nice to hardly ever have to deal with that anymore! But anyway, I use Paula's Choice Concealer - any of her makeup I'd recommend as a good choice that shouldn't break you out. However, if you're fine without makeup, then that's great too!! More power to you I say! hehe

Im not sure if this has been asked but can you blend the veggies and fruits too long? I read somewhere that blending too long can strip the nutrients. But then i saw a commercial for some blender and it was blending fruits and veggies for 8 minutes to make soups. Can anyone help

TonyZ,

That is an excellent question. Blending can cause some oxidation, so the longer you blend, the more of that you create, and yes, more nutrients can be destroyed in the process. However, it's still much more beneficial to blend your food vs. not blending, even with the bit of oxidation that occurs. I only blend for as long as necessary. Once I see that everything has been thoroughly broken down, I stop. I'm guessing I blend in my high-powered Vita-Mix for about 30 sec. If you're using a lower powered blender, you might need to blend for a little longer. Thanks for the question!

Romsia,

You are very welcome! I had forgotten I had added that clip of Sergie to my first post! haha I agree that he's cute! hehe

I understand you wanting to use a holistic approach without the addition of chemicals/medicines. The green smoothies are great for that! 🙂

I'm sure there are concealers out there that wouldn't break you out. It's amazing how well makeup can cover up marks and blemishes. Back when I was still breaking out, people would tell me my skin was flawless.... I'd always say it was makeup - and it was true!! haha I used to always have several really small bumps on my forehead, and then it was common for me to usually have one or two regular sized blemishes on my chin... this was ongoing, and I was always having to cover them with makeup! It's so nice to hardly ever have to deal with that anymore! But anyway, I use Paula's Choice Concealer - any of her makeup I'd recommend as a good choice that shouldn't break you out. However, if you're fine without makeup, then that's great too!! More power to you I say! hehe 🙂

I have used some medicines before they cleared me 100% but I have to keep using them all the time to stay clear.. I don't think using medicines in the long run can be good so I'm concentrating on holistic approach.. I know smoothies will help in that.. 🙂

Yeah concealer's are great to hide acne and blemishes.. I used concealer last sunday for a party and I looked really good.. No one could make out that I had red marks and few spots.. Infact I got few compliments as well.. So its a great way to boost confidence on days when you are feeling low due to skin problems.. I haven't used Paula's Choice concealer before but I have heard a lot about her products.. It should be good.. I think I should buy one and see how it works for me.. Thanks for telling.. 🙂

I read in your signature that you are using Paula's Choice skin balancing anti - blemish kit as well.. How is it? Is it good for acne & red marks? What all the kit contains? Do let me know I'll like to try if its good.. Cya..

Romsia,

Yes, I really like Paula's Choice products! These are the products I use, except for step 4 and 5 (I do these steps but just use different products): Moderate to Severe Acne Skin Care. In place of 4 and 5, I use Oil of Olay's Regenerist Serum (fragrance free) and sunscreen. I could probably stop using this particular cleanser - my skin does feel a little tight afterwards if I don't immediately moisturize, though I still really love it. The kit is great for acne, and the BHA helps with red marks. This is the concealer I use: Soft Cream Concealer

I think you're very wise for wanting to move away from medications in order to let your skin balance out naturally! Go greens!!

Romsia,

Yes, I really like Paula's Choice products! These are the products I use, except for step 4 and 5 (I do these steps but just use different products): Moderate to Severe Acne Skin Care. In place of 4 and 5, I use Oil of Olay's Regenerist Serum (fragrance free) and sunscreen. I could probably stop using this particular cleanser - my skin does feel a little tight afterwards if I don't immediately moisturize, though I still really love it. The kit is great for acne, and the BHA helps with red marks. This is the concealer I use: Soft Cream Concealer

I think you're very wise for wanting to move away from medications in order to let your skin balance out naturally! Go greens!! 🙂

Hey ABG Fairy, I love your replies.. You come across as such a sweet, understanding & helpful person.. Thank you for being so nice.. 🙂

Oh those products look great.. Thanks for the links.. I am wondering these are many products for me to use.. And expensive too.. 😀 From my experiment my skin improved a lot after I stopped using too many products.. Obviously diet also played major part in that.. But I noticed my skin heals faster when I go slow with it.. But I definitely want to buy something which will make my skin smoother, even toned and help with mild scars..

I have been using Oil of Olay's moisturizer for 2 years now.. Its amazing and my face looks fresh for hours.. It's called Olay natural white fluid.. You are using Oil of Olay's Regenerist Serum (fragrance free).. I read its reviews and looks pretty good to me.. I just wanted to know if it can be used by all ages? I'm 21.. Please let me know.. Yeah I am also buying the cream concealer by PC.. :dance: I feel little weird to ask questions other than green smoothies here.. Can I PM you if I need to know about any of those products you are using..

Oh I have to update about smoothies.. I am on Day 5.. And my skin looking really good.. I haven't had single new spot ever since I started it.. Just 2-3 spots formed from old blackheads I had.. But they went away like in 2 days.. So my skin is looking smoother now.. I don't see much difference in the marks.. But its too early to speak.. 😀 I also feel very energized entire day.. Smoothies are too good to be true.. Thank you for letting us know.. Yay Go greens.. :dance:

Romsia,

You are so sweet! Thank you for such kind words. I'm thrilled to hear that you have more energy from drinking your greens!!! A lot of other people have commented on that as well, and I think that's such a *huge* plus!!! Better than perfect skin in my opinion!! haha

I think Olay makes really great products - I *love* the Regenerist Serum. You are more than welcome to PM me!! I will be happy to tell you what all I'm using. And ask as many questions as you'd like! I'm happy to help - especially really nice posters like you!!!

Romsia,

You are so sweet! Thank you for such kind words. 🙂 I'm thrilled to hear that you have more energy from drinking your greens!!! A lot of other people have commented on that as well, and I think that's such a *huge* plus!!! Better than perfect skin in my opinion!! haha

I think Olay makes really great products - I *love* the Regenerist Serum. You are more than welcome to PM me!! I will be happy to tell you what all I'm using. And ask as many questions as you'd like! I'm happy to help - especially really nice posters like you!!! 🙂

Aww Thank you for those nice words.. 🙂 Yeah I too believe energy is huge advantage.. All my tiredness is gone.. I am super excited to do my work.. So its pretty cool.. but I'll like to have both clear skin & energy.. 😀

Olay does make wonderful products.. They are really gentle on the skin.. Most of them smell so good.. You are very kind to tell about the products you use.. 🙂 I'm happy I can clear my doubts before buying them.. Thank you.. 🙂 I'll update about smoothies in few days.. Cya..

Thanks Romsia! Looking forward to hearing about your update, and wow.... I'm glad you're doing so great!!! Clear skin can't be too far off!!! hehe

The first and last time I made a green smoothie I developed a small little pimple on my lip within an hour or two of consuming it, what is that about?? Sense then I've been too apprehensive to try again as I still have a rather dark unnatractive scar on my lip from this. My smoothie consisted of the following, also it was not very good, lol

Romaine lettuce

Pineapple

Apple

Strawberries

blueberries

too much sugar maybe?? I'm not sure, it didn't taste very sweet but I was thinking all the sugar in one hit might of been the cultrip of the sudden pimple considering I gulped it down quikly in order to avoid really lingering on the flavor

HateANDLove,

Some people do experience a detox effect from the smoothies, and this might have been the case with you. If sugar is a problem for you, it'd stick with low-glycemic fruits in the beginning. Also, romaine isn't the tastiest of greens, especially when you're starting out. Try some baby spinach instead, and make sure you blend long enough to thoroughly blend it down. Chunks of lettuce in a smoothie is *not* appetizing... believe me, I've been there. hahaha I too have had to "gulp" down smoothies. LOL

All of your smoothie looks to have used low-glycemic fruits (especially if the apple was green), but I forget how low-glycemic pineapple is?? You can check the link I gave. Some people use stevia to sweeten their smoothies, and stevia actually helps to regulate your blood sugar. I like the liquid stevia by SweetLeaf.

Also, if you have problems with sugar, you might find that the smoothies help to alleviate that with time, but for now, stick with low-glycemic fruits, or, opt for a more veggie smoothie with a lemon and half an apple thrown in. There are recipes for this on the first post.

i learned that acne is not caused by your diet habits.

*moderator edit*

Thanks for sharing this, but I just checked it out and didn't see anything talking about a diet/acne correlation - only an advertisement for an acne product. Please see the links on the first post in which there are dermatologists who have seen a correlation between diet and acne. Alternativista has put together a good thread on the correlations as well: http://www.acne.org/messageboard/Admitting...on-t241013.html . And of course, from my own experience, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that diet affects your skin.

ABG Fairy,

It might of been a detox effect in my case then, I'm not certain, but I was warry afterwards and figured sugar was the cultrip, I don't know that I'm sugar sensetive but so much fruit and the sugar of such fruit in one dose might of been too much in one hit, I'm not sure.

I actually figured romaine would of been one of the milder ones, no wonder it tasted kind of bitter, and yes, it was indeed very chunky which was another turn off for me!! Lol, and also another reason for getting it down asap!!

The apple was red but next time I make a smoothie I think I might make a more veggie based one like you suggested, maybe a few peices of fruit but not a 50/50 ratio, I'd like to experiment with things like cucumbers etc. Do you suggest also using the baby spinach in veggie smoothies as it's milder and I would prefer for it to not taste like I'm eating grass, lol !

Thanks though for all your help and the advice, I would really like to try incorporating these smoothies but the breakout turned me off bigtime, amd hopefully next time I try things will be OK and I don't end up with a chunky monkey smoothie lol!!

HateANDLove,

Some people do experience a detox effect from the smoothies, and this might have been the case with you. If sugar is a problem for you, it'd stick with low-glycemic fruits in the beginning. Also, romaine isn't the tastiest of greens, especially when you're starting out. Try some baby spinach instead, and make sure you blend long enough to thoroughly blend it down. Chunks of lettuce in a smoothie is *not* appetizing... believe me, I've been there. hahaha I too have had to "gulp" down smoothies. LOL

 

All of your smoothie looks to have used low-glycemic fruits (especially if the apple was green), but I forget how low-glycemic pineapple is?? You can check the link I gave. Some people use stevia to sweeten their smoothies, and stevia actually helps to regulate your blood sugar. I like the liquid stevia by SweetLeaf.

 

Also, if you have problems with sugar, you might find that the smoothies help to alleviate that with time, but for now, stick with low-glycemic fruits, or, opt for a more veggie smoothie with a lemon and half an apple thrown in. There are recipes for this on the first post.

HateANDLove,

haha, yeah, a chunky monkey smoothie is no fun!! hehehe Since you're starting out, I would definitely start with the baby spinach. You can later add in other greens. I think kale has a mild flavor too, and I also really like collards (though I think the flavor of these tastes good - I had a collard, mango, chocolate smoothie today).

You might also just start with a small glass of smoothie each day so that you can "ease" into it. This might help slow the detox. The detox symptoms should pass in a week or two anyway, but I can understand not wanting to get a massive breakout!! haha

Also, if you're not using a high-powered blender, try blending your smoothie a little longer to help break down the "chunky greens." haha

Hope this helps! Definitely keep experimenting - I'm sure you can find combos you'll like. It took me a few tries in the beginning as well. Trust me, I made some really nasty, chunky smoothies when I first began! LOL!