LEED Certified “Green” Smoothie

“. . . . the ‘greenest’ building is the one that is already built.”

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Yep, this is one GREEN smoothie! My brother suggested I name it The Hulk – which seems fitting. However, I ran with my intuition and interest in green/eco-friendly products. Introducing the LEED Certified “Green” Smoothie! Photo © 2016 R.L. Peterson

Greetings and welcome in, my friends!

For this blog, I’ve intertwined two areas of interest- sustainability and vegan lifestyle (healthy eating). I hope you enjoy it!

LEED

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), is changing the way people think about how buildings and communities are planned, constructed, maintained, and operated.

Since its inception, I have been a proponent of the US Green Building Council’s LEED certification for green buildings.

US Green Building Council (USGBC), assists in defining acceptable standards for a sustainable future for humanity and the environment – and not just by advancing better buildings, but through five vital project types: building design and construction; interior design and construction; building operations and maintenance; neighborhood development; homes.

The Greenest Building

I also subscribe to the philosophy that the “greenest” building is the one that is already built. Which is why I also support the mission of The National Trust for Historic Preservation. This organization is integral in helping save and restore the nation’s historic buildings and properties in a manner consistent with sustainability.

LEED Certified “Green” Smoothie Recipe

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What a line up of tasty and healthy ingredients! Photo © 2016 R.L. Peterson
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Awaiting the blend. Photo © 2016 R.L. Peterson

If I remember correctly, and I’m certain that I do, my Mom couldn’t pay me to eat spinach as a kid. Ha Ha! Now, I’m eating it of my own free will. Oh, how times have changed.

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Popeye the Sailor Man would be so proud. Ugh, Ugh, Ugh! Photo © 2016 R.L. Peterson

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When the color of my mixture matches the 70s green color of my blender . . . success! Too funny! Photo © 2016 R.L. Peterson
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Ready to pour. Photo © 2016 R.L Peterson

I doubt the USGBC will certify this drink as platinum or gold but perhaps “Green.”

Seeking a “healthy-tasting” treat . . . this is it! Not to mention it is healthy, too.

I’ve also enjoyed this drink as a substitute for a meal.

Ingredients
• 1 ripe banana, peeled and quartered
• ½ cup frozen fruit (50:50 mix of strawberries and peaches)
• ½ scoop (provided in bag) of Vega Protein Smoothie-Viva Vanilla
• 1 Tbsp. Bob’s Red Mill Flax Seed
• 1 heaping Tbsp. Krema/Crazy Richard’s Crunchy Peanut Butter
• ¾ – 1 cup (varies upon desired thickness) Almond Breeze Almond Milk-Original
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach/spring mix

Instructions
1. Add all ingredients into a blender and mix until creamy
2. Serve immediately but can be frozen to enjoy later
3. Enjoy!

Makes one generously-sized serving

Keep a good thought! Bob P.

Credit where credit is due:
Recipe inspired by runningveganrecipes
All photos © 2016 R.L. Peterson

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Vegan Recipes

“The products I use and promote in my cooking, baking, and across all the varied categories featured on Zero528, are those companies whose products I would have used regardless.”

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I started writing vegan recipes at an early age… lol!

Greetings and welcome in!

This entry represents my second blog post. I hope you’re enjoying the content of my blog thus far. Yes, I know I’ve only made one entry – Ha Ha.

At your convenience, please take a moment to navigate to my Home/About page and FOLLOW my blog. This action isn’t necessary to enjoy my blog, but allows email notification of each new blog as it posts.

Speaking honestly – I do not profess to be a master chef or baker or even the creator of some new batch of magically wonderful recipes, rather, to present options for preparing recipes which I have altered and/or slightly manipulated to vegan.

The products I use and promote in my cooking, baking, and across all the varied categories featured on Zero528, are those companies whose products I would have used regardless.

A brief list of the companies whose overall sustainability mission aligns with mine, include Clif Bar, Brooks Running, and Blue Diamond/Almond Breeze Almond Milk. And, least I forget,  my new employer… L.L Bean.

Stay tuned, as many posts (w/lots of photos) are in the vault getting ready to be launched soon. Thanks for your support.

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Keep a good thought! Bob P.

Running . . . Adventure Awaits!

“. . . running is something in my life which is under my control.”

Running is something I used to do mainly because I liked being a member of the clean plate club and loved to eat a lot of sweets. I had previously raced a few 5Ks but as they say, “life happens.” And so, life did and is happening. At that time however, I reasoned that being active in this manner might counteract/offset my supposed need for ice cream and other yummy treats. Well, that didn’t work out so well.

I thoroughly enjoy being outdoors just for the simple sake of soaking in a beautiful day or exploring some place new, but it was rare that I just went out to “run” for the sake of running. I’m a competitor at heart, and my competitive spirit was recently rekindled – and that spirit has boosted my enjoyment of running (for pleasure, fitness, and competition). Barring any injuries, running is something in my life which is under my control.

People run for any number of reasons: to free their minds, reduce their anxiety and stress, or to be an active participant in life and soak in the grandeur of the great outdoors (thank goodness). It can be a solitary activity and others need and want that “alone” time, but I truly believe humans are social creatures. For me, I prefer the company/support of a good friend on the trail or close by. I do tend to walk ahead – so remind me not to do that but to walk/run beside my running buddy.

I was recently motivated to become a healthier me. I am now actively involved in a daily routine which has me running and racing 5Ks, and soon – trail running, 10Ks, half marathons, and eventually full marathons (look out Boston here I come).

Whatever the personal motivation might be to exercise, run, walk, jog, hike, sight-see, or bird-watch, I hope to see an increase in the number of people on the hiking trail or gathered together at the start/finish line on race day. No more procrastinating . . . after all, “Adventure Awaits!

Keep a good thought! Bob P.

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Just completed a 5K. Clif bar, bananas, and water . . . ah! Pic by P.L. Wiese.