Trader Joe's Essential Greens Veggie Juice

I've been a little lazy about my green smoothies lately.

Between running to the coop for organic veggies and actually throwing everything together in the vitamix every morning, life has gotten in the way of me drinking my greens.

Trader Joe's to the rescue. Isn't that always the case?? Thank healthy heavens for Trader Joe's and their myriad of healthy, convenient food choices.

I picked up a few 15.2 oz bottles of their Essential Greens Veggie Juice this week to down after workouts.

Essential Greens Veggie Juice is a Flash Pasteurized, Cold Pressed 100% juice blend of celery, spinach, parsley, cucumber, kale, romaine and sprouts. Each 8 oz serving contains just 30 calories and 3 grams of protein!

I wish this juice came in a gallon size - it would be on my list every week!

Enjoy Essential Greens straight from the bottle, or use as a base for your customized smoothies - adding protein powder and fruit.

Learn more and purchase Essential Greens at: http://traderjoes.com

Citrus Crunch Salad

Another refreshing, raw salad recipe!!

Throw a huge batch of this together and enjoy plain or topped with your favorite protein. This salad goes well with EVERYTHING ... from fish, to beans, tofu or grilled skirt steak!!

Citrus Crunch Salad

(Use organic whenever possible)
1 - head of purple cabbage
1 - bunch green onions
2 - ripe avocados
2 - ears fresh, raw corn
1 - red bell pepper
1 - green bell pepper
1 - lemon
1 - lime
Salt and pepper to taste

Chop cabbage, green onions, red and green pepper and place into large bowl.
Remove corn kernels from ears of corn by using a knife. Just run the knife down the entire length of the corn cob. Add corn to bowl.
Squeeze the juice of lemon and lime over veggies and toss.
Halve avocados, score into squares and scoop with a spoon into veggies.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Toss lightly and enjoy!

Foods Alive Flax Oil Dressing and "C" Salad Recipe

Double doozy post coming 'atcha today!

I am trying to incorporate more raw fruits and veggies into my diet, so I created the recipe below for my "C" salad.

It was kismet that Foods Alive (http://foodsalive.com)sent me three varieties of their Flax Oil Dressing. It is the perfect compliment to this crunchy, cruciferous salad!

Foods Alive Organic Gourmet Gold Flax Oil dressing is a great way to get a dose of all the benefits of flax oil in a mega flavorful salad topping, dip, sandwich spread or however you choose to use it.

Foods Alive sent me the Sweet Mustard, Meg's Sweet & Sassy and Mike's Special flavors. Foods Alive dressings are made with 100% organic ingredients.
They are all stand out, yummy compliments to whatever you pour them over.

My favorite is the Mike's Special, a russet colored, richly flavored blend of garlic, paprika, mustard, cider vinegar, raw agave, celtic sea salt and of course, their signature, raw gold flaxseed oil.

Drizzle a tablespoon or two over the "C" salad (recipe below) and you are going to shine with health, vitality and energy!

Purchase Foods Alive products here: http://foodsalive.com

"C" Salad recipe
4 - organic carrots
2 - organic cucumbers
1 - organic purple cabbage
1 bunch - organic "dinosaur" kale
(Ok - so, kale starts with a "k", but it sounds like a "c")

Using a vegetable peeler, peel the carrots into long strips - use the outer peel too!

Dice the cucumbers.
Chop the cabbage.
Remove the hard center of the kale leaves. Slice the leaves into thin strips.

Toss all veggies in a large bowl, top with Foods Alive Flax Dressing or the topping of your choice.

You will CRAVE this COLD, CRUNCHY, CRUCIFEROUS salad!

(dressing image from: foods alive.com)
(salad image from: me)

Foods Alive Flax Crackers

Often a sturdy, crunchy, flavorful vehicle is required to transport yummy cargo like tuna salad, peanut butter or guacamole into a hungry mouth.

Foods Alive (http://foodsalive.com)has created a flax based, organic, raw, vegan, gluten-free and kosher answer to the ordinary "cracker."

Mahatma Gandhi said, "Wherever Flaxseed becomes a regular food item among the people there will be better health."

Simply called, "Flax Crackers," Foods Alive makes eight flavors of these delicious, crispy, wonderfully textured treats.

At my request, the company sent me the Original, Onion Garlic, Hemp and Mustard flavors.

My eye always goes to the label before anything goes into my mouth.

I started with the Originals ... three ingredients. I like that. Simple. Five crackers contain 150 calories, 9 grams of fat (Omega 3's,)a whopping 11 grams of fiber and 6g of protein! Impressive ... stellar protein and fiber numbers ... for a cracker!

I tore open the resealable package to find an artisan product that I could immediately see was made in small batches with love.

I took my crackers straight, as a side to a lovely bowl of vegetable soup. The Original Flax Crackers have a hearty, nutty flavor that complements any meal or contends strongly on it's own.

The other flavors we delish as well - lightly seasoned with the labeled variety, but their nutritional content varies from the Original crackers a bit. The Original version has the most fiber and protein.

Foods Alive Flax Crackers are a great option for gluten sensitive individuals, those trying to avoid processed foods or anyone who just wants a savory snack or side dish option.

Foods Alive makes a variety of flax based and super food items.

Shop the entire Foods Alive line here: http://foodsalive.com

(image from: foodsalive.com)