Ok, convinced as I am now that greens in the daily smoothie are critically important, I have been working on developing recipes that the kids like, and believe me, they are a tough crowd! They have become used to the regular berry smoothie and are resistant to trying new flavours.
I tried this one today, and am hoping it will be a hit... I sure liked it! I guess I'll find out when they get home from school and I try it on them! It is not green... it looks like a dark chocolate shake, or chocolate milk!
Chocolate Monkey's Lunch
1 handful of spinach
1 banana (frozen)
1.5 tsp cocoa or carob powder (I used a bit of both)
Stevia to desired sweetness
Almond milk (or any milk you want) to desired consistency.
Note:
If you want it really cold and your banana isn't frozen, you may want to add a few ice cubes at the beginning, then slowly add the milk until you like how it looks.
Voila!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Finally graduated to a Vitamix... and taking the next step
Ok, it's only been 1 1/2 years since we started smoothies. I have tried adding several supplements at different times for different efforts, but usually end up back at the basic cal/mag/D liquid, omega 3, probiotic, vit B6 & E supplements, after using a variety of extra things for extra de-tox and/or healing now and then.
One thing I never considered adding was fresh greens. I had some negative experiences with powdered "greens" supplements over the years, ie gagging it down, and so hadn't tried fresh greens because I just assumed it would change the flavour and/or colour too much to get my kids to accept it.
Hee hee, it doesn't! After getting my fabulous Vitamix I started reading online about the amazing and critical benefit of pulverized fresh greens, and finally screwed up the courage to throw a handful of spinach into the smoothie. I thought the worst thing that could happen was the chickens would get a treat if everyone hated it. Well, nobody even knew that it was in there. In fact, when I told the kids I had thrown in spinach, they said "Ya right mom!" like they thought I was joking!
I have since tried Watermelon/blueberry/peach/kale/ginger (mmmmm!) and several others and even in a few days I notice an improvement in my sleep quality and energy. It could be my imagination, but I think my stomach looks a little trimmer too, even though the scale still says I am about 10 lbs overweight. The exciting thing is that it tastes great, so it makes it something you WANT to do, instead of something you MAKE yourself do because you know it is good for you. I am excited to try the next recipe and can't wait for the next time I get hungry!
One thing I never considered adding was fresh greens. I had some negative experiences with powdered "greens" supplements over the years, ie gagging it down, and so hadn't tried fresh greens because I just assumed it would change the flavour and/or colour too much to get my kids to accept it.
Hee hee, it doesn't! After getting my fabulous Vitamix I started reading online about the amazing and critical benefit of pulverized fresh greens, and finally screwed up the courage to throw a handful of spinach into the smoothie. I thought the worst thing that could happen was the chickens would get a treat if everyone hated it. Well, nobody even knew that it was in there. In fact, when I told the kids I had thrown in spinach, they said "Ya right mom!" like they thought I was joking!
I have since tried Watermelon/blueberry/peach/kale/ginger (mmmmm!) and several others and even in a few days I notice an improvement in my sleep quality and energy. It could be my imagination, but I think my stomach looks a little trimmer too, even though the scale still says I am about 10 lbs overweight. The exciting thing is that it tastes great, so it makes it something you WANT to do, instead of something you MAKE yourself do because you know it is good for you. I am excited to try the next recipe and can't wait for the next time I get hungry!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Is brain allergy vs. PDD/NOS... a case of po-tay-to vs. po-tat-o?
I feel a need to re-iterate my "brain allergy" theory from an old post, which is not original to me. It is developed from researching online, along with what has worked and makes sense to me from following recommendations of our pediatric specialist in sensory issues, and talking to various alternative health providers.
Here it is in a nutshell: Allergies cause sensory issues. The foundation of all allergies is the body's inability to break down some kind(s) of protein, whether it be pollen, dander, peanuts, milk or gluten. That protein will then have a toxic effects on the system... either body, brain or both. The body is unable to de-toxify itself.
In the case of a brain allergy, some protein(s) acts as an opiate to the brain, causing anxiety and reasoning problems such as ADHD, PDD/NOS, Tourettes, OCD, tics, stuttering, etc.
In summary:
- The CAUSE is an allergy to some protein. ie casein (milk protein) in my son's case, and I think un-identified others.
- The SYMPTOMS are sensory issues (with whatever label manifests itself).
- The CURE is to identify and remove the allergen (it is a toxin to that person) AND equip the body in every way possible to deal with, and heal from, the stress of the previous exposure, and any on-going additional exposure you just don't know about.
Here's what we did.
- Elimination diet. For us it was dairy. After removing all dairy we knew in less than 24 hours that was the one our son was allergic to, because his reasoning and anxiety improved so dramatically. We literally called it a miracle. Especially bad are foods that could have 'modified milk ingredients' (ie. processed foods) and packaged milk
- Developed daily smoothie based on recommendations by a pediatric specialist in sensory issues (recipe in previous posts).
- Lots of vitamin C
- Weekly detoxifying clay bath
Recent additions to our smoothie due to recommendations by a live blood analyst:
- Added digestive enzyme supplement called "Aller-Free" to the smoothie to help break down protein
- Added an "Adrenal support" supplement to the smoothie to help deal with the stress and improves coping
- Added an "infla-heal supplement" to the smoothie to heal inflammation from systemic stress caused by the body's inability to naturally detoxify itself.
Here it is in a nutshell: Allergies cause sensory issues. The foundation of all allergies is the body's inability to break down some kind(s) of protein, whether it be pollen, dander, peanuts, milk or gluten. That protein will then have a toxic effects on the system... either body, brain or both. The body is unable to de-toxify itself.
In the case of a brain allergy, some protein(s) acts as an opiate to the brain, causing anxiety and reasoning problems such as ADHD, PDD/NOS, Tourettes, OCD, tics, stuttering, etc.
In summary:
- The CAUSE is an allergy to some protein. ie casein (milk protein) in my son's case, and I think un-identified others.
- The SYMPTOMS are sensory issues (with whatever label manifests itself).
- The CURE is to identify and remove the allergen (it is a toxin to that person) AND equip the body in every way possible to deal with, and heal from, the stress of the previous exposure, and any on-going additional exposure you just don't know about.
Here's what we did.
- Elimination diet. For us it was dairy. After removing all dairy we knew in less than 24 hours that was the one our son was allergic to, because his reasoning and anxiety improved so dramatically. We literally called it a miracle. Especially bad are foods that could have 'modified milk ingredients' (ie. processed foods) and packaged milk
- Developed daily smoothie based on recommendations by a pediatric specialist in sensory issues (recipe in previous posts).
- Lots of vitamin C
- Weekly detoxifying clay bath
Recent additions to our smoothie due to recommendations by a live blood analyst:
- Added digestive enzyme supplement called "Aller-Free" to the smoothie to help break down protein
- Added an "Adrenal support" supplement to the smoothie to help deal with the stress and improves coping
- Added an "infla-heal supplement" to the smoothie to heal inflammation from systemic stress caused by the body's inability to naturally detoxify itself.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Smoothie update from the smoothie evangelist
What a busy 6 months it has been, with many ups and downs!
I have tested over and over again the value of the smoothies... by failing to "go to the trouble". We then experience the not-so-joyous effects of the decline in the childrens coping, reasoning skills and mood (hence behaviour!). My PDD-NOS child's social and play skills vanish, and all he wants and asks for is "screen time".
It may be difficult to get a child to accept a smoothie at first. Surprisingly however, even at a young age, children will buy into things that make them feel better. My own kids have been "on and off the wagon" enough times to know and accept that smoothies are a necessity. "A necessity?" you might say, "Isn't that a little much?". All I can say is try it for awhile and decide for yourself. YOU WILL ARGUE LESS with your child!
A few more tips I have tried recently are:
- If bananas get too ripe, slice or puree it and put it in the freezer for use in smoothies
- Try different fruits or a few drops of an essence to vary the flavours
- Glutathione is a great liver support, particularly important when recovering from illness (1/2 capsule would be enough for a child)
- Adrenal support supplement will help coping and stress.
- Calcium supplements can be useless, make sure you get a high quality one.
- Nutrasea's green apple or lemon flavoured Omega Oil supplements are the bomb! Recently finished a bottle of the lemon, which added a nice tangy flavour to the smoothie, and thought we'd try the green apple this time... also wonderful... no fishy or oily flavour in your smoothie.
You can do alot of things for your health, but in my books, the smoothie is the foundation of it all!
I have tested over and over again the value of the smoothies... by failing to "go to the trouble". We then experience the not-so-joyous effects of the decline in the childrens coping, reasoning skills and mood (hence behaviour!). My PDD-NOS child's social and play skills vanish, and all he wants and asks for is "screen time".
It may be difficult to get a child to accept a smoothie at first. Surprisingly however, even at a young age, children will buy into things that make them feel better. My own kids have been "on and off the wagon" enough times to know and accept that smoothies are a necessity. "A necessity?" you might say, "Isn't that a little much?". All I can say is try it for awhile and decide for yourself. YOU WILL ARGUE LESS with your child!
A few more tips I have tried recently are:
- If bananas get too ripe, slice or puree it and put it in the freezer for use in smoothies
- Try different fruits or a few drops of an essence to vary the flavours
- Glutathione is a great liver support, particularly important when recovering from illness (1/2 capsule would be enough for a child)
- Adrenal support supplement will help coping and stress.
- Calcium supplements can be useless, make sure you get a high quality one.
- Nutrasea's green apple or lemon flavoured Omega Oil supplements are the bomb! Recently finished a bottle of the lemon, which added a nice tangy flavour to the smoothie, and thought we'd try the green apple this time... also wonderful... no fishy or oily flavour in your smoothie.
You can do alot of things for your health, but in my books, the smoothie is the foundation of it all!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Not just the smoothie...
In addition to the smoothie, also give your children a good quality multi-vitamin, a 500 mg vitamin C, and a vitamin B12 every day.
I try to remember to give them another C after school too. It is pretty much impossible to take too much vitamin C and it is used up very quickly by your body. Vitamin C is extremely powerful to your immune system. It has even been shown in studies dating back to the 30s to cure such major diseases as diptheria and polio in high doses, which I think is a huge testimony to it's importance to our immune system.
Vitamin B12 should be absorbed in the mouth for best effect, which is why I don't add it to the smoothie. Make sure when you are buying B12 that you check the label. It should say with folic acid (aids absorption) and ingredients should not have anything that starts with "cyan or cian", yes, had to believe, but meaning cianide.
I try to remember to give them another C after school too. It is pretty much impossible to take too much vitamin C and it is used up very quickly by your body. Vitamin C is extremely powerful to your immune system. It has even been shown in studies dating back to the 30s to cure such major diseases as diptheria and polio in high doses, which I think is a huge testimony to it's importance to our immune system.
Vitamin B12 should be absorbed in the mouth for best effect, which is why I don't add it to the smoothie. Make sure when you are buying B12 that you check the label. It should say with folic acid (aids absorption) and ingredients should not have anything that starts with "cyan or cian", yes, had to believe, but meaning cianide.
Smoothie tricks... strategies to be consistent.
I prep smoothie ingredients for a week or two in advance, making it A LOT easier to do each morning!
Almost all the ingredients are available from our local Nutters. Many could be also be found online, possibly cheaper, but if you have a local health supplement store, that is probably the easiest.
I drive to our nearest city an hour away to go to Costco once a month, and that is when I buy frozen strawberries, WAY cheaper than the local grocery stores.
Strategy 1: Prep the berries
To make it easier on your Magic Bullet or blender, chop strawberries coarsely, doesn't have to be too small. I spent a few bucks at the dollar store and got a bunch of 3 oz (90 mL) containers. Chop a bunch of strawberries and make little individual cups of chopped strawberries. Then, prep another little container a third to half full with blueberries or another berry. Then you can just grab one of each container from the freezer every morning! You could obviously get bigger containers and put the berries together too, I just got those containers super cheap.
Strategy 2: Prep the supplements
Invest in a small mortar and pestle and another 2 bucks at the dollar store to get one of those plastic cases with little containers to hold beads for people who do bead work. These are perfect for holding the powder supplements!
Strategy 3: Stretch the supplements
All the following supplements are "Natural Factors" brand. Grind up a vitamin B6 tablet and split half the powder between two little bead containers. Do the same with a GABA tablet, and Mental Calmness tablet, and split half to each container. Last, add your Children's Multi Probiotic and a 1/4 tsp of stevia powder to each container.
Strategy 4: Keep everything together
Last dollar store purchase, I promise! Get a plastic bin from the dollar store for another buck or two, and put ALL the smoothie ingredients in it. Then, rather than having to search for several things in your fridge, you just pull out your bin!
Strategy 5: Daily assembly
Grab your berries from the freezer, and the bin from your fridge. Throw the berries and supplements in your Magic Bullet, add a drizzle of vitamin E, a tsp of Nutrasea oil, a Tbsp of calcium, a few drops of GSE, and 2 Tbsp of OJ and grind!
Strategy 6: Serve in a little bowl like yogurt
Ha ha, yes, you guessed it, little dollar store fruit nappie bowls! My kids are 7 and 9 and we have been doing smoothies for a year now. ONE smoothie split between them is their daily dose. I have found it very successful to have them eat it like yogurt on a spoon rather than try and drink it. They have figured out they can do it in 6 bites if they are not too light loading up their teaspoon, and they have fun counting down!
Strategy 7: No smoothie, no brekkie!
Yes, that's right, nothing else to eat or drink until the smoothie is done. You might meet resistance at first, but I was surprised at how quickly they adapted. I always try not to be too rushed and sit with them while they eat it, the side benefit being that you are there to keep them on task and get it done quickly!
Wow, I can't believe how long this post got, I had no idea there was so much strategy involved, because it really does only take a few minutes a day, and believe me, the benefits are immeasurable.
Almost all the ingredients are available from our local Nutters. Many could be also be found online, possibly cheaper, but if you have a local health supplement store, that is probably the easiest.
I drive to our nearest city an hour away to go to Costco once a month, and that is when I buy frozen strawberries, WAY cheaper than the local grocery stores.
Strategy 1: Prep the berries
To make it easier on your Magic Bullet or blender, chop strawberries coarsely, doesn't have to be too small. I spent a few bucks at the dollar store and got a bunch of 3 oz (90 mL) containers. Chop a bunch of strawberries and make little individual cups of chopped strawberries. Then, prep another little container a third to half full with blueberries or another berry. Then you can just grab one of each container from the freezer every morning! You could obviously get bigger containers and put the berries together too, I just got those containers super cheap.
Strategy 2: Prep the supplements
Invest in a small mortar and pestle and another 2 bucks at the dollar store to get one of those plastic cases with little containers to hold beads for people who do bead work. These are perfect for holding the powder supplements!
Strategy 3: Stretch the supplements
All the following supplements are "Natural Factors" brand. Grind up a vitamin B6 tablet and split half the powder between two little bead containers. Do the same with a GABA tablet, and Mental Calmness tablet, and split half to each container. Last, add your Children's Multi Probiotic and a 1/4 tsp of stevia powder to each container.
Strategy 4: Keep everything together
Last dollar store purchase, I promise! Get a plastic bin from the dollar store for another buck or two, and put ALL the smoothie ingredients in it. Then, rather than having to search for several things in your fridge, you just pull out your bin!
Strategy 5: Daily assembly
Grab your berries from the freezer, and the bin from your fridge. Throw the berries and supplements in your Magic Bullet, add a drizzle of vitamin E, a tsp of Nutrasea oil, a Tbsp of calcium, a few drops of GSE, and 2 Tbsp of OJ and grind!
Strategy 6: Serve in a little bowl like yogurt
Ha ha, yes, you guessed it, little dollar store fruit nappie bowls! My kids are 7 and 9 and we have been doing smoothies for a year now. ONE smoothie split between them is their daily dose. I have found it very successful to have them eat it like yogurt on a spoon rather than try and drink it. They have figured out they can do it in 6 bites if they are not too light loading up their teaspoon, and they have fun counting down!
Strategy 7: No smoothie, no brekkie!
Yes, that's right, nothing else to eat or drink until the smoothie is done. You might meet resistance at first, but I was surprised at how quickly they adapted. I always try not to be too rushed and sit with them while they eat it, the side benefit being that you are there to keep them on task and get it done quickly!
Wow, I can't believe how long this post got, I had no idea there was so much strategy involved, because it really does only take a few minutes a day, and believe me, the benefits are immeasurable.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Fine tuning my Brain Helper smoothie recipe!
So I have answered the cries of my children to cut down the volume of the daily smoothie, and here are the results of my efforts... the children are thrilled and so am I. Split this smoothie between 2 young kids and drink one yourself, parents! If my family is normal, guaranteed the kids will argue and whine less, cope better and be happier... and so will you!
Modified Brain Helper Smoothie
2 large frozen strawberries
1-2 Tbsp frozen saskatoon berries or blueberries
2 slices banana
1 1/2 Tbsp orange juice
1 Tbsp liquid calcium supplement
1 tsp Nutrasea lemon Omega 3 (or 1 Tbsp Udo's DHA oil)
1 tsp probiotic powder
6 drops vitamin E
1/2 B6 tablet ground up
3 drops GSE (grapefruit seed extract)
1/8 to 1/4 tsp stevia for sweetness, or whatever sweetener you like if any
Modified Brain Helper Smoothie
2 large frozen strawberries
1-2 Tbsp frozen saskatoon berries or blueberries
2 slices banana
1 1/2 Tbsp orange juice
1 Tbsp liquid calcium supplement
1 tsp Nutrasea lemon Omega 3 (or 1 Tbsp Udo's DHA oil)
1 tsp probiotic powder
6 drops vitamin E
1/2 B6 tablet ground up
3 drops GSE (grapefruit seed extract)
1/8 to 1/4 tsp stevia for sweetness, or whatever sweetener you like if any
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