
I spent the weekend tossing and turning, crazy sick with the flu. While it was absolutely miserable, it was the first time in months that I had time to really hear myself.
There are moments during sickness where one grasps delirium and clarity at the same time. Almost like in childbirth, the mind and all energy is turned inward, focusing on how the body is reacting and responding. In this space of time the soul cuts through any suffering, offering itself loud and clear. It’s important to listen in these moments, to hear one’s self.




I asked myself hard questions. I thought about my time, and how I ignore it’s unyielding ticking. I wondered at my hands and feet – how they’ve been idle, and unconcerned with building and forging. I was bewildered at my daily evolution – living a world through a digital and removed mind instead of feeling and being with all parts: hair and face and limbs and toes. My heart spoke: it moved me, and demanded of me. And there, in that juncture of illness and lucidity, I made an action toward breaking bread and planting seeds, toward scrubbing floors on hands and knees, toward face-to-face and arm-in-arm. A movement towards good health, and conscious, and being. Drink with me, if you will.


A Simple Breakfast Smoothie
This drink is inspired by my mom – she makes a variation of this every day. This smoothie is open to your interpretation. I use my food processor to mix it together – I find it works better than my blender. If you have a juicer or a really good blender, you can use fresh apples and carrots instead of the juice, but I use pre-made juice. I use frozen berries – that way I don’t have to use any ice to get a good consistency.This smoothie is sweet, the berries and juice masking the spinach and tomatoes. I chose to go non-dairy on this, but yogurt would be a nice addition.
1 banana
1/2 cup packed spinach
8-10 grape tomatoes, or 1 Roma tomato
12 ounces apple juice
4 ounces carrot juice
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
In a food processor or blender, process/blend banana and spinach together until finely broken down. Add tomato, and process until combined. Add apple juice and carrot juice, and blend together. Add berries, and process until desired consistency.
21 Comments
Tally
Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at 10:59 amBeautiful! These look and sound delicious!
Kirsty
Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at 12:31 pmI’ve had so much energy since I started drinking smoothies again each day, haven’t felt so fresh in years! Stocked up on fruit today so will try this tomorrow morning, thank you Sarah!
*kate
Friday, February 24, 2012 at 4:33 pmThis smoothie looks delightful! I usually ignore smoothie recipes because I’m not a big fan of drinking yogurt … but drinking carrots, spinach, and tomatoes ? I’m totally okay with that!
vanilla bean blog
Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 4:35 amI usually like yogurt in smoothies, but I didn’t miss it at all. I think you’ll like it. 🙂
Elaina @ Flavour
Friday, February 24, 2012 at 12:50 pmGrand! I’ve been looking for a delicious smoothie recipe 🙂 Hope you’re feeling better.. xo
vanilla bean blog
Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 4:34 amMuch better now, yeah! And I hope you like it.
Anonymous
Friday, February 24, 2012 at 4:14 amBeautifully written, Sarah. And the smoothie color, rich!
L
vanilla bean blog
Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 4:34 amThanks Linda. xo
Lauren Knight
Friday, February 24, 2012 at 2:01 amMmmm. I’ve been juicing almost daily, but a smoothie sounds like an even better way to incorporate more fiber. Thanks for the inspiration! It looks amazing.
vanilla bean blog
Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 4:34 amI hope you like it!
thelittleloaf
Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 9:42 pmHope you’re feeling better now! Sometimes it takes moments of weakness or being alone to find real clarity. This smoothie looks wonderful and packed with health-giving properties. Gorgeous photos too, as always 🙂
vanilla bean blog
Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 4:33 amThank you! I always appreciate your kind comments.
Sacha
Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 9:04 pmI find I’m similarly reflective when bedridden and idle. Unfortunately, I only sometimes follow through on good ideas. Sigh. Here’s to a healthy start for you! I’ve hidden spinach in a smoothie but never tomatoes. Very interesting!
vanilla bean blog
Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 4:33 amFollow through. I’m going to try my darndest.
kale @ tastes good to me!
Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 8:02 pmI love the color of these smoothies. I would decorate with that color!
vanilla bean blog
Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 4:36 amIt is a fun color – my daughter’s favorite. It’s the only way I can get her to drink it, ha.
Ladies Holiday
Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 8:00 pmGlad to hear you are feeling better!
vanilla bean blog
Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 4:32 amThank you. It’s much better being on this side of sickness.
my little celebration
Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 7:39 pmI will drink whatever you tell me to. Your palette is superior to mine.
To smoothies!
vanilla bean blog
Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 4:32 amTo smoothies! And I will only tell you to drink good things. 🙂