By Agnes Yu
Green smoothies won’t actually make you turn green, but as a customized protein shake they make an ideal breakfast. On May 27 at the Create Wellness Chiropractic and Sports Medicine Center in Itaewon, Seoul, you can learn how to make them. Starting at noon, the two-hour workshop will be taught by Colette Nickerson. It will include a demonstration and all the participants will be able to taste the special qualities of a green smoothie.
Made using alternative, all natural, holistic ingredients and no dairy or soy, a green smoothie taken regularly can help you detox, lose weight and regulate hormones.
For comparison, attendees will also learn how to make green detox juice and will receive a comprehensive information packet with recipes and details on how to eat organically and why that is important.
Nickerson said, ``Most importantly, the green smoothie promotes the many health benefits of proper digestion. A green smoothie is a blended mixture of about 60 percent fruit and 40 percent leafy greens. With the mixture of fruits and leafy greens, you get a very good profile of whole live foods that supply vitamins, minerals, fiber and essential fatty acids that work together to create a network of powerful antioxidants.’’
Chewing alone does not fully prepare food for digestion but a green smoothie can help maximize intake to absorb more nutrients and benefit more from naturally existing enzymes. After eating a meal, 80 percent of body energy on average is spent digesting that meal. Green smoothies are centered on getting rid of toxins and can help this process.
``It is an easy and affordable small first step that makes a big difference for the health and well being of individuals and their families. All that is required at home is a blender,’’ said Nickerson.
A graduate of the Living Light Culinary Art Institute in 2011 and a registered holistic nutritionist in training, Nickerson has a background in nutrition and dietetics with great enthusiasm for green smoothies and the lifestyle it represents.
By offering the green smoothie workshop the Create Wellness Center embraces an open and collaborative approach to healing and health. Everybody at the clinic speaks some English and according to the brochure, they “integrate chiropractic, osteopathic, massage and Pilates to correct your body’s imbalances.” Clients usually seek rehabilitation for sports injuries, back problems or muscle aches from one of the two active chiropractors. There is also an osteopath on hand and therapeutic massages are optional.
The workshop is limited to 15 people and costs 35,000 won to attend. You must register in advance by emailing colettenickerson@gmail.com to reserve a spot.
For more information on the clinic, visit www.createwellnesscenter.com.