Got (Rice) Milk?: Avocado & Strawberry Smoothie

While woofing down a crispy-on-the-outside-but-juicy-on-the-inside hotdog and cold, frosty beer at a recent gathering, I barely noticed an acquaintance walking across the room.  I barely noticed him because he looked a tad bit emaciated.  Shriveled.   Like a raisin.

After gulping down my hotdog, I managed to cross paths with this acquaintance and complimented him on his new size.  He graciously thanked me and indicated that he’d lost about 50 pounds solely by changing his diet.  ‘Wow,’ I said.  I was blown away.  That’s when he also mentioned reading The China Study, by T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D., and his son, Thomas M. Campbell II.   I asked him what prompted the lifestyle change and he suggested that high cholesterol and poor physical health were the culprits.

As my husband’s physical exam results were a little disconcerting, I checked out The China Study from the local library.  My fears of another book promoting a low-carb diet/no-eating diet/liquid diet were alleviated after reading through Chapter 1 of the book.  I was so intrigued, I actually finished the book.  Not a big deal for most, but for someone who hasn’t completed a book in ages, it was a time for celebration.

Without going into too much detail, Dr. Campbell and son’s research indicates a strong correlation between diets high in animal-based protein and diseases (such as heart disease and cancer).  This conclusion is based on data gathered during his (conducted jointly with Cornell University, Oxford University and The Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine) 20-year study in 65 rural counties in China during the 70’s and the 80’s.  In conclusion, the Campbells’ (highly) encourage a vegan diet (or one close to a vegan diet).

The analytical and quantitative data was so convincing that I decided to eliminate all animal-based foods from my family’s diet.  Effective immediately.

For two weeks, we essentially starved.  Between my husband and I, we might have lost 20 pounds together as we simply didn’t eat.  There wasn’t anything to eat!  And whatever we did eat (beans, rice….beans and rice again) was hardly satisfying.  After two weeks, I ended the fasting and we returned to our normal eating habits, WHICH, never included much meat  (of any kind) or dairy or eggs.

One thing we didn’t fully return to is milk.  We have been drinking rice milk since our switch a couple of months back and enjoy it immensely.  I use it in my cooking, baking and even smoothies for the kiddies.  Below is a recipe that Dr. Campbell and son would be proud of.    It is also chock full of omega-3 fatty acids – so good for you and so yummy.

Avocado and Strawberry Smoothie
Ingredients:

½ a medium sized avocado
handful of strawberries
1 banana
1 cup of rice milk

Place all ingredients in a blender, whir and serve.  Makes about 2 servings.

Tags: Avocado and Strawberry Smoothie, Cornell University, health-childrens-health, health-diet-nutrition, health-recipes, Oxford University, T. Colin Campbell, The China Study, The Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, Thomas Campbell

Category: Beverages, Breakfast/Brunch, Featured Articles: Health & Nutrition, Health & Nutrition, Kids & Food, Recipe Vault