Years ahead of her time in the late 70s, my mother, treating her own cancer, would shove green concoctions under my nose while I ran as fast as I could in the opposite direction. My psychological aversion to green liquids didn't allow me to taste even once anything green my mother prepared. However, because of my mother’s years of success with a primarily raw diet, I found myself at a raw detox clinic in Puerto Rico after a grueling divorce. I struggled with the wheat grass shots, but finally managed to drink the stuff. Shockingly, I began to feel better. However, despite those “good feelings” and all of my alternative education over the years, change came very slowly for me. Not until my own cancer diagnosis nearly five years ago did I finally realize that if drastic changes weren't made in my diet and overall lifestyle, my life was on a high-speed downward spiral. Change was not immediate, nor has it been easy — it's been a real struggle. One minute I would be totally gung-ho; the next I would be eating a bag of "healthy" veggie chips. Who was I fooling? I'm happy to say that I've now graduated from the chip aisle! I no longer need to avoid walking down that aisle, but with a majorly "superior" attitude, I literally strut past the bags of chips with my head held high, not feeling even the slightest desire to grab a bag and inhale the contents. Candy bars at the checkout were another big downfall for years, but no more! Increasing my green consumption has made all of this possible. Amazing, huh? As my cells were flooded with nutrient-dense fruits and green veggies, my cravings for less than nutrient-dense foods have subsided nearly completely. How great is that? I mean, really, who would have ever thought that this woman would have to make a green smoothie at 11 pm?! I love this stuff ... and I'm honestly jumping with JOY! Give it a try — you will be, too! Jumpin’ JOY Juice 2 c fresh squeezed orange juice 1 c fresh or frozen strawberries 1/2 c fresh or frozen mango 1 kiwi, peeled 1 handful fresh or frozen red grapes 2 BIG handfuls spinach (or 2-3 kale leaves) 1/2 tsp vanilla 1 Tbsp chia seeds
