The Power of a Green Drink

Now to those of you are avid health afficionados, this blog will not seem revolutionary. You already know the power of your daily green shake. And for those of us who already know this power, it does not stop us from going through periods where we forget it and stop doing it.

Recently I have had a lot of my more mainstream friends and family discover the power of the green shake. So first off...what is the green shake?

The green shake is a drink that is made from a mixture of green algaes and superfoods. It frequently includes fruits and veggies in a concentrated form and may also contain herbs. It is a nutrient dense meal-in-one that is a great substitute for synthetic vitamins. It can be made more palatable by blending with fruit juice, non-dairy mylks, natural sweeteners and or fruit.

What is the point of the green shake?

• There is more nutrition in one of these green shakes than most Americans get in a week, or even a month, of eating food.

• The quantity, quality, variety and depth of nutrition in one shake, gives your body a lasting hit of energy and vitality that promotes clarity, well-being and weight loss. It helps to prevent overeating by eliminating cravings for junk food and hunger caused by malnutrition. When I say malnutrition I am speaking of starvation not from lack of calories, but from lack of real nutrients that fuel the body's myriad of physiological functions and that allow the anatomy to remain in top shape.

• It is full of antioxidants, phytonutrients and immune boosters that are impossible to attain from the SAD (Standard American Diet). These are all vital for reversing and preventing chronic degenerative diseases, the accelerated aging process and cancers.
  

• The superfoods in it have such potent levels of nutrition and biological impact on all systems of the body that just small amounts of powder actually go a long way. It would be impossible to eat the equivalent amount of fruits and vegetables that it would take to get that much nutrition. In an ideal world we would be able to, but our food is so modified and our soils are so depleted, that we must rely on dietary supplementation to meet our deepest nutritional requirements for optimal life.

What are the benefits of the green shake?

• Weight control
• Reduce cravings
• More energy
• Mood enhancement
• Better workouts
• Quicker recovery from workouts
• Mental Clarity
• Convenient (blend, bottle and go) - works well for people constantly on the run who don't have time to stop and eat a proper meal. This is a great natural fast food alternative.
• Clearer skin
• Look younger
• Improved immune system - you will less frequently get sick.

So what goes in a green shake?

There are two ways to do this.

1. Pre-mixed Green Superfood blends

There are multiple pre-mixed green blends out on the market that in and of themselves make a great base for a green drink. In and of themselves they are a great way to start. The usual dosage is 2 tablespoons per drink, and one drink per day is a good start. A second drink to beat that afternoon slump is also highly beneficial. Carrying around an empty jar (with lid) for easy shaking on the go is something you may want to consider if you can't get to your blender. You can easily blend these with juice or water. Fruit can be added if desired. My favorite brands are:

• Healthforce Nutritionals' Vitamineral Green
• Dr Schulze's Superfood
• The Synergy Company's Pure Synergy
• Dragon Herb's Tonic Alchemy
• Sunfood Nutrition's Sun Is Shining

2. Make your own shake

This is probably an even more effective method. You tend to make a much bigger shake this way, and get to control what goes in it, how much depending on your body's response and it is quite honestly a convenient way to work with what you've got. It also allows you to buy individual components in bulk when you need them, which ultimately reduces the cost of your shake over time.

The Essentials

Green algaes - Either Spirulina, Chlorella and or AFA's (E3 Live is a great brand)
Maca (2-4 tablespoons)
Hemp Seeds or hemp protein powder (2-4 tablespoons)

Add ins
Raw cacao (chocolate powder) (2 tablespoons)
Bee Pollen (2 tablespoons)
Camu Camu (1 teaspoon)
Goji Berries (One handful)
Acai Berry Powder (1 tablespoon)
Lucuma Powder (2 tablespoons)
Tocotrienols (2 tablespoons)
Aloe vera Juice (1/2 cup)
Turmeric powder (1 tablespoon)
Burdock Root (1 tablesoon)
Ginseng powder (1/2 teaspoon)
Cordyceps powder (1/2 teaspoon)
Reishi capsules (2)

Liquid Bases
-Water
-Reishi Tea
-Herbal Tea infusions (chamomile, rooibos, rosemary, nettle, oatstraw, gingko, sage - all are great combined or separate)
- Cucumber juice
- Fruit juice (unless you're diabetic)
- carrot juice
- celery juice
- hemp mylk

Alternative Sweeteners
Agave nectar
Yacon Syrup
Artichoke Root inulin
stevia (powder or extract)

Use the appropriate ingredients from each category according to your pantry and or your budget, blend and enjoy.


Where Can I Get My Green Shake Ingredients?

• www.sunfood.com or 888-729-3663

• www.awakenedshoppe.com or 520-394-2520 ext 212 or 221

• Whole Foods Market

• www.amazon.com

• www.naturalzing.com or 301-703-4116

Even if you hate the taste of this. You will definitely find this drink to be beneficial in your body and will actually grow to like the taste of it over time. Don't feel alone in this. My good friend Peter called it the "death shake" and claimed that the taste was enough to kill a lab rat. But...he's still drinking it because he has benefitted so much from it. In fact, it has helped him so much that his sister and her friends and family are on it. He also talked a few people at his office to start doing it too.

My sister swears by it. It helps her energy levels, mental clarity and she finds she gets better workouts with it - this is coming from a law student who moonlights as a model.

I share these examples from mainstream people so that you don't get discouraged and think that this could only help vegans or hippie granola types.

Just start getting that nutrition in and feel good.

in peace and health

Eden