I finally watched the documentary Forks Over Knives and was very impressed. Often times documentaries can let their emotions get in the way of the information conveyed. This is definitely the best veggie documentary I’ve ever seen. It’s based on countless long-term research studies and, really, the evidence is indisputable. It’s true that I’ve incorporated dairy back into my diet the last few months, but this documentary has inspired me to go back to being mostly vegan. I’m sure the fact that I watched this film on a day when I’m feeling dreadfully yucky thanks to some spicy, greasy food, and beer last night also played a role. I feel so ashamed. I also ran 7.5 miles yesterday and I think not replenishing my fluids was a big factor in my being up all night with shooting stomach pains. I can’t remember the last time I felt this horrible.

But no more! healthy whole plant-based diet with way less simple carbs, grease, beer (and spice because I’m just a major wimp) here we come!

I highly recommend this film. It’s a must-see.

I’m a fan! This has a really nice flavor to go along with the its lovely orange-peach hue. And the goji berries provide a plethora of health benefits! What’s not to love? (serves 2)

In the blender:

• 1 orange, peeled
• 1 white peach
• 1 banana, peeled
• 1 carrot, peeled
• 1 sprinkling of dried goji berries
• ice and water

Growing my own food is something I’ve long fantasized about. I thought I was lacking in green thumbery. And my thumb never proved otherwise until now. I love my plants. Watching these tomatoes go from green to red has been pretty entrancing. Cherish the small victories.

Papaya adds a great smooth texture to a smoothie. Also adds great color. Mellow, lovely flavor.

In the blender:

• 2 big slices of papaya
• 6 strawberries
• 2 peeled carrots
• 1 radish
• ice and water

Delightful! Not too sweet, not too tart. A pleasant green drink. (makes 2 healthy servings)

In the blender:

• 3 kiwis, peeled
• 1/2 a cucumber, peeled
• 1/2 a zucchini, peeled
• 1/2 a celery stalk
• water and ice

The little flecks are from the kiwi seeds.

In honor of a great first day of grad school orientation, I decided to make something a little more deserty. And put it in a fancy wine glass. Classin’ it up a bit, folks!

My husband says it tastes like magic. I tend to agree.

In the blender:

• 1 banana
• 2 handfuls of chopped pineapple
• 1 orange
• a sliver of ginger
• 1/2 C vanilla soymilk
• 1/2 a yellow squash, peeled
• ice and a little water

Top with cinnamon for a euphoric and creamy delicacy! (makes 2 healthy servings)

It’s just a really nice smoothie with a ridiculous name. Soothing flavors. Not too powerful. Just good. (makes 2 healthy servings)

In the blender:

• 1 banana
• 3/4 cucumber
• 2 apricots
• 1 Golden Delicious apple
• ice and a little water

I’ve unintentionally color-coordinated my drinks today. This morning was pink juice. This evening is a pink smoothie. An incredibly tasty pink smoothie! Yum yum. (serves 2)

In the blender:

• 1/2 a cucumber, peeled
• 1/2 a yellow squash, peeled
• 1 kiwi, peeled
• handful of Concord grapes
• 1 apricot
• handful of chopped pineapple
• 1 radish
• handful of ice and a little water

Here are the before and after blender photos. See the cute little radish on top? Precious.

The hubs is a little hungover today, so I decided to wrastle up lots of nutrients to revive him.

This juice has a lovely pink/salmon hue. And it tastes sooo good. No joke.

Ingredients

• 2 sliced carrots
• 1 celery stalk
• 1 Golden Delicious apple
• handful of concord grapes
• sliver of ginger
• 2 handfuls chopped pineapple
• handful of Russian red kale
• water

Served over ice. This is definitely one of my favorites. Cheers!

I’ve already had a pretty fantastic day. Slept in a bit, started my day off with a delicious Carrot-Orange-Pineapple Drink, went for a perfect weather bike ride, bought a bunch of books at Borders’ going out of business sale, read outside, and now I’m rounding out the afternoon with a refreshingly tangy neon green drink.

Ingredients:

• 3 celery stalks
• 3 Brussels sprouts
• lemon juice
• big wad of kale
• water

Served over ice. Great afternoon refresher!