I like to think of myself as a relatively fit person. I run almost every day, I take Pure Barre classes four times a week and I do my very best to eat healthy. But you see, there is one major problem…I despise vegetables. Give me a handful of fruit or nuts and I’m golden, but hand me a spinach salad and I might just throw it back at you.
My dad and I have coined the phrase “rabbit food.” When asked, “Would you like (insert vegetable here)?” We often respond with, usually in very inappropriate settings I might add, “We don’t eat that rabbit food.”
Nonetheless, to maintain this healthy lifestyle I strive for, I must succumb to this rabbit food somehow, someway. I have found it easiest to this by consuming my daily vegetable servings in smoothie or juice form. Now, some people will say to you, “Put enough fruit in there and you’ll never taste all those greens!” Well, I’m here to tell you that while this is true, you must remain skeptical of these vegetable connoisseurs.
When incorporating greens into a smoothie, it is important to have the right balance of ingredients. I have found this challenging balance perfected at Native Sun Natural Food Market. The first time I walked in there I knew it would join my list of “happy places.”
From the moment you walk through the automatic doors, freshness and superb quality exudes off every shelf. You are met with vivid hues from the entire color spectrum. Between the ruby red raspberries and the perfectly ripened mangos, you’d think you’re walking into a store located on some island paradise.
As I maneuvered my way through the store, enticed and distracted by every other display, I came across a juice and smoothie bar. By now, you can probably imagine the look of skepticism that crept across my face as I realized that nearly every smoothie contained vegetables of some kind.
Luckily, it was mid-afternoon when I wondered my way over to the bar so there were very few people in line, making it acceptable for me to stand and stare at the menu for an absurd amount of time. I made the decision I would give this unnatural combination of fruits and vegetables a good ole’ fashioned try, but deciding which drink I should purchase became an embarrassing ordeal.
After asking the woman behind the counter a minimum of 20 questions, she very graciously and patiently helped me come up with the perfect combination. I ordered a concoction known as the Grasshopper, which contains: banana, spinach, cacao, peppermint, soy milk (I substituted coconut water) and agave nectar. I was more than a little hesitant, but after being told it compared to mint chocolate chip ice cream, I was sold.
I'm happy to report that I not only survived consuming vegetables, I actually enjoyed it. I'm forever grateful for the wonderful Native Sun employee who answered my endless questions with useful information and educated facts. I'm now a Native Sun regular and I recommend the Grasshopper to all those crazy enough to try vegetables in their smoothies. I shall keep you posted on my next vegetable endeavor.
Tory Looney
Technology Advocate Intern
