We all know that eating green, leafy vegetables and having regular doses of fruits in our diet is important for health.  But for me, the thought of sitting down to eat a salad each day is just not appealing.  Unfortunately, that meant that I was not regularly eating enough fruits and veggies.

Several months ago, I finally asked Carmen what in the world was in the green smoothie that she drinks at the clinic every day.  Spinach, banana, water, and a handful of frozen fruit.  Hmmm.  Still not appealing.  But, I have to admit, that once I tried her Greenie, I was hooked.  What an easy way to get your fruits and veggies!

Since then, Carmen, Dr. Abbie, and myself have started drinking Greenies daily.  We all have a different mix.  Most are delicious.  Some.....are not...  Here are a few combos that we've tried and loved:

Carmen's mix:
Handful of spinach
10 oz water
1 banana
handful of frozen fruit
Blend and then liquefy

Dr. Abbie's mix:
Handful of spinach
10 oz water
1 banana
handful of pineapple

Dr. Lindsey's fruit mix:
Handful of spinach
1 banana
handful of mango
1 apple
10 strawberries

Dr. Lindsey's veggie mix:
Handful of spinach
1 cucumber
1 green pepper
1 banana
1 apple
Honey to taste

I have tried replacing the spinach with swiss chard from my garden, but I can't say it tastes as nice.  There's just something about the chard that makes you not feel quite as happy about drinking veggies. 

These are a great way to start your morning or take a batch to work for a mid-afternoon pick me up.  Either way, it's an easy delicious way to get a good dose of fruits and veggies

A few weeks ago, I made the decision to carry a high quality Omega-3 (fish oil) supplement at the clinic.  I truly feel that the health benefits of Omega-3's are just astounding.  Unfortunately, we cannot get high enough amounts simply by eating fish in our weekly diet.  We have to supplement.  So what's all the hype about?  The following is a list of just a few health benefits you may experience when taking an Omega-3 supplement:

            -Decreases pain and inflammation. Omega 3 fatty acids, particularly EPA, have a very positive effect on your inflammatory response. Through several mechanisms, they regulate your body's inflammation cycle, which may prevent and relieve painful conditions like arthritis, allergy rhinitis, prostatitis, cystitis and anything else with an "itis" ending.
            -Improves cardiovascular health. Omega 3 fatty acids have also been proven to work wonders for your heart and the miles and miles of arteries and veins that make up your cardiovascular system. They help lower cholesterol, tryglicerides, bad LDLs and blood pressure, while at the same time increasing good HDL cholesterol.
            -Reduces depression and psychosis. Making you smarter is not all omega 3 does for your brain. Psychiatry department researchers at the University of Sheffield found that omega 3 fish oil supplements "alleviate" the symptoms of depression, bipolar and psychosis (Journal of Affective Disorder Vol. 48(2-3);149-55).
            -Increases both male and female fertility. Fish oil balances hormones, improves hormonal levels and increases blood flow to the uterus. The more Omega 3 fatty acids you get the greater your odds of conceiving.
            -Improves all around pregnancy health. Omega 3 fish oil has been shown to reduce the danger of pregnancy preeclampsia (high blood pressure), premature birth and postpartum depression. Fish oil fatty acids also facilitate a healthy placental blood flow and the efficient exchange of nutrients and oxygen between mother and baby and greatly contributes to proper brain development.
            -Lowers incidence of childhood disorders. Just to show how fish oil fatty acids leave nobody out, studies show that children (and adults) with ADD and ADHD experience a greatly improved quality of life. And those with dyslexia, dyspraxia and compulsive disorders have gotten a new lease on life thanks to omega 3 oils.

Talk to me at your next appointment to see if taking a fish oil supplement is right for you.  Taking just one teaspoon a day can have great benefits to your health and overall well being!