9 Fail-proof Tips for Eating Healthy at Social Gatherings

Avani-Mehta Says:

September 30th, 2008, 22:27 pm

Eat slow, chew over 32 times, conversate more, share your dessert.

Vered - MomGrind Says:

September 30th, 2008, 22:29 pm

It depends. Last night I was at my friend M’s - she cooks SO WELL that I just ate and enjoyed myself and forgot about eating healthy. Totally worth it. I do the same when I go to a really good restaurant.

When the food’s not amazing, I tend to be more focused on socializing anyway.

At a cocktail party, it’s always a good idea to stand next to a veggie tray when you feel that you need to nibble, and to refuse those platters full of little fatty salty appetizers - they’re not that good anyway!

Shanel Yang Says:

September 30th, 2008, 22:29 pm

Wear snugly fitting clothes. No room for overeating! : )

Sean Says:

September 30th, 2008, 22:32 pm

Saw this asked on Twitter today, so glad you devoted a post to it. :D

Corey - Simple Marriage Project Says:

September 30th, 2008, 22:33 pm

Eat fruits and veggies. Most every party has them available. I have also found that simply making the rounds to talk with others helps stay away from the food. It’s easier to talk when you don’t have to worry about talking with your mouth full of food.

Eric Hamm Says:

September 30th, 2008, 22:42 pm

I just always keep in mind how good I’ll feel if I stick to the healthy foods/proportions. If I can link a good feeling with a good decision I am more likely to stick with it. Even in the midst of a tempting plate of brownies. :-)

Daniel Richard Says:

September 30th, 2008, 22:46 pm

Heya Leo!

Liked those tips. Though the first one would almost be entirely impossible to follow as eventually either my friends or myself will feel left out and grab something to munch on.

The #9 tip is still the best one that works! It’s the one where I’d be confident of going up to the table and get something to eat, knowing that I can afford to do so cos of a healthy diet earlier on the same week. :)

Daniel

Fit Bottomed GIrl Says:

September 30th, 2008, 22:58 pm

I recommend chewing a sugar-free gum that you really like. That way you’re chewing along and have a good excuse for not wanting to drink any alcohol — it’ll ruin the flavor!

Melissa Says:

September 30th, 2008, 23:00 pm

I will let myself indulge but I try only to eat the things that I *really* enjoy. I don’t just eat because there is food there, I make an effort to really enjoy what I’m eating and drinking at a party.

Dane Says:

September 30th, 2008, 23:07 pm

My tip:

Pick one night out of the week to go for broke with your friends. Drink, eat and be merry. Consume as much as you’d like for that one night, and then get back on track the next day.

Pizzamancer Says:

September 30th, 2008, 23:14 pm

Just take one day a week and Don’t bother with watching what you eat. One day off isn’t going to kill you, and I found that it helps to keep me even more in line during the rest of the week.

You also have the added benefit of eating healthy 6 days a week carrying over to that 7th day. When you are conscious about what you eat, you tend to eat less bad food, and more good food anyway.

Leo Says:

September 30th, 2008, 23:16 pm

Thanks for sharing your tips, everyone!

@Pizzamancer: I agree, but when one day of the week turns into 5, you have to come up with new strategies. :)

The Daily Minder Says:

October 1st, 2008, 0:08 am

Interesting Leo. I hadn’t thought of the fact that this week I have been to over 3 functions - all bad diet decisions.

The Daily Mind

Patri Friedman Says:

October 1st, 2008, 0:09 am

Intermittent Fasting. Whether you use Eat Stop Eat, Fast5, The Warrior Diet, or (my favorite) Alternate-Day Calorie Restriction like the Johnson Up-Day Down-Day Diet, all forms of intermittent fasting give you the freedom to not stress about what you eat during non-fasting periods. Of course, eating healthier during the non-fasting times is good, but it’s much less important when you have the power of fasting on your side. The occasional party binge will definitely not hurt you if you have a good intermittent fasting routine going.

alison Says:

October 1st, 2008, 0:11 am

I had a party this weekend for my husband and I had let most everyone know that I was making fun party food (read: fattening, including three different kinds of cake). One of our friends who has a fairly busy social schedule followed your first tip and ate healthy before he came. Then, as an added hurdle to downing a piece of birthday cake, he had also brushed his teeth. Lots of foods don’t taste good right after you brush your teeth. Anyway, it worked for him. I made sure to send him home with a piece of cake for breakfast though.

Beth Says:

October 1st, 2008, 0:31 am

I like number 9 the best too. Though you know what they say about giving someone an inch…

Success Professor Says:

October 1st, 2008, 0:47 am

This topic is great. It can really be a challenge - I’m going to use the tips.

I really like Corey’s suggestion of eating fruits and vegetables but boy is that hard when there is a bowl of potato chips!

Maya Says:

October 1st, 2008, 1:41 am

Mine is more of a strategy(like Eric’s) that works along with number 9. While I eat healthy most of the week, I try to develop intense :) love for the healthiest party foods - I LOVE fruit, lucky for me. And then, when I am at the party, I try to focus on how i feel AFTER the party if I indulge in a lot of unhealthy food. The two work together pretty well.

J.D. Meier Says:

October 1st, 2008, 2:35 am

Covey has a nice one-liner. He says to himself “thinner tastes better.”

Daniel Kemp Says:

October 1st, 2008, 2:38 am

Dude man it’s free food. If I am offered free food I am going to eat it.

If you do want to not eat much then eat some steak before going out.

eliza Says:

October 1st, 2008, 2:50 am

To eat is a verb. To describe a verb you need to use an adverb. Unfortunately, healthy is an adjective. It describes a noun. The adverb is healthily.

Or maybe not in the US?

jessi Says:

October 1st, 2008, 3:29 am

Do not talk while you eat so you can taste the food and be more aware of what and how much you are eating.

Make the host (the one who made or provided the food) compliments on taste, looks, smells of the food!
This too will help you focus on the food.

Overlook the choices of foods you have and consciously choose one or two of your favorites instead of filling your plate with everything that’s there.

Katie Says:

October 1st, 2008, 4:07 am

Trust you and your body. Eat what tastes really good. Don’t worry about wrong choices. That only makes you tense and stressed, not too healthy, if you ask me. Also, alcohol isn’t bad in itself. Again, if you concentrate on having too much bad buzz instead of enjoying good drinks and the company to relax you one should think why to go to such a party. Is it your boss’s party who you hate and cannot say no to, then of course, the other tips are good to keep in mind.

David Zemens Says:

October 1st, 2008, 7:20 am

Moderation is the key, isn’t it. It sounds so simple when you define it, but whenever the foot is really good it’s hard to resist. :-)

Stephanie Says:

October 1st, 2008, 7:31 am

Eliza — I was going to say the same thing. I see this mistake often though: “eat healthy” instead of “eat healthily.” Each time, it makes me cringe.

Leo — it’s “eat HEALTHILY!”

Reel Compton Says:

October 1st, 2008, 7:37 am

Great advice, particularly useful during those dreaded business lunches! You gotta man up and not be afraid to order the salad when your boss orders the greasy burger!

Roopesh Says:

October 1st, 2008, 8:15 am

Stephanie and Eliza - Eat is the verb and is the process or action. It (the action) is the same whether you eat healthy food or unhealthy food. So “healthy” is more to describe the food you eat rather than as a modifier to the verb. What say?

Leo - Nice post by the way. I face the same problem when hanging out atleast 2-3 times a week.

food4life Says:

October 1st, 2008, 8:27 am

there’s argument of the use of the word healthy to describe the verb to eat and no one noticed that the very first comment used a non-word…the root word of conversation is CONVERSE not CONVERSATE - look it up there is no such word as conversate.

as for the topic…I tend to agree with Leo and with Pizzamancer - I like to try different things and typically you can do this at social events so I keep myself to a drink minimum so that I can eat new things that may not always be the most healthy food out there.

Leo Says:

October 1st, 2008, 8:38 am

Yeah, I know it’s “eat healthily” but I hate how that sounds. :) I aim for more conversational English when possible.

Birgit Says:

October 1st, 2008, 8:42 am

If your goal is to lose weight fast, without being hungry, then avoid eating fat and high carbs *together*. Eat them separately.

For social gatherings, this means to stay away from all the bread, rice, potatoes, corn, noodles, while fat is allowed (you may do it vice versa for your breakfast). Avoid pizza, cake, icecream, pudding etc, they contain both fat and high carbs. Buffets are great, you can help yourself with cheese, ham, eggs, meat (without the gravy, it often contains sugar, flour or starch, and of course without breadcrumb coating). Most of the vegetables and most salads will be fine. You will enjoy.

The trick is to be aware not only of calories, but to focus on the glycemic index: it should not be higher than 35 if you combine it with fat. And it should not be higher than 50 at all.

Do the opposite if you want to gain weight: Just combine high carbs with fat, it works very well. :-)

Try it, you will be surprised how easy it is to control your weight and enjoy life.

EscapeVelocity Says:

October 1st, 2008, 8:58 am

The worst for me are pizza parties at work. There IS no healthy food, and I can’t stop at two pieces of pizza. Fortunately, they don’t happen very often.

At regular parties, staying away from the food table works best for me. Especially stuff like chips and popcorn where you can scarf really large amounts and hardly notice it. Have a brownie, and then go hang out with the folks in the back yard. And, if at all possible, dance. Another trick is not to stay too long, although I’m not very good at that one.

becoming minimalist Says:

October 1st, 2008, 9:07 am

i prefer to enjoy everything that is served - nothing makes a party better like good food. it helps bring out the awesomeness of life!

Joe Says:

October 1st, 2008, 9:54 am

Great Post!

The key to controlling oneself in social settings where food and drink are abundant is simply being mindful of what you are putting in your mouth. I think the biggest problem with those who over-indulge is complete and wanton mindlessness. If you ever sit back and observe people at a gathering, you’ll see people walking around the room chucking food into their mouths left and right and they have no idea how much they’re eating.

To control this mindlessness, I always go to a gathering or a dinner with some sort of mental guidline of what I want to eat and drink. One of the biggest motivating factors for me is to remember how well I ate and and how hard I exercised during the past week and if I really want to pollute my body after such a good week. Usually that’s enough to motivate me to stick within my guidlines.

However, as some of you’ve said, it is so much fun to indulge every now and again! When I indulge, I usually plan on it (it’s not an accident) and I enjoy the hell out of it, knowing that I can always run a couple extra miles in the morning if I want to burn it off.

An Says:

October 1st, 2008, 10:11 am

I agree with 1, 4, 7, 8, 9.

The key word for me is balance, and small amounts. If it’s a cocktail party or business function, and everything is on offer, then I sample a little bit of everything, balancing out anything that tastes too rich with sth with heaps of veggie in it.

Most often I’d get water as my drink, and be fine with it. or BYO water. I’m often met with surprised looks for getting hot water, or warm water, but what’s better than it? Often any drinks you order are charged extra, even if you’re in a cafe or a restaurant, so might as well save.
The only reason I’d get a drink at a cafe is mainly to be able to use their space.

I agree with Maya’s advice, and like her too, I LOVE fruit, and we didn’t have dessert at home, we had fruit instead. SO much better - and we don’t miss dessert either.

I remember having ice cream that had to be thrown out because it has freezer-burn on it, but fruit’s rarely been thrown out. It’s usually gone in a day or two.

Or if it’s a casual get together with friends, we often potluck and bring some sort of fruits - grapes, berries, melons cut using a small ice cream scoop, fresh lychee…to balance out someone else’s chips or baked cakes.

Definitely 9. There’s more room for “lee-way” to give if you’ve been eating healthy all week.

Oh, try having a nice large soup for a meal instead of your regular steak. It feels you up quite quickly and gives the feeling of fullness. Especially Asian soups are quite good with the noodles-meat-veg balance.

Buffets: Start with fresh salad or fruit, no sauce. Try a tiny bit of everything that takes your fancy (this takes time, take it slowly, savour the food, make sure portions are tiny). Finish with fruit.

Miguel de Luis Says:

October 1st, 2008, 10:20 am

@ Avani, that’s good advice. Conversation.

I would also add. Please do not feed fat people. I don’t know if it happens in the USA or wherever you eat, but here in Spain I sometimes feel pushed to eat.

Silke Says:

October 1st, 2008, 10:33 am

Drink no more than one glass of alcohol. I find I eat more freely with more alcohol in my system. I also try to stay away from certain foods of which you can’t eat more than one (some potato chips come to mind).

Avani-Mehta Says:

October 1st, 2008, 12:27 pm

@Miguel de luis: I am originally from India. People (especially aunts and grannies) over here love to feed others. It’s part of festivity and being social and a way to show love. (but then I guess this must be true everywhere).

Caitlin Says:

October 1st, 2008, 12:42 pm

The comment about coffee is totally off the mark. Coffee should be consumed in moderation but it can actually aid weight loss because it increases your metabolism. It also usually sates your appetite rather than making you hungry.

It’s only fattening if served with too much milk/cream and sugar.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Computer Guy Says:

October 1st, 2008, 12:48 pm

I vote for #9!

If you make sure to eat healthy on your own, don’t sweat indulging a little at social gatherings. There’s such thing as being TOO much of a health nut. Moderation is the key…you deserve to treat yourself every once in a while.

Adrilia Says:

October 1st, 2008, 12:50 pm

These are great tips, esp. the one about having a big salad beforehand. It’s good to stop when you begin to feel satisfied, not full. If there’s still food left on your plate and it isn’t retired right away, avoid continuing to nibble by either making it an offering back to the earth with a silent prayer … or (more practical) putting a bunch of pepper (lots!) on it so you are sure not to touch it again :-).

Dana Malave Says:

October 1st, 2008, 12:56 pm

When I am going out some where that I am not sure of what temptations might be headed my way. I eat before I go . That way I am full and not have to worry about eating thingsI don’t care to put in my body.

ZHereford Says:

October 1st, 2008, 12:56 pm

Great tips, however, I must say that for me too, the ‘eat healthy’ as opposed to ‘eat healthily’ was like screeching chalk on a blackboard. Yikes!

Mojowrkn Says:

October 1st, 2008, 12:57 pm

Agreed on coffee it does affect blood sugar but only in binge amounts.

Watching it at parties for me is all about the cocktails. Also If I smoke a little herb im relaxed but still very conscious of what I put in my mouth.

ToddC Says:

October 1st, 2008, 13:42 pm

Just go with #9. If you’re regularly active and the majority of your meals are healthy then one meal of indulgence, or even 5 in one week, isn’t going to have any lasting impact.

Marvin Dennis Says:

October 1st, 2008, 14:36 pm

what ever you eat or drink take the time to fully experience it. Doing that slows me down so I don’t just chow or chug. The enjoyment is increased and the quantity is limited. Whether it’s wine, cheese, breads, deserts or any of the other things that I enjoy, taking time, slowing down, keeps me in check.

Dawn Moyer Says:

October 1st, 2008, 14:50 pm

Drinking a big glass of water 15-30 minutes before eating (or going to an event where there is a lot of food on hand) is helpful. Fills your stomach so you can’t fit a bunch of other stuff in, and also deters me from drinking much alcohol.

Miss Attica Says:

October 1st, 2008, 15:11 pm

Most importantly; relax and have fun! That will make you focus on other things than eating and drinking.

Tiffany Says:

October 1st, 2008, 16:02 pm

I’m a sucker for desserts…so if it doesn’t taste aBsOLutELY amazing than I stop midstream, make my date eat it, or throw it away. I’ll only eat yummy things if they are worth it.

Clare Says:

October 1st, 2008, 17:40 pm

I really think this is a cultural thing, and for this reason, I’m with Avani-Mehta on this one. I live in Italy, and when you are invited to a party, you eat, drink and share the festivity with others. Maybe it’s a throw-back to when people knew hunger and times were bad (and so would never refuse what they were offered), or maybe it’s just a reflection on how Italians view food: as a sort of social and family bond.

But you will always get a healthy mix at Italian festivities. Plenty of lean meat (often home-cured) and always a fruit dessert. A lot healthier than the sort of social events you get in Britain.

Liz Says:

October 1st, 2008, 17:40 pm

When you’re at a party that includes nibbles and then dinner and dessert, I find it easier to skip the nibbles entirely. Once I start I find it hard to stop but if I don’t stand near the snacks and spend my time talking, I don’t eat snacks.

Another good thing is if it’s a buffet style dinner, to get your partner to get your food for you (if they are a healthier eater) - and having a young baby is a great excuse for that!

Tabitha Says:

October 1st, 2008, 18:04 pm

I totally agree with the logging it theory - helps you be accountable therefore helps you eat less. not a perfect solution of course, but it helps.
Tabitha @ http://www.fromsingletomarried.com

tigerbee Says:

October 1st, 2008, 18:25 pm

The holidays are just around the corner and I always have this problem. I like to go to functions or parties where there will be dancing involved-that way I can dance off any little temptations I just ate. Also if I know I’m going out that night I will eat all my fruits and veggies and good stuff all day and drink lots of water and then for dinner live a little.

Nathalie Lussier from Billionaire Woman Says:

October 1st, 2008, 18:34 pm

This is an important topic, especially for budding raw foodists or people transitioning to a vegetarian or vegan diet. I struggled with this a lot in my first few months. I think eating ahead of time, and not making a big deal out of the food are very important!

Thanks for more tips to add to my arsenal.

Leo Says:

October 1st, 2008, 18:49 pm

Thanks for sharing, everyone! This has been such an excellent comment thread.

And yes, I agree with the many who have said to just enjoy the food and parties, but when the parties become too frequent, at some point you have to try to “eat healthily” at some of the parties at least.

Simple Sapien Says:

October 1st, 2008, 18:51 pm

Great tips Leo.

Man, I always find myself making up excuses to eat horribly every time I go out. I am like: “Hey… I am out, having fun with friends, I am going to make this experience the best that it can be. I am going to get that coffee, that beer, that cheeseburger, those fries, and that German chocolate cake.”

Do that 3-4 times a week and you are headed for disaster. Filling up at home seems like a a good, cheap way to control yourself.Thanks!

- Jack Rugile
Simple Sapien

Still Life in Buenos Aires Says:

October 1st, 2008, 19:20 pm

I love this post.

Too often I think we go to parties and restaurants thinking that it’s a “free day.” Like Leo commented, the free days start to become every day, or an “I deserve this” kind of mentality.

My favorite guilt-free tip is to eat as many fruits and veggies as possible.

Julie Says:

October 1st, 2008, 19:24 pm

I can’t agree less with Patri Friedman.

“all forms of intermittent fasting give you the freedom to not stress about what you eat during non-fasting periods. Of course, eating healthier during the non-fasting times is good, but it’s much less important when you have the power of fasting on your side.”

Fasting is not a substitute for eating a healthy diet and it seems very much like Patri is suggesting this. I believe that a sensible diet with occasional indulgences is a lot healthier than regularly depriving oneself of calories in order to reduce caloric intake. Where the calories are coming from is just as important as how many one ingests.

Rob Says:

October 1st, 2008, 23:57 pm

I was at a wedding last week, and spent most of my time yakking (er, conversing), and never had time to finish my slice of cake. And I LOVE chocolate cake! And it didn’t seem like a hardship. I agree that talking, socializing, having fun,and really enjoying the food you choose to eat will help.

Also, maybe don’t make public apologies for the fact that you are eating food? Nothing ruins a delicious festive meal faster than people talking about calories and weight loss. Besides, it seems rude to the hosts. Just my two cents. Rob

:::::::::::: wife mom maniac :::::::::::: Says:

October 2nd, 2008, 0:59 am

I’m kind of surprised that healthy=low calories to so many. I’m nursing two, an infant and a toddler, so to me healthy is high calorie foods or I’dk dwindle away to nothing. I’ve always had a fast metabolism, and generally am naturally slender, but nursing young children kicks it into overdrive and so I’m sitting here drinking beer and eating chicken wings because I need to keep weight ON. Healthy is different for different people at different seasons in their lives, for instance breastmilk is super high in cholesterol, and children who are breastfed are way less likely to become obese, yet they get loads of cholesterol in infancy. People who work outside all the time can eat big burgers etc and not have issues. So healthy does not necessarily equal low fat, low calories, and despite all these low fat low calorie foods being available on the market, obesity is a growing problem for so many. I think the perception and understanding of what healthy *is* needs to change, healthy is not about fat, healthy is about nutrients, as others said here mindfulness of what you eat and living a balanced life in every way.

If I where to go to a party, healthy for *me* at this season in my life would be to find the most fattening but nutrient dense foods that I could find. And healthy for me, would be to really enjoy what the hosts had put out there, and to be grateful for the abundance in which I live, and to consciously savor the flavors and the hospitality.

I like this blog btw, sorry to make my first post so opinionated and argumentative. ;)

TomT Says:

October 2nd, 2008, 1:41 am

Eat what you like!, Just eat it in moderation. The body has an amazing capacity to cleanse itself as long it is not overwhelmed by toxic substances.

-TomT http://www.BeClearToday.com

Joanne Butler Says:

October 2nd, 2008, 6:32 am

Never ever order the chips (fries)Make sure you actually ask them not to bring them as they are so hard to not nibble once they arrive. Most places will replace them with extra salad or vegetables.
Ditto with the side of bread or rolls and another tip is to either drink only water (my prefered method) or to have a large glass of water in between every other drink

Liora Hess Says:

October 2nd, 2008, 7:51 am

I just wanted to say a thank you to Leo and the others in this thread who have helped me. I’ve experienced so much kindness of strangers since this post and have witnessed the power of people uniting. I am awed and moved. Look at the ripple effect from one post–you are all amazing!

V Says:

October 2nd, 2008, 10:24 am

When at a buffet-style party (like tonight!) I scope out all the food first, then decide what I’ll take before going thru the line. I’ll also start the evening with water, then move on to wine, and of course if there are raw veggies I use those to keep me busy!

Deborah Says:

October 2nd, 2008, 11:18 am

I alternate drinking a glass of alcohol with a tall glass of water. It keeps my tummy full (so I don’t overeat) and my body hydrated (always good when drinking alcohol and salty party food). It also keeps me from drinking too much alcohol!

Rob Says:

October 2nd, 2008, 21:05 pm

You’d also be surprised how many restaurants are willing to make things that are not necesarily on the menu. I usually ask for lean chicken or steak with a salad (with no dressing) and some brown/wild rice.

Never been told no yet! :)

Jeremy Says:

October 3rd, 2008, 12:49 pm

As one of your Twitter Followers I look forward to more questions and chances to input into the blog. Hopefully my own which I just started will be as helpful.

B. Wilde Says:

October 4th, 2008, 1:41 am

I find that I either go to social gatherings in one of two mindsets:

1.) Awesome! It’s a party. Free and delicious food. Tonight’s the night for me to indulge. Of course I will and I have to because it’s a party.

2.) Awesome! It’s a party. I will make it my goal to eat healthy foods, lots of them and only have one sweet.

Number 1 usually rules out, but the fact that I’m aware should count for something. Right?

Bruce Achterberg Says:

October 5th, 2008, 13:40 pm

I’ve got a belated idea for your list: bring fruit!

Fruit ideas:

- 4 bananas (easy to eat; doesn’t make your hands dirty if you eat with the skin on)
- 5 mandarins or clementines (easier to peel than oranges; filling, but only for about an hour; great for energy; cons: messy)
- organic apples (fuji and braeburn apples are my favourites, with royal gala apples coming in third)
- nashi pears (tasty, satisfying, and juicy! Cons: messy)

Healthy, vegan, raw, easy to digest, and great sources of energy.

And of course, you can always bring more of the same fruit if you need more calories or if you’ll be out for long periods of time. Monomeals (meals with the same type of food, e.g., only bananas, only apples, etc) are great for digestion.

Apples seem to digest more easily than mandarins and bananas, so opt for apples if you’re doing something active. Haven’t done anything active soon after eating other fruit, yet.

If you have a cooler bag (super-handy tools, they are) or access to a fridge, fruit smoothies are also great!

Here’s some of my favourite smoothie recipes, including a new one I concocted yesterday:

————————–
Banana “soft serve” smoothie
Part 1
http://twitter.com/bruceachterberg/statuses/886121583
Part 2
http://twitter.com/bruceachterberg/statuses/886121674
Variations
http://twitter.com/bruceachterberg/statuses/886122317
(2, 4-banana smoothies will give you just under 1000 raw calories)
————————–
Not a fan of green shakes? Give this a try (banana, mango, spinach smoothie)
http://www.stevepavlina.com/forums/steve-pavlina/14871-not-fan-green-shakes-give-recipe-try.html#post151903
————————–
*New!* Banana, rockmelon (i.e. cantaloupe), watermelon, spinach, peanut butter smoothie (surprisingly tasty!)
http://twitter.com/bruceachterberg/statuses/947254454
(add cocoa for a rich, chocolaty taste; I prefer the standard taste, but a variation option is nice)
————————–
Oldschool, nutty vegan shake recipe by Steve Pavlina (with variations by me)
http://www.stevepavlina.com/forums/health-fitness/683-vita-mix.html#post28870
————————–

The next things I’m going to try:

- adding frozen strawberries in smoothies (pre-washed; alas, no organic for me)
- adding vegetables to smoothies.

I’m eager to find some kale and dandelion (not so easy to get in Australia, apparently) to add to shakes, though I want to research dandelions “edibility” a tad more before I put it in my mouth. =) Although Steve Pavlina (and other raw foodists) eat it, and they’re still alive.

(Steve Pavlina fans might recognise the play on words in that last sentance. ;) )

– Bruce

Rajesh Says:

October 6th, 2008, 15:06 pm

@Pizzamancer

One day in a week is too much. One meal a week is more ideal. One day can cause havoc!

cohnsey Says:

October 17th, 2008, 23:24 pm

thanks for the great tips!