Lenten Smoothie Update

Well here it is, the Saturday before Easter.   In earnest I've been preparing a smoothie almost every day since about a week into Lent.  They usually contain something green which is my preference, however, I've deliberately foregone my favorite ingredient (spinach) every few days not only to allow my palate to experience alternative textures and tastes but so that I could handle different foods.  Given that experiment, I've discovered that greens must remain part of the recipe in some form - blame it on the V8 juices my father kept around and asked me to drink in college when he was sure I wasn't eating right.


So in keeping with all of that,  today I made the cranberry salad smoothie, which does contain celery.  During one of my now enthusiastic visits to the grocery store, I bought a bag of oranges that I couldn't possibly consume entirely as snacks before spoiling and lo, they will not go to waste.  Left over in the fridge was some fresh spinach  from Old Faithful so I threw some leaves in.  The result of a pinch of greens was a ruddy color in the finished product; a homemade V8!


During this period of blogging about smoothies, readers have shared with me their own smoothie recipes and or their desire to begin making them.  I've also brought some to work to give to co-workers who were curious about what was in my cup each day.  Results were favorable for the tasters, who made note of that days' recipe.   In the latest feedback I received just today a student told me that she and her husband have been eating raw and drinking smoothies 4-5 days a week and then eating regular (I assume cooked) meals the remaining days.  She said that she can't imagine eating any other way now because beyond the obvious nutritional benefits, she feels so good and has noticed how beautiful her skin has become.  I've noticed a glow about her also, and if you read about drinking vegetables regularly you've no doubt seen that radiant skin is a bi-product of this regimen.   My own skin - though under the care of a derm for adult acne regenerates quickly over night, sporting richer undertones and texture in the morning.


I get up at 5 AM on weekdays and have  begun to consume smoothies at home right after mysore practice as part of my morning sadhana.   The reason for this has evolved to be two-fold.  One, it's a wonderful post asana boost.  Two, it's advisable to brush your teeth or at least rinse your mouth after drinking a smoothie.  The acidic properties can not only erode tooth enamel, but worse reminiscent of the Cool-Aid era, one day at work hours after drinking a smoothie I visited the ladies room to find my lips awash in green residue.   Horror was replaced by the relief that I had no meetings prior to my discovery; however, I just can't run that risk when my toothbrush was a car ride away.



Back to the benefits.  Being pescatarian, it's increasingly important for me to consume the proper amounts of vitamins in slightly larger quantities in order to satisfy the recommended nutritional and caloric intake.     Prior to the quest to improve my relationship with food and begin a mysore practice I would have continued to live on random considerations for my nutrition and fortification ignoring hunger pangs because I am a non-cook.   Protein shakes are also an add to my daily allowance to prevent the tearing down of muscle which is a real risk given that daily mysore practice lasts about an hour and 15 minutes.  The need to replenish nutrients is real, and time sensitive.  Once at work, a veggie omelet with a biscuit seals the deal.   My new regimen has become effortless and I feel great.