by Kemi Nekvapil
As mothers we are very blessed to be able to take on the role as healers in our families. Sometimes this means holding our children when they are hurt, physically or emotionally. Sometimes it means holding ourselves and our partners in the same circumstances.
But there is also the role of healer in the food we choose to nourish our families with.
If like me you are part of the green smoothie revolution, and you are enjoying the pure nectar on a regular basis, you know how it makes you feel.
What if, though, your family is not joining you?
My husband Emrys may even love them more than me. My daughter Ella, will have a whole blender full, if you turn your back, your breakfast is gone!
My son Benji started to be a little ‘something’ about the texture of his drinks. He would gobble down any variety of freshly juiced fruit and veg, but when it came to a green smoothie he would always try, and sometimes ask for a cup of it, but would never really have any.
So I kept making them, as did my husband. Three of us were drinking but one was not. I was not too worried because I thought “he eats such great food and if he does not get into green smoothies, the world would not end, would it?”
And then one day it happened!
Ella was ill and she did not have an appetite all day, so later on I asked her if she wanted a little soup or a green smoothie, she choose the smoothie. I then had the idea of having a smoothie soup and bingo, I thought “I will add more texture!’’
So Benji and Ella tucked into their green smoothie soups with finely chopped fruit salad on top.
Benji then looked and me and said ‘’Mum, can I have some more please?’’ Benji had three helpings of soup!
It made me realise that we can have the knowledge to nourish and heal our families. But if we can take it easy, be patient, and offer life-giving foods, then they can heal themselves .
While in England for my sister’s wedding (I was matron of honor - what an honor!), I visited 
It’s been written especially for children aged 7 to 12, to inspire them to head into the kitchen and try out 36 zappy, healthy, mouthwatering raw-food recipes. This gorgeous e-book is also packed full of healthy-eating info, groovy features, and inspiring activities, and is seriously great value at only US$19.95.
All your child (or children) needs to do is draw a picture of them having fun making a banana, strawberry, and mango smoothie (no milk!) with Monkey Mike. Also, we’d like them to come up with the most amazingly wacky name they can think of for that smoothie – they can write their recipe name under the picture.
