Juicing (And other stuff.)

If you've read my blog for a little while you already know I am a huge fan of whole green juices! I really felt motivated to take the time each day in the summer to prepare all of the ingredients and make my daily juice. I'm more motivated to do everything in the warmer months to be honest. You know, get dressed in clothes, comb my hair, leave the house. Things most people power through no matter what. :) 

After binge eating over the holidays I decided I needed to clean my innards out. Not just temporarily but as a consistent lifestyle choice. I have been a vegetarian for years but it is completely possible to eat crap without meat. I am guilty of indulging in tons of sweets and at times, vegetarian convenience/processed food. 

I have also been rethinking dairy. I am lactose intolerant but will push the envelope for cheese or ice cream cause I love it that much! Not only is dairy causing my tummy distress but it shows on my face. Ugh. Cystic acne ain't the jam. (And I can't seem to get rid of it on my cheeks!) Let's also factor in my desire to eat as compassionately as possible. Dairy cows and chickens raised for egg production (even so called organic and free range) are often mistreated/live awful lives. I plan on getting some chickens in the spring to treat lovingly (and share their delicious eggs.) In the meantime, I want to cut back as much as possible. I believe when we ingest distress and misery via abused animals we manifest some of that in our lives. I want to be as loving and healthy as possible. Gotta kiss that beautiful cheese goodbye.

Anyway, thanks to some good folks I follow on Instagram I made some decisions that are already helping me to feel much better. I prepared a week's worth of whole green juice ingredients in zip loc bags and stacked them neatly in the freezer. So much easier to just pull a bag out in the morning, run it under a bit of warm water, and blend away! I also made up a cold/flu fighting combo of ginger, lemon slices, and honey to store for quick use. I don't get sick like that often but its been great for my queasy gut. Oh! And in addition to my usual "everything but the kitchen sink" green juice last night I made a baked sweet potato & spinach smoothie/whole juice that was everything! I crave pie at night like nobody's business. It is one of my most favorite comfort foods. That concoction totally hit the spot and satiated my craving.

Here are the ingredients if you'd like to make it yourself:

* One large baked sweet potato. (I used the flesh and didn't blend the skin; up to you.)

* One heaping handful of spinach.

* Splash of vanilla.

* Dash of pumpkin pie seasoning.

* Dollop of yogurt. (I would've used a banana and/or almond milk but I was out.)

Simple and satisfying.

I'd urge anyone who is thinking about it to try to work juicing of some sort into your repertoire. Even a little helps! 

Here are a few sites that have good recipes/info:

Simple Green Smoothies

Incredible Smoothies

Green Smoothie Girl

Anyone making any dietary changes this new year?

LJ

PS I start fitness boot camp tomorrow, too. Lift me up in prayer cause I need it!