Green Smoothie Magic!

Happy December once again!

Much of this post is a repeat from last December, but it seems fitting to give it top billing one more time. Green Smoothies are quite the rage these days, their time has finally come! 
I want to offer this inspiration and information for the many people that are interested in beginning their own Green Smoothie journey. I know lots of people that are venturing down this healthy path  and have requested some info to get them started! I have added a few new things to the post, so take a peek even if you've seen this before. Perhaps it will renew your interest in adding green smoothies into your days too!!

  I love sharing all the simple joys that have come in to my life as a results of my new found healthy lifestyle. I've never felt healthier or happier in all my life and want everyone interested to reap the same benefits I now enjoy too.

  I'm an interactive kind of gal and I've learned that blogs are often not an interactive type of forum. Does this mean that nobody reads it or enjoys the recipes or learns a little something new?  For a while I just wasn't sure!


 So I took a step back and asked for a little guidance from the Universe  :)
Never underestimate the power of prayer, it never ceases to amaze me how quickly the answers come when I am open to receiving them!


 In just the past week suddenly people are reaching out for info left and right! Friends, friends of friends and coworkers and people I am just meeting are requesting green smoothie recipes, food ideas and inspiration. I've received emails requesting my blog link and thanking me for sharing my experiences here.  Isn't life funny? This has given me the enthusiasm I was hoping for, to rekindle my passion for sharing what I love and believe in!


 I am going to begin with sharing the tips and information that I have found helpful along the way. This is one of life's simple pleasures!


Green smoothies have changed my life, opening up a whole new world of vibrant health and well being!  This simple little addition to your daily routine can do the same for you. Most people do not get enough greens in their diet today and they are filled with nutrients that our bodies require. Often when we are craving all the unhealthy foods that we do, it is really because of this nutrient deficiency. Once you begin to nourish your body with nutrient dense foods, the cravings disappear and healthier food choices become the natural next step. These changes occur slowly but surely with no effort whatsoever!


 It so amazingly simple to add green smoothies into your day and reap all the wonderful benefits. Some of the benefits I found soon after drinking them were increased energy, freedom from junk food cravings, better digestion and elimination and the most exciting was that my excess weight began to fall off effortlessly! 


Here are some excellent videos about the amazing healing power of Green Smoothies that are interesting, informative and inspirational.   Enjoy!

The history of Green Smoothies

 The first  is Victoria Boutenko telling us just how green smoothies came to be. She is the woman who first found a way to get those glorious greens into our bodies in a tasty way.What an amazing woman! These videos are fantastic and well worth the time to watch if you are interested in adding glorious green smoothies into your life! 
Thank you Victoria :)

Not sure about which greens to choose when shopping for your green smoothie ingredients? Here's a great video by the Boutenko family explaining lots of different greens that can be used in a smoothie. It's important that you rotate your greens if you are drinking smoothies regularly. Leafy greens have a tiny amount of alkaloids in them that act as a defense mechanism for themselves in nature. If ingested regularly for long amounts of time they can act as a poison in your body ~ not enough to be concerned about! But  it's best for your immune system and  health to rotate them weekly, even if it's just between kale and spinach. But as you'll see in the video there are plenty of glorious greens to choose from!

Dan McDonald  The Life Regenerator and his awesome videos were my first introduction to the world of Green Smoothies!

If you are looking to be entertained, enthused and inspired, I highly recommend watching Dan's videos on You tube or check out his website!

If you're looking for a little inspiration you have to watch Clent's video!
 Clent lost 226 lbs and reversed diabetes by eating a raw food diet and drinking green smoothies. The green smoothies were an important tool in his weight loss and to finding his healthy happiness!

Let me show you how easy it really is to blend your own green smoothie!

Simple Green Smoothie Recipe

2 handfuls baby spinach leaves

2 celery stalks

1 cucumber

1 or 2 apples   (I love granny smiths)

2 cups water

***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***


Below is the Green Smoothie recipe that I enjoy the most
and am also making for many friends on a daily basis these days!
It is very similar to the recipe above, but has a couple new ingredients that
give it just a little more zing and seems to be a winning combination!!

***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***



Favorite Green Smoothie Recipe!


2 handfuls of baby spinach leaves 
or
3 large kale leaves

2 stalks celery (one if you are not a fan!)

1 large cucumber (skin on)

1/2 inch piece of fresh peeled ginger

1 large apple

1/2 pear

2 cups water 
(more or less for desired thickness!)

Want it a little sweeter? 
Add 1 banana or a whole pear

Blend & Enjoy!!

This makes one blender full
I like to use mason jars for my smoothies

This yield 4 ~ 16 oz jars
or
2 ~ 32 oz  jars

This recipe has been a hit with the many people I share it with.
I also make these for lots of friends on a daily basis and I am thrilled to say that
they are all having the same amazing results that I have had.
Whether it is weight loss, more energy or an amazing feeling of well being that you are looking for
Green Smoothies are sure to do just that!!


Introducing green smoothies into my diet has changed my life in
so many wonderful ways!
I wish the same vibrant health & joy
for all of you!!

Simple ~ Nutritious & Delicious 
Get your greens on today   :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

My heart is filled with gratitude for finding my way to the healthier happier life I lead today.
 I am enormously grateful for the love and support of my family, my many wonderful friends and the guidance of Spirit.
I am so blessed.


  I am really looking forward to be spending Thanksgiving at my sister Karen's house this year! For the past 15 years or so I've prepared Thanksgiving dinner at my house and had everyone here to celebrate in this special day of gratitude.


 Not too long ago my sister & her husband bought a lovely house a few towns over.  Very exciting! It's a wonderful little place with a huge backyard. It feels like it was meant just for them! Karen offered to host the festivities at her house this year and I can't tell you how thrilled I am. She thought it might not be as fun for me to lovingly prepare the turkey and all the traditional foods we serve every year since I no longer eat them myself.


 I would have been happy to prepare the foods but I must admit I don't think the love would have been felt in the food anymore. When I prepared our family's traditional chestnut stuffing in the past, it would take several hours of patiently scooping the chestnuts out the night before. I always enjoyed that ritual while sitting by the fire with a glass of wine. It always brought back wonderful memories of sitting around the kitchen table with my family when we were kids. There was a big black pot of boiled chestnuts on the stove and each of us would have a little bowl in front of us to scoop the chestnut meat into with pretty silver spoons. It was a tradition that brought us all together as a family and because of the enjoyment we shared in doing that, the stuffing was always delicious, the highlight of the meal. But I've come to realize that when your heart is not into the foods, they just don't taste as good! It's so important to prepare your food with love, enjoying each step of the preparation. When you prepare food with joy and love, that energy flows into the food and you will create a delicious meal.


 For me this day is all about the laughter and love that we will all share together. As time passes, it is more and more difficult to find the time to get together with my son, my sisters and their families, so this is what makes Thanksgiving a special day for me! 


 I'm bringing an herb green salad made with pear, pomegranate and all kinds of other glorious greens. I will probably include cucumber, scallions, peppers ans grated carrots along with whatever else catches my eye. Tomatoes, can't forget the tomatoes! I'll top it with sunflower and pumpkin seeds and lots of beautiful sprouts ~ delicious!! I'm going to make a couple different dressings, probably a simple raspberry vinaigrette and my favorite dressing which is made with pumpkin seed oil, lime juice, honey & garlic. My mouth is watering already!!


 Here's a few other things I will bring to the Thanksgiving table....


I love this apple pie! It's super simple to make and just bursting with fresh flavors!

Apple Pie in the Raw

Crust
2 cups raw almonds
2 cups pitted dates   (I used a little less because u=it was all I had, still yummy!)
1 tsp sea salt


Syrup
1/2 cup pitted dates
1 orange peeled
1/4 cup water

Filling
5-6 apples peeled and sliced thin   ( I didn't peel mine, up to you!)
1 cup raisins
2 Tbsp cinnamon

Directions

Crust
 Pulse almonds and salt in the food processor until their in small pieces. ( little almond chunks are nice!)
dd dates into the food processor in small batches to mix with the almonds.They will bind and form a dough.
Press the dough into the bottom of a pie plate.

Syrup
Blend oranges, dates and water in blender

Filling
Toss apple slices, cinnamon and raisins in a large bowl
Add syrup and mix 

Spoon filling into pie crust ~ Voila!!




I'm also going to bring Stuffed Dates for dessert. These are so rich and tasty yet as simple as can be!
I just slice large  Medjool dates and put one large walnut inside ~ delicious!!!!

 Wishing everyone a beautiful Thanksgiving full of love ~ laughter & joy!!

  

It is so about the food ~ yet it's not just about the food! Recipes & Thoughts

It is so about the food ~ yet it's not just about the food......


 Eating a diet rich in whole living foods has completely changed my life. In the beginning of my journey I focused on adding more greens into my day through green smoothies.I simply wanted to feel better!  Not long after I began drinking the green smoothies my energy increased and weight was falling off effortlessly. To me it was like magic! But I had no idea that this simple little step would take me down the path I am walking these days. I've discovered that these foods are providing me with much more than the nutrition my body needs to thrive. They are nurturing my inner being and enhancing my life on so many interesting levels. Raw living foods make me feel alive!
Today I'm not only healthy and happy but I am more centered, comfortable in my own skin and have found a place of acceptance inside myself that I never thought possible. These are all wonderful and new feelings for me! In the past I would always look at others who exuded these traits and think, "I want what they have."  Who knew that it would be my food choices that would provide me with a better sense of self and confidence that I feel today. It may have taken me most of my lifetime to get to this point but it's been worth it! And to think it all began with green smoothies ~ amazing!


  Synchronicity ~  "The experience of two or more events which are casually unrelated occurring together in a meaningful manner."


 I've been experiencing more and more of this in my life on a daily basis. Once I really began to notice it, to be aware of it, I was amazed and intrigued!  I mention a friends name and not seconds later they are calling me on the phone. Not once mind you but over and over. Several times I have written an email to a friend on a particular subject and no sooner did I push "send" then an email or phone call regarding this same topic appears from her. I was pondering a completely new idea, like "oil pulling" and when I opened a new book I just bought, it opened to the page on just that subject.  I was thinking about a friend and her favorite song came on the radio. I've been wondering how next to share my passion for green smoothies. Suddenly I receive not one or two but three people's requests that I make them and offer them up for sale in my neighborhood! I'm meeting with my first customer in a few days!  How cool is that?


 Over and over these little things occur each day now! After researching this subject I found there is a connection between a raw food lifestyle and these interesting events. It seems that there is a heightened awareness that comes with eating cleaner. It makes sense that by eliminating the processed foods we clear the way for subtle energies and a deeper connection within ourselves and the Universe. I've mentioned that I feel gentle shifts happening as I continue on my journey, a wonderful mind body & spirit connection..These are just a few more of the wondrous and unexpected benefits that I've experienced in the past year and a half and I am certain there are more on the horizon!


 Here are some new recipes I've enjoyed recently! With the cooler weather coming to Connecticut, I've been craving foods with a little more substance than I've enjoyed throughout the summer. This recipe is my own simpler version of the zucchini "pasta" recipe in Jennifer Cornbleet's book Raw Food Made Easy.  It makes for a delicious dinner and is really easy to prepare. The noodles are actually zucchini that has been put through a spiralizer , a simple vegetable slicer that creates a spiral strand much like spaghetti. Before I had the spiralizer I would use a vegetable peeler which works just as well! The results will be a longer "fettuccine" style shape instead. I absolutely love my spiralizer, it's one of my favorite kitchen gadgets!

      Zucchini Marinara

Zucchini Pasta Marinara


2 spiralized zucchini


Marinara Sauce
3 vine ripe tomatoes
1 chopped red pepper
1 cup soaked sun dried tomatoes
2 cloves garlic
2 Tbsp olive oil


Blend all sauce ingredients in the blender until smooth or until desired consistency. (I prefer it a little chunky)


Pour over zucchini noodles & Enjoy!!


Top with nutritional yeast for a healthier alternative to Parmesan cheese!


This meal is super easy, it only takes a few minutes to prepare... It's a keeper  :)




                                                            Butternut Apple Soup

Butternut Squash & Apple Soup


1 Butternut Squash diced
3 large red apples 
1 Tbsp Coconut oil


Blend well & Enjoy!


This was so amazingly simple and tasty!    Another keeper   :)
I had the ingredients on hand, threw them together & voila!


Optional ~ I added 1 Tbsp of curry to 1/2 the batch and it completely switched up the taste ~ Amazing!!




                                                 Pineapple Romaine Cucumber Juice

Green Smoothies!!


When I did my 23 day juice & smoothie feast, I began to get more creative with my smoothies, using a larger variety of fruits and greens and adding other healthy ingredients as well. My glorious green smoothie is still the one I enjoy most frequently, here are a few new recipes that I especially love!

Coconut Mango
1 fresh mango (or 2 cups frozen mango chunks)
2 handfuls baby spinach leaves
1 Tbsp coconut oil
2 cups Coconut water

This smoothie is terrific for the cooler weather! With a pinch of cayenne, it adds a nice blend of spice to the sweetness of the mango and warms you up on the inside too! I LOVE this as a green treat now and then!


 Sweet & Spicy Green
1 1/2 cups frozen mango  (or 1 fresh mango)
2 handfuls baby spinach leaves
1 tsp coconut oil
pinch of cayenne pepper
2 cups almond milk

Seriously Green 
Romaine
kale
dandelion
parsley 
cucumber
celery
sprouts
pear
apple
lemon
ginger


This is definitely a favorite of mine! The lemon & ginger are the top flavors and blend so nicely together  ~ Seriously green is seriously delicious &   seriously getting your greens on!


Tip ~ try adding 1/2 banana or fresh lemon juice to cut the bitterness of dandelion greens in any smoothie and still reap the benefits!!


Enjoy!!

                            *~*   Simple ~ Nutritious ~ Delicious &  Satisfying   *~*

Amazing Raw Apple Pie :)

 They say that many people step foot into their raw food adventure through the "back door". They are drawn to the amazing desserts that are not only delicious but nutritious. I was not one of those people. My journey began with green smoothies and my palate began to change as I continued to nourish my body with nutrient dense greens. Gradually and naturally I was drawn more and more towards a diet that was full of whole living foods and away from the world of unhealthy processed foods. Now that I have been enjoying this lifestyle for awhile I am beginning to delve a little deeper into creating some of the recipes I've been collecting and some of those include luscious yet simple desserts! I am all about eating simply, if it requires much time or effort it's not for me!


 Here's a sinfully delicious, nutritious and easy dessert that I made recently. This Apple Pie so satisfying and tasty and knowing that it is healthy just makes it all the better!!
This recipe is a keeper  :)


This Apple Pie recipe was passed along to me some time ago, so I am not sure which book it comes from, but I do know that it is Ani Phyo's recipe. Be sure to check out Ani's site for lots of amazing and tasty recipes!!

 I whipped this up one evening after work and it maybe took about 20 minutes.Although it is suggested you let it sit for 24 hours for the apples to soften, we couldn't resist enjoying some as soon as it was ready. Wow ~ it is so fresh and just bursting with flavor!! It's amazing   :)
 It does taste a little better the next day, if that is even possible, a little softer and more full flavored. I wouldn't hesitate to put this pie together and serve it right up, it's just that easy and delicious! This will be perfect to serve at Thanksgiving too, I know it will be included in mine!! 

Apple Pie in the Raw


Crust
2 cups raw almonds
2 cups pitted dates   (I used a little less because u=it was all I had, still yummy!)
1 tsp sea salt


Syrup
1/2 cup pitted dates
1 orange peeled
1/4 cup water


Filling
5-6 apples peeled and sliced thin   ( I didn't peel mine, up to you!)
1 cup raisins
2 Tbsp cinnamon




Directions


Crust
 Pulse almonds and salt in the food processor until their in small pieces. ( little almond chunks are nice!)


You can take some of the powdered almond from the processor and dust the bottom of the pie pan if you'd like. (I forgot to do this but it is suppose to help the crust from sticking to the pan)


 Add dates into the food processor in small batches to mix with the almonds.They will bind and form a dough.


Press the dough into the bottom of a pie plate.


Syrup


Blend oranges, dates and water in blender


Filling
Toss apple slices, cinnamon and raisins in a large bowl
Add syrup and mix 


Spoon filling into pie crust ~ Voila!!


 *~* ENJOY *~*

Sharing Joy!! :)

 This video sums up the magical energy of the International Day of Juicing so beautifully! I feel so blessed to have shared in this special event with so many wonderful people that have educated and inspired me along my journey. This video speaks volumes! It truly captures the pure joy that living this lifestyle offers each and every one of us. It was an experience I will never forget and will hold dear to my heart forever.


  Sharing in the joy of living this healthy happy lifestyle at the International Day of Juicing has been a life changing event for me! It has stayed with me day in and day out since I've gotten home. It's hard to capture the feelings of being immersed in such a powerful wave of  joyous energy, but I think this video captures it beautifully!! All my love to Dave the Raw Food Trucker for  encouraging me to fly out to share my story, convincing me I even HAD a story worth sharing & most of all having the faith in me that he does.What a gift!


  Since returning from my trip to Seattle I have received many questions regarding the foods that I enjoy.
 I've decided to include that info in each of my posts along with whatever Simple Pleasures come my way :)


  I have learned along this journey that the road to healthy happiness begins with the foods we use to nourish our bodies, yet the rewards stretch far beyond the weight loss and renewed health. A gentle shift begins to take place as you include more whole living foods into your day. It is subtle and sweet and seems to fill a void for me that I wasn't quite aware was there. I feel more peaceful, more at home in my own body. It is truly a gift!


 I encourage anyone setting out on their own path to try and listen to your body, really listen.When I'm hungry, I don't ignore that feeling like I did in my dieting days.I have a kitchen stocked with healthy choices and snacks I carry in my purse at all times .I am a happier person when my tummy is full! I have also learned to stop eating when I am satisfied, because I just don't feel well when I am stuffed. Many of the foods I eliminated along the way have been foods that left me feeling bloated, bogged down or uncomfortable, it was that simple. I learned, slowly but surely, to trust the cues my body was giving me. It is a gradual process that happens naturally and it has made a world of difference in the food choices I make today.


I am always in awe of the vibrant colors of whole natural foods! The food is a beautiful as it is delicious and I sometimes wonder if it's beauty just adds to the taste!
This is what I have enjoyed to day so far  :)


Cantaloupe & Romaine juice.... I started incorporating green juices into my day about 2 months ago and love to start my day with them!

Green smoothie.... I threw together what I had left in the fridge ~ time to go grocery shopping! I enjoyed this throughout the day.

kale
cucumber
romaine lettuce
dandelion greens
banana
few strawberries
coconut water


Beautiful Green Salad
 I love to really dress up my salads with fruit and seeds & sprouts! I so enjoy the vibrant colors and fresh tastes of my foods, it makes every bite a delight!!

Spinach
heirloom orange tomatoes
scallions
green apple
parsley
pomegranate seeds
sunflower seeds


Dressing
splash virgin olive oil
juice1/2 lime 


Enjoy!!


                                                  ~**~  EXCITING NEWS   ~**~
                                                 I've recently published my first Ebook!! 


 My book walks you through my journey over the past year and a half as I share how I lost 120 pounds and have found the inner happiness and healthy lifestyle I believe I was always meant to live. My story tells of how green smoothies and incorporating raw living foods into my diet have transformed my life forever. This has been a lifestyle change involving mind, body and spirit and has taken me down a path I never thought was possible. At 53 years old I am happier and healthier than I have ever been. My passion for this lifestyle is one I need to share and my hopes are that this story of my journey, my weight loss recipes as well as inspirational information may help others find their healthier, happier lifestyle too.


I hope you enjoy it!!


*~* Hugs *~*


http://shop.gettingthewordoutmedia.com/Kathy-Caulfield-Simple-Pleasures-Through-Glorious-Greens-K-C501.htm

Veggie Wraps & Musings :)

  Life has been such a whirlwind the past few months! Ever since the day that Dave the Raw Food trucker invited me to speak at the International day of juice feasting in Seattle it has been a juggling act.One foot in the world of living the life I feel I am meant to live and one foot in every day life as I know it. That is not to say that I don't enjoy my day to day life at all, I absolutely do! But once you discover your true passion in life and get a taste for living it, something shifts inside.Sharing my story and actually knowing that it is touching people and helping them along their own healthy, happy journey fulfills that little something inside I believe each of us are searching for. Spending a week surrounded by people that have found a way to do that and following their passions has had a profound effect on me. It was truly the most incredible experience to be immersed in the most joyous, loving vibes of so many happy,healthy people! Now I am back here on my blog finally to share and help inspire in my own little way! 


 The amazing energy of that week stays with me still, but each day I feel it slipping away just a little. It's time for me to make my own magic! I am not entirely sure where any of this is taking me and I trust that it will all fall into place as it should.
 Everything that has happened these past few months all began with taking a huge leap of faith and agreeing to travel to Seattle. I haven't been on a plane in 18 years, am not really versed in public speaking and was a tad bit intimidated to hobnob with so many people I have looked up to and have been inspired by along my journey. Saying yes to all that has been such a gift to myself. Flying was a breeze, speaking was a pleasure, regardless of how nervous I was. All the new friendships I made are a blessing! 
Although I feel a little like a fish out of water right now, that's alright. I am not the only one that had to return to their regular jobs and yet continue to follow our dreams too.Having published my ebook that walks you through my journey and shares all the recipes I enjoy, has opened yet another door that allows me to continue following my passion. Tonight I will be sharing once again on Cher Till's Blogtalk radio show, Healthy Shots another way of getting the word out and having fun doing it! It's tonight, Thursday Sept 29 at 8PM EST. come join us!
 When we were in Seattle we ate at several raw food restaurants that served delicious meals like I have never tasted before! I rarely take the time to prepare many food recipes, although they always look so good! Like everyone, I have my regulars each day ~ smoothies,juices, salads and occasionally I will venture out & try a new recipe. Enjoying the foods at Chaco Canyon, AmeRawcan Bistro & Thrive ignited a fire under me!


Here's a few recipes I've made since I have been home ~ aren't they beautiful? I'm loving the rainbow colors of my food and the energy they provide! I am having such fun digging in to all the recipes I have been tucking away for the past year.   :)


                                                                      Veggie Wraps!!

These were so easy to whip up and really delicious & satisfying!! Yummm  :)


Veggie Wraps


Collard Greens
sliced tomato
sliced cucumbers
sprouts
shredded carrot
diced avocado


lime ginger spread


Fold the collard leave in half and slice along the stem in the middle, removing the stem... Leaving you with 2 halves of the leave.


Dice & slice the veggies and be sure to add any other veggie you enjoy ~ the more the merrier :)


Lime Ginger Spread


Juice of 1 lime
1/4 inch piece of ginger
pinch of sea salt
1/2 cup soaked raw cashews  (soaked about 1/2 hour in water to cover them)  it's not necessary to soak


Blend well in food processor until smooth....add a touch of water if needed for desired consistency


Lay out the collard green halves
spread the lime ginger sauce over them. (I left a hearty amount at one end also, it's so yummy!)
add your veggies to the leaves as in the picture up above
roll up and enjoy!
                                                                          Dessert!!

 I threw together these ingredients and ended up with this thick, luscious shake that tasted just like a Pina Colada!!  


Raw Pina Colada    


3 frozen bananas
2 cups pineapple chunks
2 cups coconut water
1 tbsp coconut oil


Blend just until smooth & enjoy!!


Have a Happy Healthy Day!!
          Hugs


                                                             
                                                                       

Simple Pleasures Through Glorious Greens ~ my Ebook!! :)

  I am over the moon excited about a project that I have just completed! 


  I have just published an Ebook that follows my journey of renewed health & weight loss for the past year and a half. It talks of the changes that have occurred for me in mind, body & spirit that all began with my glorious green smoothies! In it you will also find my favorite smoothie recipes and recipes for other foods I enjoy today.


It is truly a labor of love and I hope it will be helpful to anyone that is on their own journey or thinking of starting down the path to healthy happiness.....


May I ask a favor? If you do chose to buy my book, would you please leave me a little comment down below so I can thank you personally ~  that is one of life's Simple Pleasures :)


Much Love & Gratitude
Kathy


Here's the Link  :)  

                      http://gettingthewordoutmedia.com/