Monday 2 January 2012

Dr. Oz Green Drink: Week 1

Welcome back! Happy New Year to you all, and I hope you all are doing well. I am unfortunately doing a little too well. As I said, the week between Christmas and New Year's Day is basically a free for all. While I do still try to implement the basic principles of the Mediterranean Diet (Eat real food, eat slowly, stop when you're full), things do tend to go overboard, but I let it get that way! So needless to say, I've got a little catch up work to do. 



On a slightly different but related note, I've also made a decision. Weight loss is still big on my radar. REAL big. But I've got to make feeling good and healthy my number one priority. I've suffered with fatigue since I was 15 and got mono. The tired feelings just never really left. And after multiple doctors' tests, appointments, and useless conclusions, not to mention gaining about 50 pounds over the years, life doesn't feel so lively for this food blogger, and really hasn't in a very long time. I've got the Mediterranean Diet down in a big way, but I'm still really not in great shape - actually, I'm in ridiculously bad shape, and could always use some nutritional boosting. Along with my usual recipes and tips, I'll be posting regularly about what I'm doing, and will let you know what's working for me. I know for sure I'm not the only one in this boat, and I'd love to hear what you are doing to fight fatigue. 

So step number one: I'm going green. No, not vegetarian, although I did do that for about 4 years, and it just made me more tired even thought I was really careful about meeting nutritional needs. I've been much healthier since putting meet back into my diet, and much less prone to getting sick. I'm testing the waters with the ever popular Green Smoothie. I've been reading a lot about how this is supposed to make you have more energy and keep you strong, not to mention to do all of those good things fruits and veggies do like protect against disease and cancer.

I'm starting with this Dr. Oz Green Juice. Apparently he and Oprah drink it every day, and both swear by it. For some reason, I just really trust the opinion of both of these people... I just do. Anyway, if you want to try this too, whiz up the following in your blender to make 4 servings (I quartered it for 1 serving):



2 cups spinach
2 cups cucumber
1 head of celery
1/2 inch or teaspoon ginger root
1 bunch parsley
2 apples
Juice of 1 lime
Juice of 1/2 lemon 

- So I tried the drink twice now, and I like the taste. It's slightly sweet, and I like the ginger element. My problem so far: I don't think my cheap version of the Magic Bullet is strong enough to process that parsley. It feels like I'm drinking a glass of salsa verde or something... So until I get a better Bullet, I think I'll try to eliminate the parsley and just put more spinach in... I don't think that'll do much harm. I noticed that the second time I tried it (still with parsley), it tasted better.. I was reading something, I don't remember where, that said the more you drink these things, the more alkaloid your body gets... Though I doubt this could happen in a day. 

-I feel kinda good after drinking this. But I'm on vacation and this could just be because I'm better rested. I will report back next Monday to let you all know how this goes. 

Have a great day!

34 comments:

  1. It sounds good. I have such a hard time living in Northern cali wanting something cold like a smoothie in the morning with it being so chilly. I tend to have oatmeal and coffee or a bagel. I might have to try this though for a snack. I have shared some tips on bacon time for how I have lost and kept off the weight. I know you will do great. It's all about making healthy changes you can live with and stick to. Happy new Years.

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  2. I also respect the opinions of the same "experts." My concern is the taste but you seem to think it is doable so I will give it a try.

    My present post is about weekly goals. While the person with the link party is about reselling I am sure we all can add healthy goals to our lists. Would love to have you join us.

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    1. It tastes much better if you add a kiwi!!

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    2. Wow! It does! Thanks for the tip!

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  3. Sounds like a winner to me. If Dr. Oz said it's good then I'm all for it! Looking forward to reading more.

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  4. Well the smoothie certainly sounds healthy and full of goodness! Look forward to hearing how you go for the rest of the week!

    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a fabulous week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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  5. @Mindie Hilton

    You are totally right Mindie. I was just looking at your post shortly before you read mine, I think. You are a total inspiration.

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  6. I love having green smoothies for breakfast. They really are amazing and somehow manage to keep me in a good mood. This one sounds really good with cucumber. I will have to try it out. Thanks for the idea!

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  7. Have you ever had your thyroid checked? If you have had long term fatigue and slow weight gain it might be something to look into.

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  8. I love spinach smoothies. So yummy!

    I am having a feature friday linky party today and would love for you to link up

    http://blissfulanddomestic.blogspot.com/2012/01/feature-friday-linky-party.html

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  9. I have never tried that but i am currently juicing right now, so I will definitely add that to my daily routine, thanks! I would love for you to stop by and check out my blog, it is all about health and wholeness. Blessings to you. http://younglivingoillady.com I have an article on juicing and the benefits of it, you might enjoy reading it! :)

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  10. This does sound good. I love the color. I want to give it a try. Thanks for sharing this!

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  11. As a fellow fatigue suffer I'm very interested in this... I'll give it a whiz too and let you know how I get on, I'll also be back checking on your ideas and results too

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  12. @Rae

    Rae, I'm really curious to hear how that turns out for you.

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  13. Sounds good. I used to make spinach smooties all the time and loved them. I'll have to try this. Would love for you to stop by Monday and share it at my linky.

    Jamie
    http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/

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  14. @Ingrid@morestylethancash

    Thanks for the idea, Ingrid, but I did have it checked two or three times over the years. The most that came up was that it was the slightest bit elevated, but nothing to worry about.

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  15. This is on my list to make this month! Stop over and link up in my Happy Friday Link up today! It is all about drinks!! Susie http://cafescrapper-scrapsoflife.blogspot.com/2012/01/happy-friday-link-up-drink.html

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  16. I am going to pin this and try it! Thanks.
    Vicky

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  17. I'll have to try this! New Follower! You can visit me at http://raisingdieter.blogspot.com/ Thanks, Shay

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  18. I love that cartoon! I did well for a while last year on "green" smoothies and need to get back on track again. Thanks for sharing!

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  19. Hi Kim,
    I love your little cartoon, it reminds me of me and my friend. The Dr. Oz Green Juice really doesn't look that bad, I might give it a try. Hope you are having a great week end and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

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  20. Hi, my name is Heather! Please email me when you can, I have a question about your blog!

    HeatherVonSJ[at]gmail[dot]com

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  21. This green smoothie intrigues me! I'm always trying to sneak in more veggies in a palatable way. I'm going to try a half a recipe of this.

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  22. Try a vitamix. It will make your healthy adventures much easier!

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  23. I love this juice, sometimes I add a little grapefruit to spice it up. I recomend purchasing a juicer if you really want things smooth and creamy. It does wonders. If you want to spice it up even more, add ice and blend and you get a different texture so you are not getting used to the same thing.

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  24. Congratulations!
    Your recipe is featured on Full Plate Thursday for the 1st Anniversary Party. Hope you have a good week end and enjoy your new Red Plate!
    Miz Helen

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  25. I can't believe this. I too had mono about that age and feel just like you described! I once decided that maybe I was just lazy, but I don't think I would have the desire to do so much if that was the case. Generally I don't make new year resolutions, but decided that I just had to start feeling better when I saw the green smoothie. I was going to wait till Feb. to start, but I think tomorrow is an even better idea! Hoping you have a burst of energy real soon.

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    Replies
    1. Sue: I've made a huge discovery that you must try. Try cutting gluten from your diet for a week or so and see what happens. I've accidentally discovered that it is making a huge impact on the way I feel, which I'll be posting about very soon.

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  26. Very informative post. Thanks for taking the time to share your view with us. super greens drink

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  27. How much do you drink in a day? Can you store this in your fridge if you don't finish it all in one day? If so how long does it stay good for?

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  28. Nice post. Thanks for sharing useful information.

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  29. Ive been wanting to try this! Thanks for sharing!
    www.ashleykisslinger.com

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  30. I do this one, but I do add 1/2 of a pear...yummy!

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