I haven’t always “liked” veggies .  In fact, what draws me to vegetables is their variety of  colour and textures.  Surprisingly, I don’t stray to far with my choices.  I like celery best for snacking and mixed greens with dressing for my salad.  Boring, but I don’t seem to tire of either.

Without a doubt, veggies are filled with minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients that work synergistically with our body’s systems.  I am exploring new cookbooks and recipes to try vegetables in new ways.  I enjoy juicing, especially apple, carrots, lemon, ginger and beet together — a zesty energy jolt.  I enjoy roasted vegetables like cauliflower or a large pan of ratatouille.  I am also experimenting with green smoothies for breakfast and snacks.

My mind still has difficulty wrapping itself around veggies for breakfast, though.  I still see breakfast as fruit with some carb, but working on incorporating protein and occasionally some “green.”

Green smoothies are one of the healthiest foods … [and] can serve as a perfect bridge from the standard American diet to a happier, healthier, sexier you! – Alina Munson of GreenSmoothies.ca

What is the difference between a green smoothie and a juice made with greens?  Pulp or more specifically, the soluble and insoluble fibre.  That’s right, they are basically the same thing with similar nutritional offerings.  They are both loaded with enzymes to aid in the digestion and absorption.  As well, they contain minerals like potassium, iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc and vitamins A, E, B6 and C.  Fibre is important for so many bodily functions, so I lean towards green smoothies over green juices.

Green smoothies can offer benefits such as more energy, mental clarity, improved digestion, and clearer skin.  The blending process used in creating smoothies actually breaks down the cellulose in the greens, making the nutrients easier to absorb and digest.  You can even blend enough for several servings to take with you or to store in an airtight glass container in your fridge for up to 3 days.

Making your own green smoothies or juices means you control what goes into every sip.  As well, you can customize to your taste buds and with what is seasonally available.

Ready to try blending a green smoothie for today’s afternoon snack or tomorrow’s breakfast?  Check out Metabolism-Booster Breakfast Smoothie from Joy McCarthy’s new book, Joyous Health: Eat and Live Well Without Dieting.