Simple Stomach Soothing Snacks

Cabbage Smoothie

















Simple. Fast. Soothing. These have been the guidelines for most of my food the last few days. I am not always good at eating exactly the way my body would like. If I were to do it perfectly, I would eat a gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free diet. It would be low-carb, with an emphasis on vegetables and lean protein. I would follow the tenets of food combining at every meal. I would drink 64 ounces of water every day. I would have a vegetable juice daily. I would never eat dried fruit. I would probably have to give up a lot of other things as well. If I were to eat perfectly, I would never eat a grilled cheese sandwich on Udi's gluten-free bread with tomato slices and bacon bits for dinner.

I am not perfect.

But I'm pretty good most of the time. I also know when my body can handle something a little more decadent and when it needs rest. This past week it needed rest. So while I craved that grilled cheese sandwich or a slice of pizza, I listened to my body and ate simply. Vegetable juices, green smoothies, lots of water, and everything mild, mild, mild. If you're having one of those days when your stomach needs a break, or you just want to send it some calming love, here are a few quick ideas to help you on your way.

Cabbage Smoothie
(Why cabbage? After Dr. Internet determined that I might have an ulcer, it told me that cabbage juice was a great remedy. Not wanting to down four glasses of plain cabbage juice daily, I began incorporating cabbage into my daily routine. If I have an ulcer, it might help. If not, it's still really good for me) 


Ingredients: 
1/2 - 1 banana
1/2 - 1 cup frozen cherries
1 - 2 cups cabbage
hemp milk (approx. 1 cup)

You can use any frozen fruit you want for this smoothie. The one in the photo used peaches, but frozen cherries are my favorite addition. 


Directions:
Throw all the fruit and vegetables in the blender. Add enough milk to reach the 1 cup mark. Blend until smooth. This makes enough for two people or one large smoothie.
























Cabbage Cooler

Ingredients:
1/2 apple
1/2 cucumber
enough cabbage to fill a cup of juice


Directions:
When I make juice, I usually just throw veggies and fruits in the juicer until I have enough juice. So I don't know how much cabbage I actually use, but for 1 cup of juice, I use half an apple, half a cucumber, and as much cabbage or as many greens as it seems to need. If you're new to juicing and want a sweeter juice, you can use the whole apple. 

Cucumber Salad

Ingredients: 
1 small cucumber, thinly sliced or diced
small handful fresh basil, diced, or tsp. of dried basil
salt to taste

Directions: 
Toss the cucumber with basil and sprinkle with salt.


"Baked" Apple and Zucchini Breakfast

Ingredients:
1 apple, grated
1 zucchini or summer squash, grated
1/2 - 1 tsp. cinnamon


Directions:
Stir all your ingredients in a bowl and microwave in the oven for 3 minutes. Take out, stir, and microwave another 2 minutes if needed.

When you're done giving your stomach all this tender, loving care, you can finish by writing it a love letter. Dear stomach, I love you. Please love me back.