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Ajima Jackson

Day 7 – BWLW September Smoothie Challenge – 7 Benefits of Green Smoothies

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Broccoli, spinach, kale, celery, arugula, or wheatgrass in your smoothie?  A lot of people assume that the taste will be terrible when they see a green smoothie for the first time.  When you give it a try, you find that the fruit and other flavors overwhelm the greens most of the time.  Green smoothies are not only delicious, but very good for our health in terms of allowing the body to easily assimilate a variety of nutrients and vitamins at the same time.  Here are 7 benefits of drinking green smoothies.

  • NO artificial ingredients
  • Easy to digest.  The cell walls of the fruits and veggies are ruptured by blending so the body can absorb them.
  • Green smoothies are fiber rich and good for your digestion.  This is why so many of you ladies are experiencing better bowel health.
  • They taste good, so you want to drink them…unlike some other diet drinks.
  • The sugar in green smoothies is natural sugar, not fake sugars like processed white sugar, corn syrup or artificial sweeteners.
  • If you have an allergy to dairy or gluten you can still do fruit and veggie smoothies.
  • The body can detox and cleanse it’s self because you are eating food with high levels of fiber, high water content, and low processed chemicals.

Add some green to your smoothies today.  The easiest way is to buy baby spinach or kale and add a handful of two to your smoothie.  Using bananas or blueberries is the easiest way to mask any of the taste, but for the most part any sweet fruit will do the job.

Today’s Recipes:

Green Tea Smoothie

  • 1 1/2 cups green grapes
  • 1 cup washed spinach
  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 1 cup decaf green tea

Green Coco Mango – makes 2 servings

  • 2 cups ripe mango chunks (frozen works too)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 cups unsweetened coconut water
  • 1 sprig fresh mint
  • 2 handfuls of spinach
  • 1 teaspoon agave nectar

Green Berry Tofu – Great source of veggie protein

  • 1/2 cup silken tofu
  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 1 cup frozen blueberries
  • 1 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 2 handfuls of spinach or kale (washed)
  • 1 cup of water

Day 6 – BWLW September Smoothie Challenge – I took my own advice

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This post is a bit late because work has been…Crazy as a [beep].  Better late than never.  I’ve got 3 new smoothies recipes for you below.  Check out the previous days posts for other recipes.

I took my own advice from earlier in the week and added 1/2 cup of raw cashews to 2 bananas, water, and 2 cups of strawberries on Thursday morning to make this smoothie.  Yummy and creamy.  In the Nutribullet the cashews were completely broken down, but there were some chunks of frozen strawberry.  I’ll let it blend a little longer next time.

strawberry cashew banana smoothie
Strawberry Cashew Banana Smoothie

Today’s Recipes:

Peach and Avocado Dream

  • 1 ripe avocado, halved and pitted
  • 1 pitted peach
  • 1/2 cup vanilla greek yogurt
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 9 ice cubes

Mango Parsley Smoothie

  • 1 cup frozen mango
  • 1/2 pear
  • 1/4-1/2 cup parsley
  • 1 teaspoon of agave nectar
  • 1 big kale leaf (optional – little extra green)
  • 1 1/2 cups water

Green Energy Smoothie

  • 12 oz of brewed green tea
  • 4 large pieces of kale
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 cup blueberries, frozen
  • 1/4 cup regular rolled oats
  • 1 handful of almonds
  • 1 cup ice
  • 1 Tablespoon wheatgrass powder (optional)
  • 2 Medjool dates, pitted (you can substitute 1 tablespoon of agave nectar)

Sondra is down 41 lbs

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Sondra has lost 41 pounds by “just eating healthy and alot of walking.”
She says, “The pic on the left was almost two years, ago. I weight 265 pounds. the pic on the right i just took Thursday and I am weighing 224. My ideal weight IS 150. i know i can do it with gods help.” Simple changes over time can make a difference. Thank you for sharing, Sondra.

Black Women Must Support Each Other on this Weight Loss Journey

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Today’s Inspiration | African American women, Let ‘s support one another as we walk this journey to health together. You may not agree with another sista’s methods. You may feel that someone should work harder or is taking an easy route. This should not get in the way of us connecting and supporting each other.

We all have the right to make our choices and have them respected. We are smart women who know the benefits and negative points of the choices that have gotten us to this place in time in terms of out health. Let us lend an ear and share positive encouragement. Let us not be judgmental, but always willing to share our truths and hear the truths of others in kind. Let us see past our petpeeves and opinions to the real issues that our fellow sisters are dealing with and the support they need. Let us be open when our sista’s love feels like correction, but we really know it’s love.

BWLW is a community of like minded Black Women wanting to lose weight as part of their overall wellness goals. Let this be a place of unity and hope. A place of refuge for women who want to connect and share. – Ajima

Tiana went from 250 to 149!

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BWLW member Tiana went from 250 to 149 lbs.  Exercise was key to her success.  She shared her story with us on Facebook.
She says, “My Name Is Tiana I am 24 yrs old and 5’2 in height. about two years ago I was 250lbs I looked in the mirror and told myself something has to change. I was depressed, I didnt feel pretty, my confidence level was really low. So I decided to change my lifestyle and hit the gym. my first whole year I would workout and try my taste buds on all kinda different healthy eats. so I could try and move my lifestyle change along it was really tough just like anyone I struggled, I was lost I didnt really know If I was Eating the right foods and I was wondering if I eating enough, how much of this I should have etc. I managed to lose 45lbs on my own but I knew I just needed something more to help me achieve my goal. thats when I was interduced to a Man name Beau He has a program called Formula55 Website is www.formula55.com. he is a guy that is out of Tampa Fl, his program is made to transform your body in 55 days, his program is made to push your body to levels you never even thought that you would be able to achieve. Beau gives you a personalized nutrition plan, and through out his camp he has different classes you can attend to do your weight traning and cardio. and that is how I made it to my lowest weight at 149lbs I workout at least 5 days a week cardio is my friend but I mostly pay attention now to what I am eating and how much of it I am having. Change has took over me and My healthy lifestyle will not just stop here I have transformed into a new person. for the ones that is in the position that I was in just know that nothing is Impossible and that you can make a change. Like I tell people all the time for the ones that ask for my advice,. If you make at least one new change a day you will start to see your whole life do a 360. team fitness is my new saying and I hope that everyone will join the team to live this healthy and wonderful lifestyle. =]”
Great Job, Tiana!!

Day 5 – BWLW September Smoothie Challenge

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Today I’d like to share a short list of benefits that can come from drinking smoothies.

Hydration

If you’ve been drinking at lot of soda and coffee, you may not have been as hydrated as you think.  Most smoothies contain water, ice, dairy or nut milk.  This gives added hydration.  Also, since you’re not eating dry food, your body doesn’t have to pull water out of your system to rehydrate the food to digest it.  Not a replacement for water alone, but much better than processed drinks.

Calcium and Probiotics

If you are adding yogurt to your smoothies, you will not only get smooth goodness, but also calcium and probiotics.  Leafy green veggies like spinach are also a great vegan source of calcium in green smoothies.

Less Excuses for Eating Healthy

Smoothies are so easy to make that you don’t have an excuse for not trying them (unless you have a health issue or food allergy).

  • You don’t have to buy special powders or mixes.
  • You can get great, healthy ingredients at your local supermarket.
  • You can drink them on the go.
  • You can get a mini blender and use it at work.
  • You can combine the foods you like and leave out what you don’t like.

There is no good excuse for not giving it a try.

You Can Get Added Nutrition with Oils and Nuts

Just as many people are surprised that they can add leafy greens and veggies like broccoli to their smoothies, you may be surprised that with a powerful blender you can also add nuts (raw cashews, almonds, macadamia) and oils.  Fats from oils and nuts added to the carbohydrates you already have in your smoothies will make them more balanced in terms of nutrition.  You can also add oils like flax seed oil or olive oil.  A teaspoon or 2 will do.  I suggest cod liver oil or coconut oil as well.  Nuts and Oils are also great ways to add calories to your smoothies in a healthy way.

Today’s Recipes:

Strawberry & Almond (adapted from the NY Times)

  • 1 heaping cup frozen strawberries
  • 1 tablespoon almond powder (also known as almond flour) or finely ground almonds – (grind them in a food processor first if they are whole)
  • 1 drop almond extract
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 cup buttermilk (you can substitute a cup of plain yogurt)
  • 1 teaspoon honey

Add ice if desired.  Drink right away.   330 calories; 6 grams fat; 6 grams of fiber

Green Coconut Goodness

  • 1 frozen banana (you can make this with 2 if you like)
  • 2 cups kale (chopped)
  • 1 tbsp flax seed meal (optional)
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil (optional)
  • 1/4 cup milk (optional)
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

Cashew Kale Shake from Cadry’s Kitchen – Makes 2 servings

  • 4-5 leaves of any variety of kale (without center rib) – about 3 ½ cups
  • 3/4 cup vanilla soy milk  (Can be replaced with any non-dairy milk or water)
  • 1/3 heaping cup raw cashews
  • 2 Tbsp flax seed
  • 3 ripe bananas, broken into chunks and frozen
  • 6 ice cubes

Weight Loss Haters may be in Pain Themselves

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Today’s Inspiration | Your weight loss may make other people uncomfortable because it reminds them of how they feel about the pounds the they want to lose but haven’t. It may make people uncomfortable because they have been told that they are “Less Than” because they are overweight. It may make people uncomfortable because they will compare their beauty, health, and desirableness to yours and feel they come up short.

However, you are not responsible for their emotions or opinions. You may wish them the best, but you don’t have to be made to feel bad because of your weight loss victories. WE each have to deal with our issues and be self aware of the real source of our pain. When people attack you or second guess your choice to lose weight, look beyond their words and hear where the negativity is really coming from. If you do, you will be able to respond with compassion. – Ajima

Shay has lost 156 pounds! She is amazing!

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BWLW FB member Shay is Amazing!!! She has lost 156 pounds since Nov 2011!!  You can follow along with her on her journey via her Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ShaysTransformation.

She says, “Many will agree that losing weight is probably one of the hardest things to do. Last summer, I weighed in at almost 360 pounds. Standing only 5’6 and the heaviest I have ever been in my entire life, I knew I had to do SOMETHING…ANYTHING in order to rescue my knees, back, shoulders, and more improtantly health from impending doom. One day, after a therapy session with a client, the light bulb went off and it dawned on me that in order for me to lose the weight and keep it off for good, I needed to change my relationship with food and my attitude about exercise. Well, I did both and from November 28, 2011 to March 31, 2012, I lost 100 pounds which is what this picture reflects. Since March, I have gone on to lose another 56 pounds for a total of 156 pounds since November 2011. I still have about 40 more pounds that I want to lose and I plan on doing so by the end of the year. In the meantime, I just bask in the thought and the glory that I finally did what it takes to lose the weight and I plan on NEVER finding that which I have lost!”

Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring story with us, Shay!!

Day 4 – BWLW September Smoothie Challenge – Dealing with Detox

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It’s Day 4!  You’re doing it, Lady!!!  I’m so proud of everyone!  I’m going to share some info about detoxing symptoms today, but first let me give you our new recipes.

Today’s Recipes:  Today’s recipes come from LifeWithNature.com

Flat Tummy  “Rich in digestion supporting ingredients, this smoothie will help prevent bloating and digestive stress that can sabotage your tummy flattening efforts.”

  • 3/4 c. papaya
  • 3/4 c. sliced peaches
  • 1/2 pear, sliced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger
  • 2 mint leaves
  • Water to thin

Skin Saver – “Antioxidants in berries are known to help to fight wrinkles and other skin ageing signs.  Berries are also a great way to control blood sugar that can sabotage your complexion.  This smoothie also contains Omega 3, to fight inflammation, as well as vitamins E and C, both renown to help the skin.”

  • 3/4 c blueberries
  • 3/4 c pitted cherries
  • 5   strawberries
  • 1/4 avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 2 tsp wheat germ (optional)
  • 2 tsp ground flaxseed
  • Water, to thin

Peanut Butter Energy Booster – “This protein-rich and minerals-filled smoothie will give you long-lasting energy.  Cinnamon will help to control your blood sugar so your energy level won’t crash too quickly.”

  • 1 big banana
  • 1 scoop of natural hemp protein powder
  • 2 tsp of natural peanut butter
  • 1 handful of fresh baby spinach
  • 1/2 tsp of cinnamon
  • Water, to thin

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Detoxing

A few ladies have expressed concern about not feeling well during the smoothie challenge.  Are you dealing with any of the following symptoms?

  • Sleep issues
  • Skin breakouts
  • Bloating, stomach pains
  • Headaches (common if you’ve been drinking coffee or soda regularly)
  • Strange Food cravings
  • Loose stool and constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Irritable or Emotional
  • Stuffiness and Congestion
  • Flu like symptoms

All of these issues can be signs that your body is detoxing due to all of the fruits, veggies, and clean ingredients that you are eating.  Don’t worry.  This is natural. When you eliminate or cut back on certain foods, especially processed foods, your body is able to switch from processing chemicals and work on the accumulated toxins in your body. Your body use your liver, colon, skin, etc to get the toxins out.  This is great.  You will not only be shedding pounds, you will be shedding toxins.

As the toxins and garbage move out of your body this is what is causing you not to feel well.  Once 3-7 days pass you should start feeling better.  You can slow down the detox if it gets too bad by eating a slice of bread or white rice.  If you have really bad symptoms for more than 7 days, you may want to discontinue the challenge.

As a side note: I must repeat that because of how bodies dealing with illness deal with detox and extreme diet changes, people with diabetes, low blood sugar, kidney disease, liver disease, lupus,  impaired immune function, ulcerative colitis, terminal illness, epilepsy, or other serious health conditions should consult their doctor before going on any type of smoothie challenge, juice fast, etc.

Day 3 – September Smoothie Challenge – Add More Calories to Your Smoothies

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And the beat goes on!  We are dedicated and drinking nutritional goodness this month.  Keep the great recipes and reports coming in here, on Facebook and in our online community.

Today’s Tip – What can you add to your smoothie to get more calories?  I know that a few ladies have been concerned about getting too few calories when replacing their meals with smoothies.  It is very important that you still get adequate calories during this challenge.  You don’t want to drop below at 1300-1600 range at a minimum.  The only way to know how many calories you are getting is to use a calorie counting site like www.myfitnesspal.com or www.calorieking.com and put in your ingredients to get the calorie counts.  If you find that the totals are too low, here are some suggestions for adding more calories.

  • Add a natural sweetener like honey, raw honey or agave nectar
  • Add raw nuts (not roasted) – cashews, almonds, macadamia nuts
  • Add a tablespoon of olive oil
  • Add half of an avocado
  • Add flax seed or chia seed
  • Add 1/2 cup of cooked oatmeal (no instant!)
  • Add plain greek yogurt
  • Add a natural protein powder with no sugar added.
  • Add peanut butter (all natural, no sugar added, creamy)
Also, you may need to consider eating more.  You could have 2 smoothies and one regular meal (and healthy snacks) or 2 smoothies and 2 meals…or some other configuration of meals.  You have to determine what your eating goals are and how the September Challenge will compliment those goals.

Today’s Recipes:

Chiquita Banana’s Easy Peachy Keen Smoothie – Approx. 420 calories

  • 2   whole Chiquita Bananas, frozen*, peeled and chopped
  • 1   large Peach, peeled and sliced
  • 1   (6-oz.) carton nonfat Greek vanilla yogurt
  • 1   dash Nutmeg, optional

Kiwi Lemonade Iced Smoothie (makes 4 cups)

  • 2 cups grapes (red or green, but I prefer red grapes)
  • 1/2 lemon, peeled and seeded
  • 1/2  kiwi, peeled (trust me, you must peel it or you will get the hairiest smoothie ever.)
  • 3 cups of ice.
  • Put it all in a blender and blend

Carrot, Mango, and Herb Smoothie from WholeLiving.com – (225 calories per serving, 2 servings)

  • 2 cups frozen mango chunks
  • 1 cup fresh carrot juice
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh herbs, such as mint, tarragon, or basil