Green Smoothies

Thanks to all who commented on yesterday's post. A couple of comments were about green smoothies. So, in the past, I've mixed some kale with some apple juice and blueberries and called it a day, but I think I may have some veggie smoothie fear. The idea of a primarily veg-based smoothie sounds like a salad in a blender.

I haven't addressed my concern in the form of liquid refreshment yet, but I've taken the important first step: research. After about a half hour, though, I couldn't find much that didn't call for a form of fruit, usually a frozen banana. Seeing as bananas (in the form of Dole) seem to be having a hard time with fair labor practices (and not murdering their workers), I once again seek your advice. I love a good smoothie in a romantic way. Any recipes that don't call for bananas? I know there are fair trade ones, but even my local co-op has a hard time keeping them in stock.

Thanks again to all of my smart, eco-loving blog friends!

Green Smoothies

In the spirit of smoothie mixing things up, here's a swirly practice. 

1. Sukhasana (Easy Pose)
2. With hands on knees, circle torso. Let head and neck move as well in a way that feels natural
3. Switch directions
4. Table
5. Cat/cow spine in Table
6. Circle spine in Table, moving torso to left, towards floor, to right, and towards ceiling
7. Switch direction
8. Move torso in a combination of steps 5-7 
9. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
10. Undulate spine in Downward Dog, pedal heels, twist around. Move in this pose for 5-10 breaths
11. Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
12. *Begin circle warm-up*
13. Low lunge, right foot forward
14. Turn to left, side lunge with right knee bent
15. Side lunge with left knee bent
16. Low lunge, facing back of room
17. Vinyasa to right leg forward low lunge
18. Turn again to left, side lunge with right knee bent
19. Side lunge with left knee bent
20. Low lunge, facing front of room
21. Vinyasa to left leg forward lunge
22. Repeat steps 13-21, moving clockwise
23. Repeat steps 13-22, completing two more circles
24. Vinyasa facing front of room
25. Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I), right foot forward
26. Turn to left, Kaliasana (Goddess Pose). In Kaliasana, take your arms into Garundasana (Eagle Arms). Raise your arms and come a bit out of the squat on an inhale, deepen the squat again on the exhale. Move with 5-6 breaths
27. Virabhadrasana I facing back of room
28. Vinyasa to right foot forward Warrior I
29. Turn again to left, Kaliasana with Eagle arms
30. Warrior I with left foot forward
31. Vinyasa to return to step 30
32. Repeat steps 24-31 moving clockwise
33. Repeat steps 24-32, completing two more circles
34. Complete two more circles (one clockwise, one counterclockwise), substituting Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II) for Warrior I. Note: In Warrior II, "fly" your hands from prayer hands in front of heart to full extension, moving with the breath; repeat for 5-6 breaths
35. Complete two more circles with Warrior II sub, this time including Kapalabhati pranayama (Breath of Fire) instead of "flying" Warrior arms
36. Garbasana (Child's pose)
37. Come onto stomach
38. Dhanurasana (Bow Pose). Move into Bow rolls: exhale, roll onto one side. Inhale to extend into Bow on your side. Exhale to roll back onto stomach. Inhale to extend into full Bow on stomach. Repeat on other side. Move between full extensions of Bow on both sides and stomach for 1-2 minutes
39. Parsva Savasana (Half Corpse Pose)
40. Supta Matsyendrasana (Reclined Twist)
41. Repeat steps 40 and 39 on other side
42. Adho Mukha Svanasana
43. Come to seated
44. Urdhva Navasana (Upward Boat Pose), keeping knees bent
45. Lower 1/2 way towards floor and then come back into Boat. Repeat 6-12x, include any movements with the arms that feel natural
46. Boat twists: with straight arms, point one arm towards back of room, other towards front. Move between twists on both sides, moving with breath
47. Lie on back, taking legs and arms towards sky. Let arms and legs move any way they like, 30 seconds-1 minute
48. Adho Mukha Svanasana 
49. Kapotanasana (Pigeon Pose)
50. Roll torso over bent knee, moving body like a wave to eventually come into Supta Matsyendrasana (Reclined Pigeon)
51. Repeat steps 48-50 on other side
52. Garbasana
53. Savasana