The Green Smoothie Queen Blog: Getting Families Hooked on Healthy!

Posts Tagged ‘mood’

PCOS Healing through Whole Foods in the 21 Day Green Smoothie Detox

Monday, July 5th, 2010 by stacey

- By Shelia Edwards

I have suffered from PCOS (poly-cystic ovarian syndrome) for several years and initially treated my symptoms with medication. I quickly found out that medication was not the answer to alleviate my symptoms. The side effects were horrific.

PCOS is an endocrine disorder characterized by hirsutism (excessive hair growth on face, chest, toes, back, etc), male-pattern baldness, horomone imbalance, excessive weight gain, high level of male androgens, carb cravings, acne, infertility, mood swings, and irregular cycles to name a few. I also have a gluten allergy, irritable bowel, low stomach acid and cannot digest foods properly to get the proper nourishment from my foods. Due to this, I have several food allergies.

I try to detox several times a year because this condition (more…)

Tags: 21-Day Green Smoothie Detox, acne, allergies, dairy, detox, fruits, green smoothie, Green Smoothie Recipes, insulin, leafy greens, mood, PCOS, poly-cystic ovarian syndrom, preservatives
Posted in Green Smoothies, Health, You | No Comments »

Can ADHD be Cured with a Green Smoothie?

Monday, June 7th, 2010 by stacey

- by Jessica Mauk from The Year Of Green Smoothies

Many years ago I used to coach a Jr. select volleyball team. I remember one girl being a very talented player, when she wanted to be. She would show up to practice some days with her “game face” on and yet other days it would be all I could do simply to get her to pay attention long enough for me to explain the next drill.

One day while sitting and eating between games during an all day tournament her mother mentioned to me that this little girl couldn’t tolerate red food dye. Having suffered from food allergies myself I assumed she meant she had a physical reaction to an allergen. No. To quote her mother: “Kristen goes all ADD on me if she even has the tiniest bit of red food dye.” I’m quite certain my confusion was plastered on my face. (more…)

Tags: ADHD, emotional eating, emotions, Green Smoothies, Jessica Mauk, kids, mood, preservatives, processed foods
Posted in Health, Raw / Vegan Food, You | 1 Comment »

Ha! Who Needs Prozac?!

Monday, February 1st, 2010 by stacey

- 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
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

From SAD to Smiles!

Thursday, January 14th, 2010 by stacey

I know by the time February rolls around, it seems like my mood and emotions permanently set up camp in the basement, and they choose the dreariest and most miserable corner of that basement they can find. Then they turn out the lights until about June. This year, my goal is to fight back! And thanks to Kate, I now have some great ingredients in my arsenal!

‘Blue’ Smoothies!

- by Kate Nicholson

Boost your mood with a smoothie!

Any fellow sufferers feeling a little blue from S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder) as winter inches its way along will be cheered by these happy-making ingredients for ‘Beat-the-Blues’ smoothies…

To the usual mix of 40% green leafy veggies and 60% of fruit, try adding any of the following…

Sesame seeds: these are one of the richest sources of the amino acid threonine (low levels of which are one of the culprits for depression). A spoonful of raw tahini mixes best.
A teaspoon of raw chocolate powder (high quantities of phenols, antioxidants which boost the mood) and N-acylethanoloamine, a chemical which stimulates the brain to produce endorphins.
Nuts are a good source of omega-3’s, B-vitamins, magnesium and protein, all providing mood-enhancing qualities. Hazelnuts and almonds are particularly good for supporting the nervous system.
Bananas: starchy carbohydrate which helps to produce serotonin.
Broccoli sprouts, which contain folate, a natural protection against depression, plus you get as much antioxidant in 25grams of broccoli sprouts as you would if you ate 1.36 kilograms of fully grown broccoli.
Parsley: an abundant supplier of B-vitamins. Also a good source of glutamine, a potent brain food, and essential nutrient for healing.
Avocado: rich in omega-3’s, lecithin (protects cells from oxidation and largely makes up the protective sheaths surrounding the brain) and also acts as a ‘nutrient-booster’ enabling the body to absorb antioxidants more efficiently.
Raw honey: contains small amounts of antioxidants and is wonderful for busting S.A.D. sugar cravings!