My Super Immunity Booster
The problem for me, 13 years ago, was that even though I was heartened by what I had learned, I couldn't immediately put it into practice. Right after having part of my intestines removed, the last thing I felt like doing was eating, even small meals. I faced a real dilemma: Following my surgery, I needed more treatment and wanted to build up my body before it got zapped with the chemicals and radiation that kill cancer cells—along with healthy cells and appetite.
I knew that not eating would spur a vicious cycle: I would become weaker, deplete my immune system, and get sicker from medicines and treatments that were supposed to make me well. I wanted to nourish those healthy cells, make them even healthier and more resilient, so they could withstand the physical insults that were about to come. But how?
The solution: supergrazing. I made a list of top healing foods I would have grazed on if I could, blended them into 64-ounce smoothies, and sipped on them all day long. I was unable to tolerate whole food, but my super smoothie eased right down. My weight remained stable, my gut was calm, and I had terrific energy, despite the assaults I was facing. A big advantage of liquefied foods is that you absorb more nutrients and there is less waste—so I was well nourished. I discovered that my smoothies not only made me feel really good, but I also enjoyed experimenting with new healthful ingredients every day.
Your Gut Will Thank You
I still enjoy my smoothies a few days a week for the good gut feeling and mental clarity it gives me; it's my breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Then I eat a normal, healthy dinner. On other days I graze, snacking regularly on apples and peaches, nuts and carrot sticks, and whole wheat crackers and almond butter before having a regular dinner.
Although I know that it's a bit quirky, I heartily recommend my nutritional regimen. If you're interested in embarking on a grazing diet, remember my rule of twos: Eat twice as often, eat half as much, and chew twice as long. If you advance to supergrazing, I advise starting off slowly—have your super smoothie 1 day a week, and pick up the pace gradually as your gut adjusts. Even if you never have it more than occasionally, it will expand your nutritional options in a powerfully healthful way. Happy grazing!
Dr. Bill's Super Smoothie
8 oz green vegetable juice (or 4 Tbsp powdered greens with 8 oz water)
8 oz carrot juice
8 oz pomegranate juice or grape juice
2 c unsweetened organic Greek-style yogurt
1 c blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1 c other fruit, frozen, such as strawberries, papaya, mango, pineapple
2 kiwifruits
3 oz tofu
? c ground flaxseed
? c wheat germ
2 tsp cinnamon
Mix all ingredients together in a high-power blender. Tastes best when it's fresh and still has that bubbly milkshake consistency. Makes 64 ounces.
For added flavor and nutrient power, add:
Dates, raisins, or figs for extra sweetness
1-2 Tbsp peanut butter
Organic milk instead of a juice
Organic spinach for an earthy taste
A multivitamin/mineral protein powder
1 Tbsp sunflower seeds for extra vitamin E and calories