anyone read about the Green Smoothies? are they good for us?

I am 4 years out and have gained about 30 pounds back from a 110 pound loss, Im frustrated and the more I try to lose the more I gain. While web surfing I came across sights on Green Smoothies, blending fruits and green leafy veggies, like kale and spinich. I started making them 2 days ago and love them they taste great even though sound and look terrible. I know I dont get enough greens in my diet and have a really hard time digesting raw veggies, which are better for you than cooked. I bought the book Green for Life and it really makes sense but am concerned because of my pouch and being able to absorb all the nutrients in the smoothies. Also they give me a little acid reflux or burning sensation. Any one else heard about these smoothies, Deb

Hey Debra,

I have not heard of these, certainly it has to be better for you to get your vits from actually eating food instead of supplements so that would be a big plus...Personally my 2 possible concerns would be to make sure you are getting enough protein since these smoothies would not contain much without adding a scoop - and - a smoothie made all with fruits & veggies would be jacked full of carbs and while they are the good carbs, I still watch my total carb intake when I am trying to knock off a few lbs of regain...

I had a 10, then 11, etc up to 16 lb rebound regain (Dec 2009) starting about year 3 1/2, played around with trying to lose it and went up and down within a 10 lb range since then, sometimes lower - sometimes higher...First of 2010 I joined a new group 10 for10 and I really buckled into the drivers seat, been going down and STAYING down pretty steady, REALLY want to lose all 16 that found me again...Feelin' good & I'm motivated to stay on track...

Been diligent to keep carbs of all kinds low, really limiting the "grazing" tendencies, cut my cals most days to 800-900 & try to make my heavier eating prior to 5 pm with a light dinner...So far its working...

My best suggestion is to keep working on a plan, tweek it and find out what works for you, then just stick to it...You can do it...

Good Luck

My wife has made vegetable smoothies and they are OK.  She has recently switched to just eating greens which makes more sense to me.

I avoid smoothies since I don't see why you would want to INTENTIONALLY create a slider food.  Rather than have an apple smoothie, just eat an apple: the whole food satisfies me more than the smoothie.

I have found that the green smoothies keep me really full for a long period of time. Dark green leafy veggies are better absorbed when brokes down like in blending, ( thats what I read anyway). I got the book Green for Life and its really interesting, and there is alot of protein ( amino acids ) which are plant proteins not animal protein. Im still ready on all this but makes sense. If you go to her website green for life its really interesting. One thing I noticed today ( day 3) is an increase in energy and no junk food cravings.

I've definitely heard about green smoothies! They are super super awesome. If you can get some solid recipes in hand, then they can be beyond tasty as well. The absolute tastiest mix I've ever had was swiss chard and mango. However, I didn't make the smoothie and so I'm not sure if there was a secret technique. But, in my experience, they are best when cold and very smooth (I think this requires a higher-end blender, like Vita-mix). There are a lot of good books on them, especially by raw food enthusiasts. I have Victoria Boutenko's books. There is a good documentary about raw foodism out there, in which the filmmakers assert that a raw food diet has the potential to cure the symptoms of diabetes. Interesting stuff. I hope that my post-op food plan could eventually involve green smoothies. Just looking at a green smoothie makes me feel healthier! LOL

p.s. Here's a link to watch the preview for that documentary. Fascinating stuff: 
http://www.rawfor30days.com/index4.html