Hey, Family!
If you noticed that you didn’t get an ezine from me last week, my apologies!
I had a car-azy week–two flat tires, plus a super busy schedule that really requred a car. Sooo frustrating! But, hey… Stuff happens. You just got to roll with it (hear that, tires?)
So with that said, let’s dive right into this week’s topic.
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Do You Drink It Straight, No Chaser?
Years ago at a raw foods retreat in Negril, Jamaica, I asked raw food guru David Wolfe how to make green drinks taste better. I was just getting into juicing dark leafy greens to magnify their enormous health benefits, including:
- protection against heart disease
- reduced risk of breast, ovarian, and colon cancers
- decreased risk of stroke
- improved memory
- strengthening bones
- and so many more, researchers have yet to study them all
The problem was that I didn’t like the taste of green drinks. I wanted to know the best way to mask the bitterness–with dates, bananas, anything–so I could drink it without shuddering.
I’ll never forget David’s answer. “When you can enjoy the taste of bitter greens, you’ve arrived.”
In the years since then, I’ve been drinking green smoothies almost every day, but they always have fruit in them.
Well, to celebrate my 25-year veganniversary coming up in January, I’ve decided it’s time to arrive. So during the past few weeks, I’ve been drinking my greens straight, no chaser.
I get my fresh green leafies at the farmers market on Sundays from my favorite organic farmer there, Heins of Next Step Produce.
So far I’ve made kale, collards, dandelions, and wheatgrass drinks. I’m working my way up to mustards and swiss chard. I blend one bunch at a time in my Vitamix with just enough water to make a smooth, less-pulpy drink (while keeping all the essential fiber).
And I’m actually starting to prefer the taste this way. I don’t miss the fruit. That’s a serious shift for me.
What about you? What’s your favorite green drink? Do you like it straight, no chaser?
Let me know in the comments section below.
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Have a great day and I’ll talk to you next week.
Vibrantly Yours,
Tracye
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Ok, first, glad to see you are back! Oh, 2 flat tires sounds like me. I 2 flats in about 4 months. Horrible.
Ok, so onto greens. I haven’t had greens plain yet. I am really scared but you have inspired me. I will try one next week.
Thanks, Rhona. (It’s good to be back!)
I know what you mean about being scared to try the green drinks plain! But it’s actually not that bad. Your taste buds change. I encourage you to definitely give it a try and let me know how you like it. Down the hatch!
-Tracye
Once again you have inspired me to try something new! I am planning on finally buying a Vitamixx next month, (they just started selling them in the Whole Foods nearby)! I will definitely drink green drinks regularly when I get my blender, but I will have to build up to drinking them straight.
I hope you have a great weekend!
The Live Green crew loves green drinks. Especially the ones they make at our favorite vegan restaurant in DC- Cafe Green!
I love Cafe Green, too! Thanks for checking in!
-Tracye
Hey Tracye! It’s Jackie from around the way!
. Talked to Marya last week minute.
I’ll skip over the flat tire story ’cause nobody knows the car troubles I’ve seen! LOL! Anyway, I used to drink wheatgrass straight back in 04 when I worked near the Juice Joint in downtown DC. If you can drink that stuff straight I would think you could drink any greens staight. That stuff was HORRIBLE! But I would drink to good health and then pop some gum in my mouth. Anyway, you’ve inspired me to get back to trying to achieve this thing of being vegan (just added your site to My Favorites now) When I make my kale smoothie I add a small clove of garlic and a little olive oil which makes it taste so much better.
Hey, Jackie!! It’s so great to hear from you! I remember the Juice Joint from the 90s. You’re right, those wheatgrass shots used to make me shudda!
I’m so glad you’re re-inspired about veganism again! I’m with you 100% so call on me anytime. All the best, T.
I love cerasee!!! When I first tried it, it had to be sweetened with honey and a few squeezes of lemon. Today I am able to drink it straight and I’m so proud to be able to say that’s the way I prefer it.