[Rabbit37]

I make smoothies for my breakfast every morning... plain non-fat yogurt, juice, and frozen fruit, along with a shot of ginseng. I was wondering if there were any other suggestions of additions I could make to help make them healthier, or help with energy? I'm not necessarily talking about vitamins, I take plenty of those, except that maybe I should try adding the B's? I know I should add wheat germ, but past that, I don't know what all can go in them, and I don't want to go to a vitamin store and get rooked into buying useless (and expensive) products that don't work. (what does bee pollen do, exactly?) And then there's the added factor of what might interact with my meds. And no, adding a splash of rum isn't an option, unfortunately.

Thanks for any help.

[Stacia]

I moved this to where members with more pertinent knowledge might see it.


Health food stores have powdered protein that might be beneficial, particularly if you are light on protein.

Just in case you haven't already done so, there also is adding fruit with complimentary juice. Banana and mango are two good ones. Actually, watermellon and canteloupe can be tasty, too. Frozen in cubes, they can take the place of ice cubes.

This post has been edited by Stacia: 19 November 2009 - 01:44 PM

[sorrel]

Bee pollen is a source of protein and vitamins, essentially.

You could add oat bran (fiber and protein.)

[JackBQuick]

I toss fiber crap into mine along with some cytomax (sometimes I don't have juice to put in so I mix up water and some sort of electrolight drink mix like cytomax). Seems to help out. I used to toss some Spirulina in... made my headaches and sinus crap do better. But now I mostly can't afford spirulina and it's harder to hide that from the kids.

I'm looking forward to NOT having to boost electrolight replacement once my damned leg is back in order... I'm getting there though 70% of full strength and getting there. Nuther story for Nuther time.

[null0trooper]

Rabbit37, on 19 November 2009 - 09:51 AM, said:

I make smoothies for my breakfast every morning... plain non-fat yogurt, juice, and frozen fruit, along with a shot of ginseng.

Ginseng is used frequently enough that your PI sheets should mention if there's a problem. Medication interaction checkers might miss it.

Liver enzyme interactions can be a problem with grapefruit juice - and your PI sheet WILL warn you about it if there's a problem.

Here's an idea: add half a cup or so of oatmeal to the mix. Aside from adding fiber, if you make the batch in the evening and leave it in the fridge overnight it sets up a bit, a bit like a whipped yogurt or some other dessert.

[grousemouse]

when i made them i did plain yoghurt, OJ or milk, an orange and a banana.

[Rabbit37]

Thanks for moving this, Stacia, and thanks for the replies, everyone. I'll try the items mentioned. I think I'm fine as far as protein, tho, I do eat meat, so I think I'll skip that. Hadn't thought about oat, and the fiber sounds like what I should have. I'll try the bee pollen too. Nullo, I'm too scared to drink grapefruit juice with *any* of my meds, plus it's too acidic for my taste. Letting the smoothie and oatmeal set up sounds good.

Thanks again for the suggestions. Cheers! <clink>

[dianthus]

A leafy green vegetable.

Yes, I really did write that.

Generally the fruit flavors will overpower the flavor of the greens as long as you don't add too much. Might make the color funky, though.

Also something orange like caneloupe, orange squash, pumpkin, etc.

[Rabbit37]

Reminds me of those sitcoms where they drink green smoothies. Urp. Spinach is pretty bland, tho, it wouldn't hurt to try that. Thanks!

[wondernut]

as long as the smoothie is smooth I hate the "healthfood store" kinds with powders and grit in them

I absolutely love avocados and coconut milk in smoothies

and a little pandan extract!

raw cranberries are great plentliful right now

and I like greens in mine ..kale ..parsley spinach

I also toss carrots sweet potatoes cooked pumpkin

beets are very good and make a pretty pink smoothie


to add protein I will use raw eggs
peanut butter or other nuts or seed butter tahini is good
no powders or tofu for me I do not like the texture
but almond milk is good in them
high fat yogurt ..buttermilk with mangos or a big handful of fresh mint and you have a lassi YUM!

This post has been edited by wondernut: 21 November 2009 - 10:13 AM

[sorrel]

You must have a very powerful blender for it to liquify hard things like carrots or beets. I don't think my blender would know what to do with a carrot.

[wondernut]

you can use blanched frozen carrots and partially cooked they are good for smoothies and puree up nicely!
that reminds me frozen corn and and cream or milk or coconut milk smoothies ...wow carbocharge your morning but really yummy!

This post has been edited by wondernut: 21 November 2009 - 10:16 AM

[wondernut]

ok one more and I will stop ..frozen strawberries ..frozen rhurbarb a bit of sugar (or whatever you use to sweeten) and some yogurt and water to thin