Green Smoothie

"Breakfast is a the most important meal of the day."

How many times have we heard that? Be it from parents, co-workers, friends, or even commercials on tv trying to sell us the latest so called "healthy" breakfast bar or cereal with all its added synthetic vitamins.

How breakfast is indeed important has more to do, I believe, in how it sets the tone for the rest of the day.

A good, satisfying breakfast leaves one ready to go to work or take on whatever needs done. Speaking for myself, if I do not have what my body needs in the morning, I can never quite catch up to feeling "right" that particular day.

Also, regarding setting the tone, a healthy breakfast encourages one to continue healthy eating throughout the day, just like a junk food breakfast will lower standards for the following meals. Afterall, if the day's diet (or intention) is already ruined, what will lunch and dinner matter?

One of my favorite choice is a Green Smoothie.

This might sound strange if you have never encountered the term before, though green smoothies are catching up in popularity, and for good reason, thanks in part to Victoria Boutenko and her book: Green For Life (see "I Recommend" widget or "aStore" link on right).

Here are some basics:
1-3 fruits of choice
1-3 handfuls of green of choice
2+ C of water

Everyone has a favorite recipe or two, and most will add various other ingredients to this list. I certainly do. The best thing is to experiment and find your personal preference.

For example, most of mine contain papaya as a base, then I vary the other fruits and greens according to what I have on hand or desired taste.

Here is one of my own combinations:

1 thick slice of papaya
1 pear
1 banana
2 handfuls kale (or spinach)
1 tsp green powder*
1/2 tsp spirulina
pinch of cayenne
2 C water

Blend and enjoy!

*note: there are wide choices of green powders available nowdays. Pick one that is void of all fillers, like added sugars, whey, corn, starches, etc. (this goes for your vitamin choices too. Read labels.) I also avoid all soy products.

Now it's your turn. Go experiment. Find that Perfect green smoothie recipe of your own.

This is magical. Something you can only truly understand once you start drinking it yourself.