I first started making smoothies back in 2011, while working in America. At this point, I was desperate for anything that would help my stomach adjust to my American diet. I think I had been living in Virginia for about three months when I got sick and boy did I get sick! (I will spare you the details.) I was embarrassed to tell my family that was hosting me exactly what the problem was. I was confused, scared, in pain and just down right uncomfortable. The weirdest part was that I was eating a lot more healthy home cooked meals than I had been in South Africa. My American family that I lived with were fairly healthy and I even picked up some good habits from them.
I went to see the Doctor and she confirmed that my stomach was battling to adjust to my foreign diet. She explained that I needed to include a lot more fiber in my diet and prescribed some medication that would help me get instant relief. The medication did work, but it was not very long until I started to feel uncomfortable again. Thinking back as I write this blog, there could have been a number of other factors that contributed to my condition. Although one difference I can remember is that we eat a whole lot more cooked vegetables in South Africa than I did in the U.S. We also have access to much more fresh fruits at a reasonable price.
With the help of my family and a book I had purchased by clinical nutritionist Kimberley Snyder, I set out to make a change and find a long term solution. The first thing I changed after reading Beauty Detox Solution was my morning routine. I would start my day with a big mug of hot water and freshly squeezed lemon juice, followed by my glowing green smoothie (GGS). Within a few days, I began to feel much better and my stomach started to digest food a whole lot better. I would prep and freeze the smoothie in containers so that in the mornings I would have no excuses, just grab my GGS out the fridge and start my day.
Since then I have learned much more about wellness and paying attention to my body’s needs. I have discovered other smoothie and juice recipes that are packed with great benefits (I will be sure to share more here on my blog.) My goal is to make small changes each day that will help improve my health, help me feel better and make me beautiful from within. I am far from perfect when it comes to my health but my motto is: “everything in moderation.”
GLOWING GREEN SMOOTHIE
Ingredients:
1 to 2 cups filtered water
1 head cos lettuce, chopped
2 hand full baby spinach
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 green apple, cored and chopped
1 pear, cored and chopped
1 banana, peeled and chopped
Juice of ½ organic lemon, freshly squeezed
Optional:
1/3 bunch parsley, stems okay
Instructions:
- Add the water, chopped lettuce and spinach to the blender and blend starting on a lower speed.
- Now add celery, apple, pear, and parsley – if using and blend gradually increasing the speed.
- Lastly, add banana and lemon juice and blend until smooth. Serve immediately or refrigerate covered, for up to 2 maximum 3 days.
Extra notes:
This, like pretty much any smoothie, is adaptable. If you want it sweeter add some pineapple instead of pear. Feel free to use any fruits that are in season! I sometimes use kale instead of spinach – I get my kale from Woolworths or my local farmers’ market and occasionally from Fruit and Veg City. Check out Kimberly’s website for the original GGS recipe.http://kimberlysnyder.com/blog/ggs/
What inspired you to start making smoothies and Juices? Please comment below.
Thank you for reading, Kisses.
SheerDee 
Thanks my sister for the information, I can’t wait to start with my Glowing green smoothie.
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Let me know how you like it 🙂
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Thank you Dee,can’t wait to try this!x
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You will love it Atli 🙂
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Great post Dee. I’ve recently started trying out a few smoothies, just to make sure we’re getting all the nutrients we need in half the time and I’m loving the results. Please give us a few recipe’s for quick breakfast ones as we’re always in a rush to leave the house.
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Such a great and simple way to make sure our bodies are nourished. I’ll be sure to make note of the quick breakfast smoothies request, in the mean time try : ready-made almond milk, oats, banana, peanut butter and a little ice. (I also sometimes add protein powder)
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Awesome blog….lovely read!! Hubby doesn’t like eating in the mornings during weekdays so I’ve managed to win his diet over with the introduction of smoothies 🙂
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Hey Fifi, I must say I’m also the same. I battle to eat solid food in the mornings, so smoothies have really been such a life saver for me too!What’s your favourite smoothie for the morning?
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Good read, thank you Dineo.
I’ve gained an excessive amounts of weight this year. How? I don’t know and I’m up to 200 lbs 😩😷… My normal weight used to be 170 lbs. I really REALLY want to get back where I was and hopefully fast 😐. I feels so uncomfortably heavy and I can’t take it anymore. I’m starting these smoothies and please keep them recipes coming…
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Hey honey, I know how hard and expensive it can be to be healthy in America. Just make small changes that you will be able to sustain over a long period of time and take each day as it comes. Chat soon,Kisses
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Great post, sure to try it out. I love a creamy smoothie but over the course my tummy is finding it hard to digest it. This is a great detox. Thank you
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Hey, so you like to add yoghurt and milk? Dairy is not very kind to our tummies. Try using Almond milk instead, so you can still get the texture that you like in your smoothies.
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Thanks Dee for sharing , I’m definitely trying out the GGS ! Do share some more smoothie recipes please 🙂
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Oh Yay, please let me know how you like the GGS.
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Lovely post SheerDee. I must confess I’m not the healthiest when it comes to food choices. I think I’ll try the smoothies – great painless way to get the nutrients in! Is the taste child-friendly? Would love my 4 year old to increase her nutrient intake as well.
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Mrs. B, always remember the phrase : “progress and not perfection”. The colour of this smoothie might put children off, try a more colourful fruity mix such as mixed berries. However, smoothies are a great way of sneaking veggies in. 🙂
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So enjoyed reading your blog Dee. Am excited to follow all your advice. Gut health is so important. Can’t wait to try your recipes. You write beautifully. You radiate great health. Love lots.
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Thank you so much Kathy, I’m so happy to hear that you loved to read this post. Keep an eye out for more recipes!
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Very informative post… There are far greater benefits to making green smoothies or juices than just weight loss which people need to learn about. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
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I completely agree!Thank you for reading the post. Kisses
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Wonderful read. I will be trying it out
This last week I’ve been drunk my green smoothie (Handful of Parsley,Lemon and Apple) it’s great for digestion. You drink it for 5 days and take a 10day break.
Can you replace Spinach for Kale?
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CONGRATULATIONS DEE! Your page looks amazing, looking forward to more posts on healthy living!
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Yay, thanks for reading babe.
Kisses
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Awesome post Dee xx I definitely need to try this GGS smoothie. I’ve recently started a no card or sugar diet for September, in the attempt to start afresh. I think that adding organic smoothies like this would really help boost my nutrient intake. Looking forward to more recipes in future 😘
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Hey hun, thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog. I’m so glad to see that you enjoyed the post. Wow, carb and sugar-free diet can’t be easy but I know you will see it through. My next recipe will be coming soon – quick breakfast smoothie! Keep an eye out for it, Kisses.
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Love them greens! 🙂
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Yep, I’m definitely going to try this! x
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