A Tropical Green Smoothie

So, I've kind of not been eating breakfast lately. It's not the best thing to do...I know this. I'm aware this is no bueno, but you know sometimes in the morning you just really can't bring yourself to eat anything! Yea, that's been me for like the last month. Anyways, so instead of actually consuming breakfast, I've just have been making these gianormous green smoothies in the mornings, then drinking them for lunch! It must be muscle memory or something. I make enough for Todd too of course. He's like a little kid...gotta sneak in those veggies where you can. Potato bread with Earth Balance morning, noon and night is not an acceptable diet. Hey, I never said we were perfect. I'd live solely off banana chips if I knew it could adequately sustain me...

What's this mean for you, dear reader? It means a green smoothie recipe! Yay! As always, use what works for you and what you have on hand.

That's a blender full of health right there.

A Tropical Green Smoothie

Inspired by...just me

Makes 5 cups

• 2 cups non-canned coconut milk (or other non-dairy milk)
• 2 large handfuls of baby kale or spinach
• 1 1/2 cups frozen tropical fruit mix (mine was mango, pineapple, strawberries and peaches)
• 1/2 cup frozen berries (whatever type you prefer, I used blueberries, blackberries and raspberries)
• 1/4 tsp. fenugreek seeds (optional)
• 2 Tbsp. loose leaf green tea
• 2 Tbsp. whole flax seeds
• 1/2 tsp. erythritol or other sweetener
• splash of vanilla extract
• dash of ground cinnamon

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Pour the milk into the blender first, followed by the kale and finally the frozen fruits and remaining ingredients. Blend well, about 1-2 minutes.

Oh green, tropically goodness.

Mute(ish) Monday

Meet Bailey 

Aliases include, but are not limited to: Bob, Robert, Bobbert, Mr. B, Bibbles, Bobbles, and Bobbledore.

He is our furry son.

Animals are our friends.

Hearty Miso Soup

This soup is umami, and as a vegan, that can be hard to come by.

Not in the mood to cook? Good, me neither. Don't worry though, I have a pretty darn good solution that doesn't involve much participation. If you're feeling lazy, take comfort in the fact that there's not a lot prep. If an ugly day reared it's head, a little chopping can be cathartic...so that's good news.

I have more good news. Eat soy. Especially if you have the sex chromosomes XX. There's a lot of misconceptions about soy...and starring in life as a mammographer, I know a lot about breasts and I know a lot about soy. People, soy is good for you. Try to consume it in a whole foods form though, don't be a junk food vegan. That's no bueno.

Just check out some of these sweet benefits of soy:

"Soy products, an affordable investment in your health, are now included in the USDA dietary guidelines. Studies also increasingly show that the phytoestrogens and antioxidant power of the phytonutrients in soy can be effective in protecting against cancer and diseases like emphysema (COPD). Soy is the #1 source of isoflavones and may provide protection against breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Consuming soy-based products has been shown to suppress the fat storage mechanism and to prevent increases in abdominal fat. Soymilk, though, like cow’s milk, may interfere with the benefits of tea such as chai. But as long as it’s shaken, it can provide the same amount of calcium as cow’s milk. Phytoestrogen intake through soy consumption in menopausal adult women may help to reduce hot flashes, while for young girls it is effective may help delay the onset of premature menarche and puberty. Since soy products such as tofu, tempeh, and edamame appear to help lower cholesterol (though not as much as other beans), a soy-based Atkins diet is not dangerous like a meat based one is (though the tofu should not be made with formaldehyde). Another benefit is that bacon derived from soy does not appear to emit carcinogens when cooked, unlike bacon derived from pigs." - Source: nutritionfacts.org

If you happen to be a self-enriching type of person (I hope you are) and wish to educate yourself more on soy and/or breast cancer check out these links.

Hearty Miso Soup

Inspired by Pickles & Honey

Serves 4 to 6

• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 2 cups water
• 3 carrots, matchstick chopped
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 15oz block of firm tofu, drained and chopped into small squares
• 1/3 cup miso paste
• 3 nori seaweed sheets, chopped into small squares
• 3 to 5 oz rice noodles, uncooked

In a large saucepan bring vegetable stock and water to a boil. Meanwhile, chop vegetables, tofu and seaweed.

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Add the vegetables only, as soon as they are all chopped. Once the stock and water comes to a boil, turn the heat down to low and simmer with the veggies for about 5 minutes.

Next, add the tofu and cook for about 3 additional minutes. Remove the pot from heat and add the miso paste and stir until combined. Now, add the seaweed and rice noodles. Ensure that all the noodles and seaweed are submerged and let them soak for about 10 minutes.

Done! There, you've made a delicious, healthy, quick meal and you're helping to prevent breast cancer! This is no excuse for not performing self exams or not having an annual mammogram...I'm talking to you, ladies over 40! Save those ta-tas and eat that soy!

Disclaimer: Ladies, I'm not a doctor okay, so do what your doctor tells you. Your provider is the boss!