I like the color green not only because it is the pantone of the year, but also it signifies prosperity and abundance. This year, one of my goals is to increase my intake of green foods not because I want to but because I need to (says my medical practitioners! All those intake of carbs although made out of wheat are not doing any good for my sensitive, aging skin) in an effort to make myself healthier and grow old prettier. I also recently discovered that I am not supposed to drink my supplementary source of protein, whey protein powder, which I drink after going to the gym. Whey is not good for my lactose intolerant tummy and for hormonal balance. Thus, the search for healthier substitutes have started.

1. To substitute whey protein powder, I've ordered hemp protein powder on Amazon. I will write a review on how hemp tastes once I get it in the mail. I really have no idea what/how hemp tastes like. Another option is rice powder.
2. I am more of a smoothie/juice drinker and a lazy muncher, in general, so anything that can be juiced or blended are high on my priority to drink list. Without whey protein powder, I've started drinking smoothies blended with (loose leaf) genmaicha or green tea mixed with frozen fruits (bananas, blueberries or strawberries- I freeze most of them for longer shelf life). Another more expensive but less time consuming option is to use pure matcha green tea powder instead of simmering loose leaf tea.
3. Today, I tried celery with carrot and ginger juice for the first time. All these ingredients blended together are certainly an acquired taste. I made a big batch and poured the extra juice on an ice cube tray so I can cut down on prep and cleaning time during the weekday and bring it to the office.
4. My favorite fresh juice blend is apples, carrots and cucumber. Unfortunately, I always run out of these ingredients in my fridge.

The Irish cupcake is a gift to myself (don't judge!).  What other green foods/drinks do you like?