Good Morning Green Smoothie

 

 

 

Looking to add more greens to your day?  Try my Good Morning Green Smoothie

 



 

Start with a generous handful of kale.  I never measure, but aim for filling the container until it is 3/4 full with kale.

 

To the kale, add spinach.  Fill it to the top!

 

 

Next, add frozen mango chunks.  Then, add about 1 cup of cold water and a splash of orange juice.  If you prefer less sugar from the juice, add a medium orange (peeled) instead.  And, then my favorite part - a small lemon, peeled.  I just love the scent of lemon in the mornings!  Such a refreshing wake me up! 

 

 

To peel the lemon (and orange if using), cut the ends off.  Then, slice around the lemon removing the peel.  Don't worry about the seeds - the Vitamix will take care of those!

 

 

Turn the Vitamix on low, then slowly increase the speed until all greens are completely blended.  And that, is the basis of my Good Morning Green Smoothie!  Guaranteed to win over those reluctant to try green smoothies - like my Momma.  She now has a green smoothie every morning!

 

I have recently started adding these two healthful additions to my green smoothie, spirulina and organic maca root powder.  Spirulina is a blue-green algae rich in antioxidants and vitamins.  It boosts energy and immunity.  Maca is a Peruvian root vegetable.  It aids hormonal function and was traditionally used as a libido and fertility booster ;)     

 

Mary Ellen

 

Disclosure

 



Caring for an Elderly Parent & Anxiety

 

 

Hello, All!  It seems like the last month has been a complete whirlwind!  One minute, I was excited the share the kid's school Valentine's with you all.  And before I knew it, March was upon us!  My Momma has been dealing with some ulcers on her feet and legs.  For a diabetic, wounds can be very problematic and slow to heal.  A few months ago, it started out as just one ulcer on the heel of her right foot.  After weeks of treatment at the wound care clinic, the wound was almost completely healed.  But, then she developed a severe itch on her legs after a vascular treatment.  The areas on her legs where she scratched, developed more wounds.  Her doctor at the wound care clinic was baffled as to how she could go from almost completely healed to pretty much back at square one.  After more testing, it was revealed that my Momma has a blockage in her left leg.  So, even though initially my siblings and I were all left scratching our heads (no pun intended) as to why Momma would scratch her legs raw, if she hadn't the blockage in her left leg might not have been discovered so soon.  Guess, it was one of those God things! :)

 

It's been difficult to see my Momma's health declining over the years.  In my mind, she's still the same formidable force she was when I was younger.  Growing up, I spent a lot of time wondering if she really loved me.  Her words at times could be more biting than the sting of her switch.  It's hard to reconcile the image in my mind with the frail woman she's become. 

 

 ~

 

My own health has been front and center lately as well.  Last month, I started experiencing a flushed feeling in my ears.  Dave suggested it might be due to an increase in my blood pressure.  My blood pressure has always been in the normal range, so I was taken aback when it did measure above normal.  It was a particularly stressful time at work - the whole working two positions, getting paid for one thing - and at home with my Momma's wound issues.  As things at work returned to a normal pace, the flushed feeling went away and my blood pressure returned to normal.  Until, this month when I started experiencing the same symptoms again.  As before, it's another stressful time at work.  This time, I went to my doctor.  The increase in my blood pressure appeared to be due in part to a reaction to an ingredient in an over the counter sinus medication.  However, I'm monitoring my blood pressure to see if further changes to diet and exercise may be needed.  I also had blood work done.  And, I did the one thing someone with health anxiety shouldn't do when they receive lab results - Google!  The iron levels looked high.  But, as Dave rightly pointed out, I'm not a medical professional.  I should speak with my doctor before diagnosing myself!  Plus, if there was anything of an urgent nature, my doctor would have called after reviewing the results.  Your prayers though would be greatly appreciated!

 

I've also started seeing a therapist to help me find effective strategies to deal with stress and anxiety.  I know some people scoff at the thought of therapy.  But, in the past I've found it very helpful to speak with someone not emotionally involved in the situation.  Sometimes, it takes direction from someone on the outside to get you back on the path of wellness and balance.   

 

Mary Ellen       

Weight of the Nation

A walk around the lake with Grandma & Auntie L (Dave's mother & sister)

Over the long weekend, we watched the four-part HBO documentary, Weight of the Nation.  I enjoy documentaries and have watched many concerning our nation's diet and food supply.    Weight of the Nation really resonated with me, especially the segments about childhood obesity.  It saddens me to think of children having to deal with adult medical conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.  Living in neighborhoods where access to fresh fruits and vegetables is limited.  Where there are no parks and play spaces.  Schools eliminating physical education while filling the cafeterias with processed foods.  Predatory marketing aimed at children.  The effect on our future generation is troubling and I can't see our nation being able to continue on this way. 

The film also made me examine my own habits and those of our family.  Dave makes a point of having the kids outside and playing in the backyard everyday.  Unless the kids are working on a school project, time outside is mandatory at our house because Daddy said so!  He also takes them to parks and playgrounds on the weekend.  Thankfully, our kids are healthy and active.  And, I want to make sure they stay that way!  However, I've got some work to do when it comes to myself.

For full disclosure I should mention I'm not overweight.  According to my BMI, I'm a normal weight.  But over the years, my weight has steadily increased.  In real life, it's hard to talk about weight when you appear "skinny" to those around you.  But when I look in the mirror, there's no denying the extra baby weight that has stuck around for the last...oh 5 years!  And when you consider risk factors like race and family history, I feel its best to make changes now and not when my doctor is telling me that I'm pre-diabetic or need to start medication for high blood pressure.  For me the key is increasing my activity level and reducing the amount of calories I consume in the form of sweetened beverages (my weakness!).  Instead of staying behind to clean, I've been joining Dave and the kids on their trips to the park.  We've also started taking walks around the neighborhood as a family in the evenings.  And I'm drinking more water these days!  Small changes that I'm hoping will make a big impact on my health and my waistline!

If you're interested in watching Weight of the Nation, you can find all four parts online here.

Did you watch Weight of the Nation?  What were your thoughts?      

Mary Ellen