2014... A Healthy New Year!

Exciting News... Green Smoothies Mom has some new ventures coming up in 2014!

 

 Stay tuned and make sure you sign up for all the new support I'm offering towards a Healthy Lifestyle which includes:

  New classes, a News-Letter, Meet-Up Groups for Shopping and Movies, and an Amazing New Support Group!

  I have been hearing your requests and want to help you all continue with High Energy and Great Health!...

 

Wishing you all, Peace, Love and Great Health in the New Year!
<3 ~Regina GSM

 

Quinoa & Black Bean Chili

*Quinoa & Black Bean Chili*

 

                                                         Perfect for a Meatless Monday or Anytime!

I whipped-up this quick pot of deliciousness last night and made a whole lot of extra quinoa so that I can make a few fast dinners this week.
Quinoa is extremely versatile so dinners don't seem redundant! Make sure to always use organic and non-GMO ingredients whenever possible...

1 Tbs. grape-seed or coconut oil

1-2  Lg. Onion-chopped
1-2  red or orange bell peppers-chopped or (1 bag frozen pepper mix)
1 jalapeno pepper- chopped (optional)
3  garlic cloves-chopped
2 cans-Black Beans (rinsed and drained)
1-1/2 C. frozen corn (organic or non-GMO)
2 Lg. (28 oz.) cans diced tomatoes

1 can-  small Pitted black olives drained  (chopped slightly if med. or lg.)

2 Tbs. cumin

2 tsp. oregano 

2 Tbs. onion powder (optional)

3 tbs. chili powder

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper to taste (optional)

1/4 C. Cilantro-chopped

3-4 Cups cooked quinoa 

In a medium size pot simmer 2 cups of quinoa in 4 cups boiling water as per directions.
While quinoa is cooking 15-20 minutes, in a large seperate pot saute onions, garlic, and peppers until soft then add remaining ingredients except for quinoa. Bring the pot to a boil and simmer for about 10 min.

Stir in the cooked quinoa, mix and serve!

*This recipe is absolutely delicious!
Enjoy! 
<3  ~Regina GSM

*GSM Tip, double the quinoa recipe so you have extra quinoa for dinner on a different night.
 Remember, to cook once- eat twice saves you time and energy!


                                                      

Smoothies for Health Class @ Montvale Library

 

Great News !

I will be hosting a FREE Green Smoothies Class at the Montvale Library

Tuesday, November 19, 7:00-8:30 pm

FREE EVENT: Smoothies for Health Talk & Demonstration

Health coach/wellness advocate Regina Hanrahan (aka Green Smoothies Mom) will talk about and prepare samples of nutritious and delicious health drinks. Free samples and recipes will be provided.

Registration to this free event is limited to 12, so register early!

 If they say the class is full ask to be put on the waiting list.

Register for this free event in person, by phone (201-391-5090) or by email to montvalelibraryprograms@gmail.com

 

Perfect Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

 I created this delicious vegan Pumpkin Smoothie last October with the help of my 13 year old son (my official taste tester). It was such a hit with my kids, but I forgot to archive my recipe so I attempted it once again this year and my son said it tastes exactly the same!

This smoothie is like drinking pumpkin pie flavored ice cream, it can be served as  breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up or even dessert. Best of all it is healthy!

A 1/2 cup of  pumpkin only has 50-calories, < 1-g fat, and 4-g fiber. Pumpkin is an excellent food source of Vitamin A, an antioxidant providing about 19,000 IU, about 300% of the Recommended Daily Value, and is rich in iron and beta-carotene a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. 

Always try to use organic fresh or canned pumpkin and ingredients.

 Perfect Pumpkin Pie Smoothie 

1 C. *vanilla almond milk (or any vanilla flavored non-dairy milk) 

1/2 C. pumpkin puree

1-2 tsp. pure maple syrup (grade B)

2 tsp. chia seed (allow seeds to soak in the milk for 5-10 min. before blending or pre-grind seeds)

1 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice OR you can add 1/2t. Cinnamon, 1/4 t. ginger,1/4 t. nutmeg,1/4 t. allspice

1 frozen banana (sliced)

1 C. ice

Blend ingredients  until creamy and serve.

 This delicious and highly nutritious  Smoothie take less than 5 minutes to prepare and is great way to get veggies into your kids. The chia helps give the smoothie a nice custard like texture while providing extra calcium, fiber, and protein. 

* vanilla almond milk options- I use the sweetened type, but you can also use unsweetened and add extra maple syrup or vanilla coconut palm sugar, or you can use any unflavored non-dairy milk and add vanilla extract.

Enjoy! 

<3 ~GSM

Cheers... To Great Health!

 Celebrating our 1st Year in our journey towards Amazing Health!

Hey Everyone...Can you believe it's already been a year since I first began sharing my healthy recipes and lifestyle tips with you all on Facebook?
I sure hope you are enjoying the journey to Amazing Health!

If you feel that this page is helpful to you and possibly to others, please share this page by sending those whom you think might be interested an invitation to Like Green Smoothies Mom!
By sharing this page, it helps me spread my message of better-health awareness...
Thank you Everyone!  xoxo
♥ ~ Regina~ (Green Smoothies Mom)

Healthy-Lunch Workshop

Learn how to get creative in preparing fun, appetizing, and nutritious lunches that you and your kids will love. Gluten, Dairy, Meat, and Nut-Free options will be provided as well!

 The Back-to-School Healthy-Lunch Workshop will be held on
Thursday September 12^th

 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
 $25 (recommended donation)

Contact Regina for more information or to reserve a spot in this class.

greensmoothiesmom@gmail.com

201-245-8175

In the Heat of Summer… Taco Recipe

In the Heat of Summer…  Taco Recipe

    

Too hot to cook?

Summer tomatoes are here and make delicious salads and dishes.

Taco’s make a delicious dinner that is quick and easy to prepare, without overheating your kitchen. Simply chop up some garden-ripe tomatoes, fresh cilantro, zucchini, and red or green onion.  Place them in a bowl, then toss with a little fresh squeezed lime juice and a sprinkle of cumin and smoked chipotle pepper    I recently found Blue-Corn Taco Shells made by Garden of Eatin’ and 365 Brand (Wholefoods market) which are non-GMO and have a superior flavor and texture over the yellow corn version. Spread a layer of your favorite refried beans or refried black beans; add a layer of leftover quinoa if you like then scoop in your seasoned tomato-veggie mix and some shredded greens (optional). You can add a dollop of guacamole if you don’t have a ripe avocado.

Remember…Anything goes in summer tacos… just load ‘em up and enjoy the summer-fresh flavors!

 

<3 Green Smoothies Mom

*Quinoa and Black Bean Chili*

Perfect for a Meatless Monday dinner!

I whipped this quick pot of deliciousness last night and made a whole lot extra quinoa so that I can make a few fast dinners this week.
Quinoa is extremely versatile so dinners don't seem redundant! Make sure to always use organic and GMO-Free ingredients whenever possible...

Quinoa and Black Bean Chili Recipe:

1 Tbs. grapeseed or coconut oil

1-2  Lg. Onion-chopped
1-2  red or orange bell peppers-chopped or (1 bag frozen pepper mix)
1 jalapeno pepper- chopped
3  garlic cloves-chopped
2 cans-Black Beans (rinsed and drained)
1-1/2 C. frozen corn
2 Lg. (28 oz.) cans diced tomatoes

1 can- Pitted black olives (chopped slightly)

2 Tbs. cumin

2 tsp. oregano

2 Tbs. onion powder

3 tbs. chili powder

1/4 C. Cilantro-chopped

4 Cups cooked quinoa

In a seperate pot cook quinoa per directions.
While quinoa is cooking 15-20 minutes, in a large pot saute onions, garlic, and peppers until soft then add remaining ingredients except for quinoa. Bring the pot to a boil and simmer for about 15 min.

Add the cooked quinoa, mix and serve

Tip~ Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro

<3 Green Smoothies Mom

SIMPLY AWESOME POTATO SALAD

                            Looking for a Great Potato Salad  recipe?

SIMPLY AWESOME POTATO SALAD

5 Lbs. red or new potatoes- chopped, boiled, and cooled

1 cup celery -chopped

1/2 red onion-chopped or 4 green onions

1 red bell pepper
1/4 C dill-chopped

1/2 C veganaise or mayo

2 Tbs. Dijon mustard

2-3 Tbs. sushi or rice wine vinegar

Salt & Pepper

Toss all of the chopped veggies and and dill with the potatoes and mix the the mayo, Dijon mustard and vinegar together and pour over potatoes. stir and refrigerate for a few hours.

Tip- I like to use veganaise over regular mayo for hot summer BBQ's because there is no egg and tolerates heat better.

 

<3 Green Smoothies Mom

Conventional vs. Organic

Today's Hot-Topic...

Conventional vs. Organic... It's really not an option anymore! 

Did you know that Monsanto, the makers of DDT, Agent Orange, Round-Up and Aspartame manufacture the seeds for the crops that we eat EVERY DAY???

Since I don't seem to get too much response when I post about the detriments of GMO's and "Round-Up Ready" crops, I have to assume that either you are completely informed or completely unaware of the state of crisis our country’s food and health are in.
I just want to make sure that You Are All Aware of their harmful effects on our health, just by eating everyday foods like breakfast cereal, bread, all baked goods, cakes, cookies, all fried foods French fries, ice cream, yogurt, milk, soy milk, fast food, even your Chinese take-out...
Most of the prepared foods we buy whether from a restaurant or store (as simple as a box of cereal or loaf of bread) contain GMO's simply because they contain one or more of these specific basic ingredients such as corn, corn syrup, corn oil, soy, soybean oil, canola oil, rice, milk, just to name few...
Maybe I am posting too much about this highly controversial subject and possibly being redundant, and if this is the case, PLEASE let me know! But from what I'm witnessing at the supermarket, the majority of consumers fill their carts with the GMO saturated cereals, milks, breads, snacks, lunchmeats and processed foods, without so much as a glance at their labels. Even our meats (chicken, beef and pork) are modified with hormones and antibiotics and they are fed GMO's as well. There are still some people today who can't get past whether a food has been frozen, and refuse to eat it believing that it’s freshness has been compromised. Freezing food actually preserves the freshness but might possibly alter it's taste slightly (usually with fish or meats). Fruits and veggies, grains, seeds and nuts retain more of their nutrients and enzymes because they are usually frozen the day they are picked.
My concern here for everyone is that you the consumer are AWARE!!!!
OUR CHILDREN ARE MOST AT RISK!
I know as a parent I wouldn't intentionally want to feed my child formaldehyde (diet drinks, puddings, and ice cream containing aspartame) or foods that would put them at higher risk of sterility, cancer, autism, immune-suppression, and food allergies, (studies point to GMO's).
But, everyday foods being served to our children contain these poisons and most of the time without our conscious

awareness.
“Well they couldn’t sell it if it was bad for you, Right?” ’While still so many many people trust our FDA’s judgment because they are a government agency, the fact is that former corporate employees, researchers and lawyers of Monsanto now head the FDA. This situation certainly does reek of “The Fox Overseeing the Hen House” and has completely revoked my confidence in government health protection and food safety.
There is still a silver lining and hope here and that is ORGANIC! While not all conventionally grown foods are nutritionally compromised or contaminated, the best way to know is by reading the labels. Since GMO labeling is not yet mandated yet in the U.S., you aren’t going to see any warnings on the labels, so the best ways to be certain that you are not buying Genetically Modified foods is by buying foods which are labeled either Organic or non-GMO, NON-GMO Project, Non-GMO Verified.
Organic labeling used to be just about whether some fruits and vegetables were sprayed with pesticides or not… today it’s a whole different deal! Not only do we have pesticides, but herbicides and genetic mutation of our crops as well.
We as a nation are getting sicker and we need to speak up to our government and convince them that we are not sheep and will not be led blindly to slaughter. Many other countries have preceded us in this feat and have prevailed! We as nation can win this battle for the right to healthy foods by doing our part, which can be simply done by not purchasing GMO foods. Our dollars speak volumes and have the most voting power, so vote with your spending and in the meantime your and your family’s health will benefit. It really can be a win-win for us all!

 <3 Green Smoothies Mom

Original artical  posted on May 23rd

Rice Noodles in Peanut Sauce

Rice Noodles with Veggies in Peanut Sauce

This recipe is awesome... I was able to please everyone in the family which is hard to do...
This is so easy and quick to make that it just might become my new Go-To dinner for those crazy-busy evenings.

Rice Noodles with Veggies in Peanut Sauce

1 Lb. Brown Rice Spaghetti or Whole Wheat Spaghetti (Reserve 2 cups pasta water)
3/4 Cup Peanut Butter
6-8 Tbs. Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce or Bragg's Liquid Aminos
1 tsp. Garlic Powder
3 tsp. Chili Sauce
1 Bag Frozen Vegetable Medley (pref. Asian mix)
2 Tbs. Rice or sushi Vinegar
2 Tbs. Toasted Sesame Oil

1.Mix the sauce while water is boiling for the pasta.
2. Add frozen veggies to cooked pasta during the last minute of cooking. (reserve 2 cups of the water)
3. In a blender  mix all the ingredients for the sauce and blend. Then add between 1-2 cups of the reserved cooking water to the sauce and blend  to a creamy consistency.
4. Drain cooked pasta and veggies, place them into a lg. bowl, pour peanut sauce over the pasta and toss.
These are approx. measurements for 1 Lb. of pasta, adjust them to however much pasta you are making.  I made 1-1/2 Lbs. pasta so I used 1-1/2 bags of veggies and 1 cup peanut butter.

Hemp and Raw Chocolate Smoothie Recipe

                Hemp, originating in Central Asia, has been around for centuries, and is now readily available at most supermarkets.... Many people confuse hemp with marijuana, but hemp is not psychoactive, so food sources of hemp will not get you high. It is considered a Super-food with nutritional properties that are just too great to ignore. Just 3 Tbs. of hulled hemp hearts or (seeds) have 10g of protein, 3g of fiber, and less than 1g of sugar. Hemp is extremely high in Iron, Thiamin, Manganese, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc and B Vitamins. It also contains all three Essential Fatty Acids... Linolenic Acid (LA), Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) and Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA).

Hemp has a deliciously nutty flavor and is an extremely healthy addition to any smoothie, salad, cereal, baked goods or granola bars!

     As Green Smoothies Mom, I am committed to  teaching you how to make the Highest Energy Smoothies, Meals, and snacks possible. This Hemp and Raw Cacao recipe that I'm sharing with you today is a favorite with my teen-age son (and his friends). It's great for whenever he needs an after-school pick-me-up before starting his afternoon activities or sports. It's also a great way to sneak more greens into your children's diet. These smoothies actually taste better than the chemically laden ones from the coffee-houses, so I always make a little extra for myself!

Ingredients:

•  2 C. *Chocolate Non-dairy Milk (almond, coconut, hemp, rice) 
•  2  TBS. Raw Cacao Powder 
•  3-4 TBS. Raw Shelled Hemp Hearts
•  1 TBS. Chia Seeds 
•  1/4  Ripe Avocado
• 1/2  C. Baby Spinach (optional) ( I guarantee you'll never see or taste it!)
• 2 Very ripe Bananas
• 1  C. Ice

Place all the  ingredients except the ice into a blender and blend well, then add ice to blended ingredients and blend again until smooth and creamy.

* You can also use a Vanilla flavored, or an unsweetened milk if you prefer and sweeten the smoothie with Stevia, raw agave, raw honey, or dates.
** This recipe is Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, and Vegan.

Free Kombucha Workshop- Wed. March 13th

Learn how to make your own Pro-biotic drinks at home for pennies...

There are many benefits from drinking kombucha tea like improved digestion, better skin, stronger immunity and anti-aging effects, it’s no wonder everyone is finding out about probiotic-rich fermented foods and drinks.

I will be hosting a Free-Class on how to properly brew your own kombucha safely and in-expensively at home. 

We will also discuss how to make other fermented and healthy drinks such as Kefir and   Yerba-Mate.

For this class you will need to bring a 1 gallon size jar and a 1 quart size jar (with lids if possible)

This class is free and will fill up quickly so only serious 'Bucha-ers need sign up!

Wednesday March 13th, at 7:30 ~  to sign up or for more information, Please message me or email me at greensmoothiesmom@gmail.com

 

Creamy Sweet-Potato Soup Recipe

 

♥ Creamy Sweet-Potato Soup Recipe ♥

I received so many requests for this recipe, so here it is...

It is officially Soup Weather!
The last 2 mornings I've woken up to a frigid 7 f. degrees and have craved nothing but hot soup. Yesterday I went to the store and bought ingredients to make at least 4 different types. Last night I started with a Sweet-Potato soup because I didn't have a lot of time. I was surprised when the family remarked on how tasty it was and that they couldn't believe it had such odd and simple ingredients.
It was Healthy and Delicious! Here's the recipe...

3-4 LBS. yams or sweet potatoes- sliced thin (the thinner the faster they will cook)
1 can coconut cream
2 Limes-(juice)
1 TBS. peanut butter
1 Lg onion or 2 small- chopped
2 TBS. coconut oil or cooking oil
4 TBS. powdered ginger or 3 TBS. fresh grated
6 cups water
2 veg. bouillon cubes (I use Rapunzel w/turmeric) optional
     or 1-2 tsp. turmeric instead
1TBS. Himalayan or sea salt (optional)
Saute onions in coconut oil then add all of the water and all of the ingredients except for the P.B. and lime.
allow soup to boil then simmer for 20-30 min the add P.B. and lime. Take off the heat and blend with an immersion blender or pour into blender, this will make the soup thick and creamy!
♥ GSM

*Recipe from my Facebook Page originally Posted on January 24th

 

February Is National Heart Health Month

                            <3 Happy February <3

  Since February is National Heart Health Month,  Let's focus on our Heart's health and hopefully after one month's time we will establish good heart healthy habits! This month I plan to add a few more articles and recipes regarding the Heart, and this will include a lot about Raw Chocolate, it's what my heart desires and because it's soooo healthy... for that I am Grateful!

      Taking care of your heart is no more complicated than taking care of any one part or the entirety of your body. When we treat our body with respect by making better, more informed basic choices regarding diet and exercise, it will thank us infinitely by allowing us to perform, as well as pursue most anything we desire. 

       Naturally we desire food... Since we must eat in order to survive, we must consider that food is actually fuel for our bodies. Choose natural, healthy sources which will provide you with optimal energy rather than processed chemicals which will slow you down and eventually leave our bodies vulnerable to diseases. If we diligently look we will find that there are delicious healthy foods such as chocolate, when not processed, can actually be healthy. It really must become our responsibility, not our government's, to learn about proper nutrition so that we can choose our own health's destiny. We are taught at a very young age that consuming processed sugar, saturated fats, and chemically treated foods and beverages are all the norm and  necessary to fit into society. We are taught that this nutritionally void food-like stuff is perfectly safe to eat,  because our government headed food agencies tell us so.

          Not sure where to begin? Let's start slowly by consciously choosing to drink more water, eat  a lot more fresh fruit and veggies,  and cut back on the acid and mucous causing sugary drinks, fatty meats and dairy, and chemically laden, processed snacks. Try to stick with foods that are from a plant rather than made at a plant. These few guidelines alone will get you off to a great start toward improving your own heart health!

      Naturally we desire Love...  While Love is often equated with food, food has become for some a substitution for love, and even an emotional and physical crutch. Many people have become emotionally, and especially physically, dependent on chemically treated  processed foods which trick the brain into a temporary euphoric state, which then leads to addiction.  This addiction causes cravings for more of these chemicals and we just feel awful until the next fast-food or junk-food fix! Since most Americans Love to eat, it is no surprise that 1/3 of us fall into the range of overweight or obese. It's not completely our fault that this is happening, but surprising that in this age of communication, we are kept in the dark about what we consume, until it is too late and our health has already been compromised. Even then, due to the Love for money, corporations and the medical industry conspire to profit as much as possible from our illness by spreading their propaganda that drugs are the only cures and by not requiring mandatory food labeling.  We need to open our eyes to such exploits so that we can clearly discern what is being done to us,  and enable ourselves to make the choice whether  to stay on this deadly coarse, or to make the necessary changes. We must choose to  Love ourselves first, then our choices for healthier living will come a lot easier.

     Naturally we desire to active... Well-bodied, healthy, energetic people cannot just physically sit idly. Our bodies and minds need to see, move, and experience all that they are called to be.  When we have a healthy heart and body, there is no stopping us. To maintain our peak well-being, we must remember a few basics, and basics really is the operative word. By continuing to eat a basic diet of unprocessed foods, keeping our bodies physically, mentally, and emotionally fit with basic daily exercise as well as creative hobbies, our hearts will not be able to thank us enough, and will probably want to extend it's life significantly in order to repay it's gratitude!

       Loving  yourself as well as each other is just another great exercise for our hearts... so spread the Love and it will come back to you a thousand fold! 

         Much Love~ Regina xo