- by Kate Nicholson
And still the compliments keep rolling in…My youngest daughter said to me the other day, “It’s so great to talk to you Mum; you’re so full of life and happiness.” This, about a woman who was quietly, deeply depressed and listless for many, many years while eating the S.A.D. (Standard American Diet) way. Raw has changed my life around. I love raw!
My latest bouncing-with-vitality concoction involves the use of Tahini. And chocolate. The sesame seeds in Tahini contain magnesium, which, according to http://www.whfoods.com, helps to restore normal sleep patterns, particularly in women going through the peri/menopause. The calcium they contain is good for PMS symptoms.
And chocolate! Well, we all know chocolate’s many benefits (in moderation, naturally…). For me, it’s definitely a mood lifter. I sparkle after a teaspoon of raw cacao.
So, it makes sense to me that if I need a natural mood booster, I should put these together in my favourite food format - the green smoothie! I’d choose a type of green leafy veg that has a mild taste for this smoothie. Pak choi (or Bok Choy, depending on where you live) works well, as does Romaine lettuce. Http://www.sixwise.com has a list of nine uncommon greens, and states that Bok Choy is good for preventing cancer, cataracts and fighting free-radicals, and Romaine supports normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels. So take your pick depending on your taste or family medical history! I tend to stick with Romaine, only because it’s easy to get organic locally.
Now… here’s what you’ve all been waiting for!
The Va-Va-Voom Vitality Booster
- 1 large or 2 small bananas
- 2 Tbsp raw Tahini
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 heaped tsp raw cacao powder
- 1-2 large handfuls of the greens of your choice
- Agave to taste.
Whizz up in the blender and then prepare to dance your way through the day!
Retrieved January 25, 2010 from: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=84
Retrieved January 25, 2010 from: http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/07/04/04/nine-uncommon-green-leafy-vegetables-worth-trying.htm
Tags: bok choy, cacao, chocolate, mood, PMS, prozac, romaine, sesame, sleep patterns, tahini