Archive for April, 2009

Beautiful Skin Food (Green Smoothie with Kale, Pineapple, Banana and Coconut water)

Thursday, April 30th, 2009 by stacey

beautiful skin care - coconutNowhere is your skin more noticeable, than on your face. I recently had a conversation with someone who has tried so many products on the market to help control the redness, sensitivity and breakouts on her face and chest. After looking over her diet and the amount of stress she had in her life, I knew she needed a big change.

I believe that food is more than what taste good, don’t get me wrong I love exploring the different flavors of food, but I believe that fruits and vegetables provide nutrients to our skin cells at a cellular level. I’m happy to say, that after drinking pure clean water, adding fruits and vegetables to her diet and getting more sleep, I have seen a noticeable difference in my clients skin and emotional state. beautiful skin care - kale

I remember having a conversation once with a dermatologist who didn’t see the connection between poor diet and inflammation of the skin. My first thought was that this person is a dermatologist and has gone to medical school and who am I to sit and explain how what we eat has a huge impact on our skin. Well after working with several skin care clients and noticing the visible difference in their skin after changing their diet and lifestyle, I can now say without a doubt, that foods, especially fruits and vegetables have a major impact on the health of our skin.

beautiful skin care - pineapplesBeautiful Skin Food Recipe

· One handful kale
· One cup pineapple
· One banana (frozen is great, please peel before freezing)
· One cup coconut water

Blend and enjoy!

Tracy

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Fresh Blended Orange Smoothies: Perfect After Workout Drink (Green Smoothies with Oranges, Celery, Cucumber, Spinach)

Friday, April 24th, 2009 by tera

oranges in seasonI rediscovered citrus during our Christmas vacation to Texas this year. The Citrus was in season, and for the first time I tasted oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, lemons and more freshly picked. I was hooked. Of course after all of the citrus I brought back with me was gone, I was no longer able to get tree fresh citrus, but I  have continued to consume large quantities of citrus this winter.

Of course citrus is great when you just peel it and sink your teeth into it, but it’s also great in a green smoothie. Some of my favorite citrus green smoothies are the simple two ingredient kind, such as Oranges and spinach, and grapefruit and cilantro. Because citrus is so juicy, there is no need to add water.

child picking orange for green smoothieI also discovered that citrus, and especially oranges, make a great smoothie for after a fitness workout. when you need to replenish your electrolytes, then green smoothies are great, and the following recipe will give you a great pick me up! If you’re afraid to try some of the ingredients in this smoothie, simply leave out the ones you do not have or do not want to use. It’s a really flexible recipe.  It’s also a great way to feed your body and replenish fluids and minerals.

After Workout Orange Smoothie

  • 2 oranges or tangerines
  • 1-2 stalks of celery
  • 1 small or 1/2 large cucumber peeled

  • oranges - green smoothie recipe

    Handful spinach, chard or other greens

  • Couple of broccoli florets
  • 2 cups water, or to desired consistency
  • Ice (optional)

I usually add more water to this smoothie than I add to most green smoothies because I want to have extra fluid, and I know I’m going to want to drink it really fast so it should be less filling for the volume. You could add more oranges or less water to change the consistency and make it more filling if you want to.

Another great indulgent and very nourishing Orange smoothie is to blend a couple of oranges with the water from a young coconut. If you want a more filling smoothie use the meat as well as the water. And to complete the “orangecicle” taste, add some vanilla before you blend. You can make it a green smoothie by adding romaine, spinach or another mild leafy green.

Enjoy your citrus, and let us know your favorite ways to create freshly blended citrus smoothies!

~Tami

P.S. A couple of the photos are from my Texas citrus stash this winter, and the one is of my daughter Nessa picking an orange off of a friend’s tree. AND tomorrow my in-laws arrive with fresh citrus directly from Texas (likely no oranges, but I’m pretty addicted to grapefruit and lemons as well).

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Simple Green Smoothies (Two Ingredient Green Smoothie Recipes!)

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 by tera

fridgeWe all love new recipes and ideas, but sometimes the need for simplicity is more important. When we want good food and we want it fast, then simple green smoothies are so easy to make. Often I simply look around at what I have in my house, and find a fruit and a green and blend it together.

Since we often enjoy the same fruits week after week, it becomes easy to predict what will satisfy my needs, cravings, and be ultra quick and easy to make without requiring me to go purchase specific ingredients. These are usually two ingredient smoothies, or three if you count water or ice.

I’m going to share a few of my favorite simple smoothie combinations below; however, remember that all you need is some fruit and some greens. For each green smoothie simply add as much water or ice as you want in with the fruit and greens as you blend them.

Simple Green Smoothies

  • simple green smoothiesTwo grapefruit to 1/2 to entire bunch of cilantro
  • Bananas and spinach (or any greens of course!)
  • Apples and parsley
  • Grapes and celery
  • Cherries and celery
  • Oranges and chard
  • Cucumber and cilantro
  • Tomatoes and green onions
  • Tomatoes and basil
  • Tart apple and dandelion greens

Simply try blending some of your favorite fruit and then add some leafy greens of any type. When looking for greens, don’t forget the non leafy broccoli and celery as well as the more zesty cilantro and parsley. If you’re unsure how a combination will taste, try just a small amount first, and then make more. You can also add the greens a small amount at a time.

Just as we all have our favorite foods, we all develop our favorite smoothie combinations over time. Have fun getting your greens!

Enjoy your freedom from recipes!

~Tami

P.S. What are YOUR favorite simple smoothie combinations?

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Blueberry Smash (Green Smoothie with Spinach, Bananas, Blueberries, Honey and Vanilla)

Tuesday, April 21st, 2009 by Aran

blueberries

Blueberries are just so delicious and tantalizing, that I couldn’t resist making myself an extra indulgent smoothie with them. Then there is the added bonus of the many nutrients they contain.

Blueberry Smash Recipe

  • 100g baby English spinach
  • 3 small bananas
  • 300g blueberries
  • raw honey
  • splash vanilla extract

blueberry green smoothieI put the spinach in first with a cup of water and blend, then add the other ingredients as I don’t have my Blendtec just yet.

This is a VERY thick smoothie, so you can add some more water to thin it out if you desire to do so.

Blueberry blessings,
Veronica

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Rawvolutionarily Different: Controlling Blood Sugars with Green Smoothies

Thursday, April 9th, 2009 by tera

Hello, again! This is Pamela Reilly again. I want to again thank Tami so much for inviting me to be a guest poster on the Green Smoothie blog. Thanks, Tami!

Today I want to follow-up on my post about the factors that separate a raw diabetic from other raw foodists with a post about foods and herbs that are traditionally known for helping control and lower blood sugars. I’ve included herbs because one of my favorite things about smoothies is that you can easily add herbs to them and never even know they’re there!

Although this post is aimed primarily at diabetics, anyone can benefit from including these foods in your diet, as eating them can give your pancreas a rest and help keep it healthy. There is also some evidence that these foods can possibly help prevent the occurrence of Type 2 Diabetes. Each of these herbs and foods contain high levels of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids that anyone’s body will thank them for eating.

Note: This information is being shared purely for educational purposes. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and this information is not intended to treat, cure, diagnose or prevent any disease. Use these foods with caution if you have Diabetes and do not make any major dietary changes without first consulting your healthcare practitioner.

Enough of the legal mumbo jumbo … let’s get to it!

Many of the foods and herbs that I’ll be discussing are useful for controlling blood sugars because they contain high amounts of the following natural elements:

  • Acetic Acid: Found in vinegars, lemon and lime juices. Acetic acid slows down the digestion of food by neutralizing some digestive enzymes. This serves to delay the blood sugar raising effects of carbohydrates. I recommend using only small amounts of foods containing acetic acid, as you don’t want to “kill off” too many of your digestive enzymes during a meal.
  • Chromium: Helps the body metabolize carbohydrates and fats; also helps the body utilize insulin. An added benefit of Chromium is that it has been shown to help with weight loss, and many people develop diabetes as a result of being overweight. I currently use Chromium to help lower elevated blood sugars and can personally attest to its effectiveness. I would much rather pop a couple of Chromium capsules (200 mg) than take a shot!
  • Insulin Imitators (aka “Mimetics”): Several of the foods shown below are known as “insulin imitators” because the body uses them just like it does insulin. In other words, their action mimics what insulin does in the body.
  • Magnesium: The body uses Magnesium to regulate blood sugar levels. It also helps the cells of the body utilize insulin, which can lower insulin resistance. Some studies have shown that Type 2 diabetics typically have low Magnesium levels. (Other studies have shown that 70% of the US population is deficient in Magnesium, so those Type 2’s have plenty of company!)
  • Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Help the body metabolize glucose and also increase insulin sensitivity.
  • Zinc: Essential for the body to produce and store insulin. Some studies have shown that Type 2 diabetics typically have low Zinc levels.

The following foods and herbs have a reputation for lowering or helping control glucose levels and/or for supporting the pancreas:aloe vera plant

  • Aloe Vera Juice: Contains high levels of compounds called Glyconutrients, which the body uses for healing. Glyconutrients have been shown to be helpful for a wide variety of health issues, but are known for being especially helpful for Diabetes. You can either use the interior gel from a fresh Aloe Vera leaf or can purchase Aloe Vera Juice in bottles. When purchasing Aloe Vera Juice, be careful to purchase one that does not contain chemicals and artificial ingredients. Be vigilant to avoid any containing artificial preservatives.
  • Avocado: Increases insulin sensitivity and contains insulin imitators. The healthy fats in an Avocado also help delay the body’s absorption of glucose. I add an Avocado to every smoothie I make because it makes smoothies really creamy.
  • Cinnamon and Coriander: Are insulin imitators, increase insulin sensitivity, and work in combination with insulin to improve its effectiveness. Cinnamon has also been shown to help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. So pour it on!
  • Fenugreek: Helps delay the absorption of glucose by the body and also increases insulin sensitivity. The best way to get a healthy dose of Fenugreek is to sprout the seeds and use the sprouts in smoothies.
  • Flax and Hemp Seeds: Very high in Omega 3 Fatty Acids and in fiber, which slows the body’s absorption of glucose.
  • Gymnema Sylvestre: An Ayurvedic (Indian) herb that is wonderful for Diabetes. It is an insulin imitator. More importantly, Gymnema has been shown to actually help the body regenerate the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Gymnema typically needs to be taken at least three months before beta cell regeneration is seen, but the regeneration rates are much higher and faster for anyone eating a raw food diet. Although Gymnema Sylvestre leaves can be purchased in a dried form from many herb vendors, I recommend taking it in capsule form or emptying the capsule(s) into your morning smoothie. Typical dosage is 400-1200 mg/day.
  • Jerusalem Artichoke (aka “Sunchoke”): A type of sunflower that is very common in the Southwestern US. Is an insulin imitator and its high fiber content slows the body’s absorption of glucose. Jerusalem Artichokes are the roots of the plant and look kind of like Ginger roots. They have a light, almost sweet taste that reminds me of water chestnuts, and have a really nice light and crunchy texture. They work great in smoothies but can be hard to get broken down in a traditional blender. A Vita-Mix handles them without problem.
  • Nopal Cactus (aka “Prickly Pear Cactus”): Nopal has a long history and tradition for use in addressing Diabetes issues. Nopal’s high fiber content delays the body’s absorption of glucose. Nopal also increases insulin sensitivity, is an insulin imitator, and may help regenerate pancreatic beta cells over time. The pads of the Nopal are typically used, although the fruits may also be helpful. You can typically find Nopal pads in Hispanic or international groceries. To use, scrape the thorns off with a knife, then dice to add to a smoothie. This is another food I use on a daily basis, so I know it works!! almonds
  • Nuts (especially Almonds, Pecans, Walnuts): High in Omega 3’s and other essential fatty acids. The healthy fats in nuts help delay the body’s absorption of glucose.
  • Spirulina: High in Magnesium, protein (which helps keep blood sugars stable), and essential fatty acids. One more reason it’s a superfood!
  • Stevia: Is not only the perfect sweetener for diabetics, but is also very high in Chromium and therefore supports the pancreas, too. It’s perfect!

Missing from this list is the “infamous” Bitter Melon, which looks like a leprous Cucumber and is a powerful insulin imitator. I spent a few days experimenting with Bitter Melon a while back and learned very quickly why they call it “bitter.” I couldn’t find any combination of vegetables or spices that covered the bitterness of Bitter Melon. Apparently the only way to get rid of the bitterness is to cook it, which simply wasn’t an option. I had half of a Bitter Melon left when I was done experimenting, and I can’t stand to throw “good” food away, so I gave it to our dogs. (Please don’t report me to the ASPCA.) Not even my dogs would eat it, and they appeared rather suspicious of me for the rest of the day. This one’s best taken in capsules.

Following are a few easy-to-make, delicious smoothies that incorporate some of the above foods and supplements. I didn’t include instructions because I know you’re already proficient in the fine art of throwing ingredients into a blender and turning it on. *grin* Please note that Stevia (to taste) is an optional ingredient in all of these smoothies if you like a sweeter taste.

Sugar Buster Smoothie

  • 1 ounce Aloe Vera Juice (or 2 tablespoons fresh gel from leaf)
  • 1 cup Purified Water or Unsweetened Nut Milk
  • 1 Avocado
  • 3 diced Jerusalem Artichokes
  • 1 Cucumber
  • 1 Nopal pad, diced
  • 2 tablespoons cup Ground Flax or Hemp Seeds
  • 2 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon Coriander

Lemon Aid Ginger Smoothie

  • 3 tablespoons – ½ cup Lemon or Lime Juice (add more if you like extra pucker power)
  • 1 cup Unsweetened Hemp Milk
  • 1 Avocado
  • ½ teaspoon Fresh Ginger Root (¼ teaspoon dried)
  • 1 Sweet Orange Pepper, diced
  • 1 Sweet Red Pepper, diced
  • 1 handful Fenugreek Sprouts
  • 1 Nopal Pad, diced
  • Stevia to taste

Mega-Green Smoothie

  • ¼ cup Spirulina Powder
  • 1 handful Fenugreek Sprouts
  • 1 Avocado
  • 1 oz Aloe Vera Juice (or 2 tablespoons fresh gel from leaf)
  • 1 cup Purified Water
  • 4 Jerusalem Artichoke Bulbs, diced
  • 2 Nopal pads, diced
  • 1 Cucumber

Thanks again for Tami for allowing me to guest blog! Have a glorious day and go live abundantly!


Please feel free to contact me via any of the following:

My website:  Good Works Wellness Research, LLC ( http://www.goodworkswellness.com)

My Blog: Rawvolutionary Healing (http://rawvolutionaryhealing.blogspot.com)

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/rawhealer

I’m very exciting to announce that in April I will be launching a 30-day “Rawvolutionary Healing” Living Foods Coaching program specifically designed for diabetics and others on Phase 1 of the Rainbow Green Live Food Cuisine program. Please contact me if you’d like to receive updates on this program.

Editor’s Note: A HUGE thank you to Pamela for sharing her expertise and experience with us. Pamela will be a bilingual presenter on eliminating Diabetes with raw foods at the Raw Spirit Festival in Maryland and Arizona. Be sure to stop by and say hello if you go!”

Do you have something you would like to share with us? Let us know by dropping us a comment as we would love to hear from you!

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Gree Juice: A Fun Day in the Kitchen with Connor (Kale, Carrots, Yellow Beets, Apple, Celery, Lemon)

Tuesday, April 7th, 2009 by stacey

Today as I started to make a green smoothie, my son Connor yelled out, “Mommy, Juice?” This is his way of saying that he wanted to make juice in the juicer. I absolutely love creating delicious tasting juice from a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, but every time I pull out the juicer, Connor wants to help. This is great, but when the bowl of fruit and veggies is empty, he doesn’t understand this and for the next 30 minutes or so, he just throws a tantrum.

Connor just loves his role of placing the cut up fruit and veggies into the juicer and using the pusher to make the delicious tasting green juice. My husband and I get a kick out of how excited he is and how he takes his job really serious.

Before Connor was born I read all of the books on good nutrition for children, but I have to admit that the best lesson I have learned is to get children involved in the kitchen.

kale - green juiceGreen Juice Recipe

  • One large bunch kale
  • Four carrots
  • One half yellow beet
  • Three Fuji apples
  • Two celery ribs
  • One half lemon

Juice and enjoy!


*If you don’t have a juicer on hand you can use your blender to blend all of your produce and then you can strain it through a nut milk bag or any very fine strainer (if you’re in a hurry check your hardware or paint store for a paint straining bag).

Tracy

P.S. Have you seen the latest issue of Health in High Heels? The April 2, 2009 issue is the Special Edition: Green ‘Zine – it’s packed FULL of green smoothie recipes! And if you have been reading The Raw Diva Blog, then you know we’ve been talking a lot about green juice in addition to the 90 Day Detox. Do you like to juice your greens as well as blend them? Tell us!

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How Green Smoothies Have Changed my Life (From Fibromyalgia to Energy and Health — Green Smoothie Testimonial)

Monday, April 6th, 2009 by Aran

green smoothie fibromyalgiaGreen smoothies have changed my life: literally!

Fibromyalgia had crept into my life and snuck up on me, leaching away my energy and quality of life. I wasn’t able to do those fun things that I enjoyed doing with my children (such as dancing in the rain) and I had become fairly housebound. I gave up fighting it and just accepted that this was how I would have to live.

Then I discovered the Raw Divas and the power of green smoothies!

I no longer accept that I can’t do things: fibromyalgia no longer rules my life. The first change I noticed was that my skin was softer and smoother, with smaller pores. Then I noticed that my elimination was much better. Considering that previously I thought a bowel movement once every two to three days was normal, this was a wonderful thing! Then I noticed that my energy levels were improving: that sluggish feeling was greatly decreased. My arms and legs no longer felt like jelly with the weight of lead.

My sleeping pattern has also improved. Insomnia has been a fact of life for me as long as I can remember. Even as a young child I couldn’t just fall asleep at night. The insomnia became worse as I grew older, and eventually I had to resort to sleeping tablets. I’m now sleeping more normal hours, and can look at cutting back and then giving up the sleeping tablets.

Depression has figured in my life for a long time due to both external happenings and the fibromyalgia (my brain doesn’t produce enough seratonin). I’ve started cutting back on the anti-depressants, and the mood swings haven’t appeared at all!!! It is wonderful knowing that I can finally reduce the dosage and can even look forward to going off the tablets altogether.

Being able to DO things again has been pure joy. My mental clarity has improved, and so I’m able to enjoy reading again. Due to concussion sustained in a car accident in February, 2008, I’ve not been able to think on my feet very much. Since committing to 1.5 litres (quarts) of green smoothie each day, I’ve noticed a huge improvement with mental clarity. I can start studying again. :-)

This is my testimony to green smoothies and the amazing changes in my life since introducing them into my diet. If you haven’t yet tried a green smoothie, then I urge you to do so. You will never look back.

Blessings,
Veronica

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Green Smoothie Contest: And the winners are…

Wednesday, April 1st, 2009 by admin

We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming for an update on the results of our Green Smoothie Challenge Contest Winners.

If you weren’t around at St. Patrick’s Day, we put together a lucky version of the Green Smoothie Challenge by offering a 7-day version instead of just 3. We had quite a few people from around the world joining us for that adventure, and in the spirit of the luck of the Irish, we gave away some prizes to contest winners.

Before I give up the names of the people who are the BIG winners for our Green Smoothie Contest, I just wanted to remind you of the prizes at stake:

Successful Green Smoothie Participant Awards

Anyone who sent in their story, testimonial or letter just saying how it went will be given our latest raw food menu planner for an entire month. It is loaded with green goodness! If you wrote to us, but didn’t receive your menu, there’s a chance you slipped through the cracks. Either way, just send another message to:

thequeen@greensmoothiequeen.com

Qualifications: You must be a registered participant of our Green Smoothie Challenge and have sent in a letter to us letting us know how it went for you!

Top Powder Room Posters (2 Winners) Prize Value $30

Those of you who are out there contributing the most, sharing your stories, encouraging others and playing along in The Powder Room (our cozy community forum) will be awarded a special Gift from us.

And the lucky winners are:

All prize winners in this category will be awarded $75 that they can put towards the purchase of any Raw Diva, Raw Mom or Green Smoothie products or services. The only request is that shipping charges must still be paid by you, my dear, if you choose something that requires shipping. When you see the program you want, just get in touch with us and let us know. We’ll sign you up with smiles and bells and whistles.

Most Elegant Green Smoothie Presentation Award (1) Value $75

We asked you to put something together with class and sophistication. We were really delighted with the submissions, and this glowing, gorgeous picture was submitted by the charming Vanetta Stephens herself.

Here’s what she had to say about her photo submission:

(This photo is a replica of what I saw in my mind as I was driving to the grocery store):

Since I started drinking green smoothies as part of my healthy lifestyle, I have maintained my weight so I can fit into the “black dress” that is the backdrop for the other items in the photo. Because I feel so great, and am able to think more clearly and have more stamina and endurance, I am enabled to pursue my dreams. I do play the flute, which I dearly love. I always desired to play the piccolo. Now, I have purchased this instrument and am enjoying the inspiration, health and vitality which contributes to my being able to practice for as much time as I choose. I am not only dreaming more, but eagerly pursuing them so they become reality for me. I am no longer afraid to try new things.

The green smoothie is my Green Colada recipe.

Soooo, congratulations, Vanetta, and thank you soooo much for taking the time to make this special. It’s GORGEOUS and I was so impressed with the “glow”. It truly is elegant and where did you get those shoes, Girlfriend?? ;-) Looove the sparkle factor in this picture.

Most Creative Green Smoothie Presentation Award (1 winner) Value $75

I said, “We’ve seen all kinds of displays of green love! Whatever you do, make it creative and we’ll be fairly easily impressed.” Well, when Sandy DeSmedt sent us in the picture you see below, I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. I love the creativity and playfulness in this one:

Most Prolific Green Smoothie Recipe Producer (1 winner) Value $75

This is the person who sends us the most new green smoothie recipes! We had a tie between Echo in the Powder Room, and Alejandro, but Alejandro qualified for another prize and we’ll tell you about that in a moment. ;-) So Echo, you are the winner for the most number of Green Smoothie recipes submitted!! Congratulations.

While I would love to give amazing prizes to everyone, if I did that, there would be no incentive to make the effort and get creative about these contests.

Remember, the next time we do another contest like this will be International Green Smoothie Day on August the 15th, 2009.

We’ll have a LOT of sponsors and prizes for this event and we do encourage you to get involved early. Last year was our first annual celebration, and this year will be another roaring success! TOTALLY excited about that happening this summer.

Moving on, then…

Green Smoothie Mustache Awards (2 winners)

To be announced very soon!

Hang in there!

Green Smoothie Video Awards (1) Prize Value $100

Amanda Taylor appears to be the Green Smoothie Video winner, with Mika Botkin a close second! ;-) Gwynnel in the Powder Room also submitted a green smoothie video. Thank you sooo much, Ladies for your contributions!! So, Amanda, we’re awarding you a $100 gift certificate to our programs ;-), Gwynnel, you’ll get a runner up prize of $50 and Mika… well, Mika gets to inheret the throne one day, so we’ll give her a big kiss on the cheek.

The Ripple-Maker Award And The Big Red Blendtec Looooove Machine!

We asked you to host an event that would make a difference in your community. We asked that there be an educational component, and that you have people trying Green Smoothies. And we wanted this blender to go to the person who made the biggest ripple, or impact on her community.

First of all, I hate this part and I love it all at the same time. I wish, wish, wish that I could get sponsored for 100 blenders and send them all out with love to everyone who needs them. First of all, I’d like you to read this letter. C’mon, seriously. Make the time. It’s worth it:

Hi Tera! I just wanted to tell you a little bit of what has been going on since I started the green smoothie challenge.

It started great because it`s been a year on almost 100% raw (we just eat something cooked like corn tortillas, beans or rice every 3 or 4 weeks) so we are very high raw and I cannot see myself eating any other way. So the green smoothie challenge was sort of my birthday present for raw food, but everything got going in such a way I cannot explain. I just found myself making lots of different smoothies, taking pictures of each one, taking pictures of my daughter drinking them, started uploading recipes, and I just found myself totally excited about everything and then you say that you were going to give away a blender. I had to have my blender so my excitedness was so great that I just had to have my blender.

You wanted us to make a ripple effect on others… hey Tera what you are doing is making the waves roll in over here, not just a ripple. You are good at doing what you do! You really got me moving. At first, I really wanted my blender and my mind was thinking about what to do to get people into green smoothies and where I was going to go and give demonstrations, and somewhere in between, everything started to move. The universe started to make things go so fast I haven’t had time to stop. I am like a little machine working non stop. And it is because I can’t stop now.

I just started a website which is just comming up tommorrow, I hope. The site is www.comefrutasyverduras.com.mx The first site in Mexico about green smoothies and I launched a campaign to increase the intake of raw organic fruits and vegetables in the diet of children, youth, adults and the elder through the use of green smoothies. I have my first talk and demo in a school tomorrow morning. Ohhhhhh, I can’t believe this is happening. People just keep on saying what a great campaign, and how great it is that I am trying to improve my community’s health.

My daughter is so happy that we are going to go to teach other kids how she eats and that makes me really happy. And guess what, the blender isn’t important anymore. I know and feel that god has something very good and of higher value here and I am going to continue doing what I have to do. Thanks a lot for making a ripple effect and I hope to achieve the same in the years to come. I don`t know who you are, but I can feel the goodness in your heart and I guess god puts us in the right place when the time is right. You have been an example of keeping true to yourself and I would love to be able to meet you someday. I don’t know what`s going to happen with the web page but I even made a recipe book with the recipes I made from the green smoothie challenge and wrote some of the benefits of greens. This is going to be a downloadable free ebook in spanish, the first one of its kind. I’m even considering starting a raw food class on Saturdays, because on weekdays I will be doing the campaign in schools, hospitals and any place that wants me to give a little greensmoothie demo.

I will have the first pictures tommorrow after the demo that starts at 11:00 am, so please let me know where I can send them to because I would find it lovely that you got to see them and I don’t know if the web page will be ready by tomorrow. I have been learning html this week to be able to make the page and using a template. I would hire someone, but I don`t have the money. I am a stay at home mom, because of the allergies of my daughter, homeschooling her, living with only one budget in Mexico (that`s why I thought about the blender in the first place, this babies cost $10,000 mexican pesos which was about $1,000 usd when the dollar was at 11 pesos, but now at 15 pesos it`s impossible). I would love for you to look at the webpage when it is ready. I`m putting lots of hard work and I am pleased with what I am accomplishing. I guess that`s what counts even though it has been a crazy week and a half.

Thanks for your e-mails, your work, and even if somethimes you think you are not making the world a better place, just think again. My life has change for the better and I hope to be doing the same for others.

In hope of someday meeting you,
Alejandra Hernando

P.S. I have a little tune I sing with my daughter after drinking a smoothie or green juice because this makes us sing and dance, every time.
“El verde me hace fuerte, el verde me hace bien. Tu comes verde y yo tambien.” and she told me today, if tomorrow that we are going to the school, she can show the song to the other kids. So we even have a little song for our campaign. I`ll try to get it on video if I can.

YOU CAN SEE A VIDEO OF THIS EVENT ON ALEJANDRA’S SITE BY CLICKING HERE

Dear Alejandra,

Thank YOU so much for this outstanding display of enthusiasm. To know that the steps we make here have ripple effects in your part of the world move me to tears. I’m thrilled. Not only are we willing to send you your new Blendtec Blender, but I will also offer you at least 5 hours of consulting (that’s worth 3 blenders!! ;-)) and whatever else it takes to support you in getting your website to be a powerful source of inspiration to others! Please connect with Lau-raw who will be starting www.crudivas.com, the Spanish version of our Raw Divas website. She has translated all the materials for our 7-day detox and will be in charge of this site very soon. I’m sure that together you could be a very powerful and inspiring source of good news for the world. We’d like to help you develop your website and work with Laura to bring this message of Raw Food to the Spanish speaking community in a beautiful and powerful way!

Here’s some more inspiration for what you’re doing out there:

When living in Costa Rica, in only a week or two I completely changed the school’s snack program. When we arrived the children were eating deep fried foods as their snack, or ice-cream with lots of sugar. I sponsored the school by buying the first BIG batch of fruit and little plastic bags (long like a tube) and I taught them how to make fruit popsicles using watermelon, banana, and other fruits. They then sold the popsicles and had more than enough money to buy more ingredients and with it they improved the quality of the school lunch program making more salads and vegetable dishes. So, not only had we improved the health of the school, but we created a fantastic source of revenue for the school as well. All it took was a bit of a push to get things started.

There are so many things we can do to inspire and empower others around us, and for your efforts I applaud and thank you! It really is so touching to hear these stories. Thank you and PLEASE KEEP GOING!!!!

With love and gratitude,

Tera

Here was her response, when I told her she’d be getting a new blender:

WOW!!!!!!!! I just can`t stop smiling, laughing, jumping and I just can’t believe it. Thank you soooooo much. These 2 weeks have just been so full of energy, good things, LOTS of hard work and everything is in place. I even have some friends going to Texas next week so let me ask them if they could bring it to Mexico. (Because I don’t know how much it would cost for shipping and taxes sending it to Mexico.) Magic is in the air and this is the best price I have ever won, and the best part is that I won it just for doing what I am supposed to be doing. I am happy, and I just can`t stop my body from wanting to dance, and with the little prize at home, I`m ready to make lots of green smoothies to share.

Thanks for the ripple effect, it just feels fantastic.

Alejandra

This is what excites me the most, that in the process of inspiring her community, she is now ON FIRE! I love that. THAT is the web of life. THAT is community and the human spirit in action. I don’t know how to reach all the people in your local community, but YOU DO! and we can certainly help you make it happen. You just have to have the courage to knock on doors, to open them and share your message with the world.

There’s a runner up in this category and her name is Julie. Julie, I just want you to know that I’m going to get in touch with Blendtec and SERIOUSLY do my best to score another blender. I loved your story and so appreciate your enthusiasm and guts to do what you did. I’ll share her story soon, because I know this blog post has gone on quite a while, but I strongly encourage you to get out and validate the people whose stories I’ve shared here. And share your own. I’ll get back to putting the success stories at the end of the blog post. For now, soak it up and celebrate, you Green Smoothie Wonder Workers.

Loooove and hugs,

Green Smoothie Queen

a.k.a. Tera

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