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Green Smoothie Revolution
November 19, 2009
With a growing understanding of its incredible health benefits, green smoothies are gaining the attention of health seekers and people who love the delicious taste of a smoothie. The raising popularity of the green smoothie is due in no small part to the dynamic work of Victoria Boutenko.
Victoria Boutenko is a passionate advocate of healthy living and to me a mentor on the topic of green smoothies. She shares her knowledge and teaches nutritional classes and workshops around the world, helping people gain the knowledge to support optimum health.
Green Smoothie Revolution is the much anticipated sequel to Victoria Boutenko’s book Green For Life. Here are the topics discussed in this book:
Part One - Unleashing The Healing Power Of Greens
Victoria talks about the miracle of greens, its amazing nutrients, and how vital greens are for the survival of all living being on our planet. In fact, through her research, Victoria finds much evidence that green leaves have been a primary staple in the human diet for thousands of years [read 12 Steps To Raw Foods for more in-depth information of this topic].
She discusses why taking in greens in liquid form is said to be the best way to digest them for maximum absorption, why rotating greens is important, and lists cultivated and wild edible greens, herbs, and weeds for our smoothies, and mentions sprouts and medicinal herbs.
Armed with the curiosity of a true researcher, Victoria conducts a simple experimentation to observe the process of oxidation which is discussed in the chapter Blending Versus Juicing. Then the focus is on food combining for green smoothies, and guidelines for optimal green smoothie consumption. There is even a chapter dedicated to green smoothies for our pets. We can’t forgot about the health and well-being of our fury family friends.
Part Two is all about the recipes.
There are 200 healthy healing delicious green smoothie recipes for beginners, the adventurous, children, our pets, and also recipes for green pudding and even green smoothies geared toward skin care.
Ending on an inspiring note The Appendix has stories of incredible weight loss and a case of amazing healing due to simply adding green smoothies to their diet. Also, I love the inspirational quotes directly following the title of each chapter of this book.
Before sitting down to write this review I made one of the recipes from this book, Persimmon Green Smoothie, page 116. Delicious! I happen to love persimmons, but if persimmons aren’t your favorite, don’t worry, there is a recipe in this book to suit your liking, or one that you can tweak and tailor it to your liking.
Green Smoothie Revolution is an educational and inspiring reference book, giving us an understanding of the power and miracle of greens, and with a quality blender and fresh organic produce, anyone can make a delicious healthy green smoothie.
Everyone should have a copy of this book. On that note, it is my pleasure to offer one (1) copy of Green Smoothie Revolution as a gift to you. To participate in the drawing, simple answer this question:
On Monday, November 30th, I will use my favorite random number generator to pick one [1] the lucky winner. I will contact the winning participant via email, and post an announcement in the comment section below.
Victoria Boutenko is an award winning author, raw gourmet chef, teacher, inventor, researcher, and artist.
Visit her website Raw Family
For more nutritional information on the benefits of green leafy vegetables, read her other books 12 Steps To Raw Foods and Green For Life
Connect with the Boutenkos via Twitter for informative and inspirational tweets.
Related posts:
- Green Power Drink
- Gorgeous Green Juice Tonic
- Flower Power Hibiscus Smoothie
- Peachy Berry Mixed Green Salad with Herbs de Provence Vinaigrette
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58 Comments so far
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I prefer smoothies because I really need a full meal, most often. I love to throw in different things (including raw juice) and change it up. I do love to juice though, but usually need to eat something soon after.
I’m still at the beginning of going raw and completely vegan (or bee-gan), and suffer from hypoglycemia, so I usually just want to eat so I don’t have to worry about eating for another 2 hours. It is usually a chore that I hate.
This is a book that is on my wish list at Amazon. I plan on juicing in the new year for a few months so this is a book I really need :)
Thanks for the chance to win.
sounds like a wonderful resource. Personally I prefer green smoothies to juice because I feel like they have more nutrients and I cane make them a meal. But my favorite is a combo, especially if I’m using carrot or celery or kale, I will juice these first and then add them to a smoothie, YUM!
I prefer smoothies because they’re more filling so I can have them as a whole breakfast! Plus, then I can put bananas in!
Thanks for the giveaway!
I love comfort food and for me smoothies are the essence of comfort food: easy and quick to make, delicious and fulling.
It’s really hard to say as I love them both and not a day goes by that I don’t enjoy either a smoothie or some raw juice or both. If I’m looking for a quick and satisfying meal then a smoothie is fantastic. If I’m looking for some cleansing, detox, and an energy boost, then a glass of fresh juice is in order.
Karla
I prefer smoothies over juices because they have a thicker texture, and are more filling to me…
I love making smoothies! Every morning, either my husband or I whip up a smoothie for breakfast. I just like the creativity that goes into it. There are endless combinations of flavors!
I prefer green smoothies over juices only for two reasons: 1) I feel more satisfied and filled and 2) I am able to put a wider variety of nutrition into my green smoothies.
I prefer a smoothie in the morning because it feels more like a meal, but I prefer to keep it lighter in the afternoon with juice!
I prefer smoothies because I have a hard time seeing all that good-for-you fiber go to waste. Besides, smoothies rock!
Smoothies all the way, although there is a time and place for juicing. I prefer to get the minerals, vitamins and fiber–all in one. There are times a smoothie is my breakfast–not having to think, but grabbing one on the go is great.
I adore Boutenko’s enthusiasm! I prefer smoothies because I can include bananas and avocados :) However, I agree with s that celery and kale are better done in a juice… desert island scenario, I’d have to go with smoothies though.
I prefer smoothies as they keep me full for longer.
It’s smoothies for me.
I like both smoothies and juice, depends on my mood. Thanks for the book review and giveaway. I’d love to win a copy.
I prefer smoothies, myself. They just have more substance and are quite filling; as often as not, a big green smoothie constitutes my breakfast.
I prefer smoothies, but do sometimes add juice to them. I like keeping the fiber instead of losing it, as you do with juice, and I’m not confident that I would actually be able to efficiently use my leftover pulp.
Smoothies! Mmmmm, mmmm…I love the fact that I’m eating the whole food, getting all the fibre, a full meal that doesn’t make me hungry right away, and that if I want to I can pack all the nutrition, protein, greens, fruits, and fats that I need in one drink. How perfect…plus, they’re so yummy!
I prefer smoothies because I like the texture, and if the smoothie is nice and thick, it slows down my drinking of it, and if I am sipping slower, I enjoy it longer!
I prefer smoothies to juices. I am just starting to eat a lot more raw good and I love making green smoothies for breakfast; they are so quick, easy, and delicious! I don’t have a juicer yet, so it is difficult to make my own fresh juices. Smoothies are filling and fun to make.
Hmmm, tough one. I juice daily. Start every day with fresh green juice. It’s really the foundation of my raw lifestyle. But, at least 3-4 times a week, I’ll also make a green smoothie in the late afternoon.
Sooooooo…can I cast a vote for both? They are both just so beneficial for optimum health and longevity.
I prefer smoothies as they keep me fuller for longer and they are much easier to prepare and clean up than juices are. I do love my Champion Juicer but my Vita Mix just makes smoothies so much fun and effortless to prepare. And I can sometimes go all day until dinner on just smoothies. YUM.
I prefer smoothies also because they are more filling. And because I don’t have to clean the juicer :) In the winter I find myself drinking a lot of gently warmed juices or gently warmed smoothies… which are basically soups.
Smoothies - because I don’t have to clean my champion juicer afterwards! Seriously! Though I love juices, someone needs to invent a cheap, easy to dismantle and low heat juicer just for me! Or.. I could just stick with smoothies - I get to add fruit to my greens, things that might not go through my juicer or might not mix in combo in a juice…Purslane and Pear….yu-umm!
thanks for the book tip.
S
I’m CRAZY about green smoothies! I love them because of the bulky, sponge-like fiber that absorbs toxins and eliminates them from my body. Plus, they’re sososo yummy that when I consume them for long enough, I end up craving raw organic greens! Victoria and her family is AWESOME!!! I have her book already and don’t need another one; just wanted to comment. Thanks!
Oh my… just realized that the drawing is for the Green Smoothie Revolution book… I don’t have this book but would LOVE it!! I need more recipe ideas. Thanks!! Lisa (just commented a minute ago)
I love them both! I like to juice greens, celery, ginger, apple, and lemon. But I love blending greens with berries or mangoes, too.
I love smoothies, but I’ve just started juicing and am LOVING them SO MUCH!
I prefer smoothies, as I feel they’re more filling. And who doesn’t like to eat them with spoons? :)
ohmy- hard to choose between the two so I say BOTH please…I came to juicing first and have been doing it almost daily for about 4 years (even before I really started exploring “raw”) I love it always will, and it probably saved my life when I was very ill in ‘05…I started flirting with green smoothies a year or so later …I called them “greenies” when I first started mixing them and began to explode with ideas. Green smoothies became a major part of my life in the Spring of ‘08 and right about that time I read “Green for Life” and had a “greenpiphany” and decides to include them every day as well… I think what I liked was the way they brought back a lot of the excitement I used to have when I was younger about creating in the kitchen (I was a baking freak as a youngster)…I like also that they are more accessible, and a bit easier and less time consuming to whirl up then a batch of juice can sometimes be… love trying different blends and mixes-the spontaneity of it and have used fresh juice, rejuvelac, my own raw nut milk or yogurt-all sorts of playing and experimenting…possibilities are endless- I have even sometimes had a dream and woken up with an idea for a green smoothie in my head (a ‘green-dream, lol-crazy I know;)- most recently a broccoli, parsley, spinach, banana, pear blend with a pinch of cayenne, a spoon of nutritional yeast and a dash of maca-YUM )
….still nothing “beats” a beat , cabbage, carrot, apple, ginger juice when you are in the mood… I love the clean energy rush you get and the pulp makes excellent crackers, cookies, burgers or muffins with a bit of flax or chia, nuts & spices… and imagination …
so both please…:) don’t make me have to choose, my life and heath are enriched by including each…
the giveaway idea is so cool…THANKS for a chance…
The Green Smoothies are my lifeline- fresh, more filling than juice for my needs, and easier cleanup! I do enjoy juicing a few times a week, but GS are a daily must now.
Ingrid, I can’t find another way to contact you- please email me regarding the book (Nwenna Kai - “The Goddess of Raw Foods”) - thank you.
smoothies, i like the pulp and its more appetizing than just juice. easier to make too!
I like them both. But I love fresh green juices. Very alkalizing, light, super nutrient dense, gets quickly to every cell in my body. Also very very cleansing/ detoxing.
Smoothies are my preference. I love the green smoothies. I also enjoy green juice, but I feel like I need the fiber (plus I can’t stand to “waste” alot of plant material. Also, the juicing process with my high quality juicer is quite slow and labor intensive compared to blending. I have Green for Life, and I have been looking forward to getting a copy of Green Revolution. Victoria Boutenko is wonderful! I’m so grateful for her and her work.
Loved your shitake sushi post — such creative posts you have, love ‘em!
Smoothie vs Juice?
Hmmmm, smoothie. Just because juices sometimes are too powerful for me, can make me queazy.
I haven’t had smoothies in a while, got a bit bored with them. Perhaps this book will provide new inspiration!
I prefer smoothies most mornings because they are more filling. However, when I am needing an extra kick - I drink a green juice. Thanks for the review of the book - I’ve been wanting to check it out.
I prefer smoothies over juice because hey have loads of fiber & you can really be creative in what you put into the smoothies. Juice does not cut my craving when it comes to being my morning meal. Juice is great for fasting but smoothies hands down are my favorite!
i prefer the texture of juice, so smoooooth :D
I enjoy smoothies over juices as I find them more filling and I feel satisfied for longer. I still drink juices throughout the week, but not every day. I make a Vita-Mix full of smoothie and take it to work with me in a carafe and an insulated coffee cup. After filling the carafe and the insulated coffee cup I have a couple cups left in the Vita-Mix and I drink that before leaving for work.
It’s not a complete meal replacement for me, but it helps a lot and I don’t feel I need very much for lunch or snacks as I have my smoothie and since I made it, I know exactly what’s in it and I feel great about drinking it too.
I love Victoria’s books! I have Green for Life because it was suggested by my Colon Hydrotherapist, great book! This one looks fabulous! : )
I drink a smoothie and green juice everyday. The juice I drink before my workout and the smoothie after. I couldn’t live without either, I love them the same!
I prefer smoothies because they are so much higher in fiber and don’t spike your blood sugar as much. They’ve got substance and keep me regular :)
smoothies….more fiber!
it’s a tie.. but right now I am all about green, juice or smoothie, I will drink it!
deb xo
Smoothies are rawsome! so many variations from savory to sweet!
I prefer smoothies because I like a little extra fiber and texture–I usually have a smoothie for breakfast, and juices don’t fill me up enough to be a full meal.
I prefer juices because I feel an immediate rush, almost like a high after drinking green juice. But I hate cleaning the juicer, so when I am feeling tired or lazy, I go for a delicious green smoothie!
Smoothies! They are creamier and more filling!
I prefer smoothies because I do not have a juicer and I love the taste of smoothies. :)
andra
I prefer smoothies to juices because of the added nutrients and the fact that you can do whatever you want, add whatever you like, creatively, to the recipe - and it’s delicious every time and different every time.
I definitely like smoothies more than juices.
With a smoothie, I can make it as decadent as I want. I love creating my own frothy concoctions and have gotten pretty good at figuring out what flavors go together.
How can you possibly feel deprived when you’re sipping a Tropical Strawberry Dream?
I prefer smoothies to juice as it is less work and gives fiber.
Both! I crave my smoothies and green juices everyday - smoothies for breakfast & juices during lunch, and sometimes dinner too - YUMMY! But if I had to choose, then I would choose smoothies = less clean-up =)
I like a mixture of both. First I juice the hard vegetables-carrots, beets, celery, apples,etc.,-then I throw the juice in the blender with greens, herbs, aloe, maca, chia or whatever and yum,yum,yum. Can’t live without either of them. Would love to have the book, but if I don’t win it, hopefully, I will get it for Christmas. By the way, Happy Thanksgiving to all. We all have much to thankful and grateful for. This is a great community and learning to be healthy is a wonderful journey to be on as well as fun and creative. Thank you again.
Smoothies, because they are faster to make!
Enjoy and thank you!
I LOVE green smoothies! I am fairly new to RAW and with green smoothies I have so many options. Its a different experience everyday. I’m always on the search for a new mixture of different veggies and fruits. I like that I’m satisfied after drinking one and don’t get very hungry in between meals. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of this must have book.
I prefer smoothies. My girlfriend and I have replaced our breakfast with green smoothies, we have one every morning.
Thank you for participating in this giveaway drawing for Green Smoothie Revolution and sharing you preference between smoothies or juices. I enjoyed reading each entry. Now it is time to announce that winner of this wonderful book.
I am please to announce that John Plummer will receive a copy of Green Smoothie Revolution. Congratulations!!!