It’s been a week since we completed the 30-Day Jamaican Green Smoothie Challenge, and the momentum seems to be building instead of fading! So, I definitely have to offer an emphatic “Congratulations” to the 160 participants. *Loud Applause!*
We saw some beautiful and appetising pictures posted in the Jamaican Green Smoothies Facebook group, and a number of people shared how they had seen various benefits even 2 weeks into the challenge. Some of the changes observed were:
- Feeling Energised
- Decreased Cravings (coffee, sweets, greasy food)
- Improved Skin (eczema symptoms minimised, glowing skin,
- Improved Hair (healthier, shinier, thicker, longer)
- Improved Reproductive Health (PMS decreased, menstrual flow decreased)
- Improved Digestion & Elimination
- More Restful Sleep
- Boosted Immunity
- Weight Loss
Here are some of the testimonials:
Then, we had an exciting FREE webinar that was broadcasted online via Google Hangouts and it provided an Introduction to the Green Smoothie: Jamaican Style. In the 30-minute presentation, we covered:
* Green Smoothie Basics
* Green Smoothie Benefits
* Jamaican Leafy Greens & Fruits
* Blending Tricks & Tips
We were able to record the webinar and you can watch it here:
A Quick Lesson
Now, if you’re interest has been piqued and want to know more, I also published a very extensive compilation of Jamaica’s most frequently asked questions about green smoothies. So, if you have no idea what a green smoothie is or you have been drinking them for a while, you will get all your questions answered – in addition to other questions you never thought of. You will not regret checking it out: Link to FAQs. Then, since so many people want to SEE how it’s done, I posted a quick (spur of the moment) video in which I demonstrated the Jamaican Green Smoothie blending technique (for always getting a creamy, chunk-free smoothie). In fact, I used my cheap J$1750 blender to prove it works! I also discussed the 60/40 Rule and showed a neat and cheap way to get a Mason jar for taking your green smoothie with you. You can check it out below:
As a quick reminder: All edible leaves and fruits can be combined. Every vegetable can be classified into one of three groups:
1. Roots, e.g. carrot, potato, beetroot, turnip.
2. Fruits (flower, seed), e.g. cucumber, tomato, sweet pepper, string beans.
3. Leaves, e.g. spinach, cabbage, lettuce, pakchoy
Some people toss in non-leaf vegetables (like carrots, string beans or sweet peppers), but I don’t. The sole purpose of the green smoothie is to increase our intake of LEAFY greens (spinach, callaloo, lettuce, kale, celery, moringa, etc). The addition of ripe, sweet, fruit to the liquefied greens is what makes it taste yummy. We really don’t need anything else.
The Next 30-Day JGS Challenge
The next 30-Day Jamaican Green Smoothie Challenge will be starting on 1 March 2014. But, until then, don’t be afraid to start blending. Don’t be intimidated by ‘experts’ who throw 20 different ingredients and lots of exotic superfoods into their blenders. The concept behind the Jamaican Green Smoothie is that of developing a delicious and healthful habit, keeping it simple and keeping it inexpensive.
So, grab the callaloo from the backyard or the head of cabbage in the bottom drawer of the fridge and add some bananas, a squeeze of lime and a small piece of ginger. Don’t Complicate It!
