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2.27.13

Fresh avocadoes from at the family's Kauai home
  • Laird picking fresh produce from the tropical trees at home
  • The Reece-Hamilton family's favorite TRUition protein shake
  • The whole family enjoying a quick health shake at home
  • Laird Hamilton makes a post-surf batch of homemade banana chips
  • Fresh avocadoes from at the family's Kauai home

    Going to a farmers’ market can be a little extra work, but in the end, there is nothing like eating real food. Laird and I are fortunate enough to live on Kauai six months a year, and one of the many things people do here that we love is to grow and share their own food. A friend may drop by for a visit and it’s not uncommon for them to have a basket of citrus from one of their trees or fresh kale from their garden. We use to take it for granted as just ‘island living,’ but we have started to pay more attention to this gift.

    We have land on a river here on the North Shore of Kauai and fertile does not begin to explain the soil. Laird made a nice dirt berm around a section of the property one year and planted papaya and banana trees. Six months later, after some time back on the mainland, we returned to Kauai to find seven foot tall, fruit-bearing trees! I couldn’t believe it. We also have amazing avocado trees that bear more fruit than we know what to do with.  Every time someone visits, they leave with an armful of avos.

    Since there are so many bananas, Laird took to dehydrating the fruit and now has bags and bags of the most delicious dried bananas. He does not doctor them with any sugar and they are really filling. There is something so fundamentally wonderful about giving someone food you made yourself.

    We are by no means farmers, or what the world would define as hippies; however, we both love good food and are trying to eat the best stuff we can find.  Through the experience of living in such a fertile place, we have both learned that it’s the simple things in life that bring us joy, whether it be planting food, harvesting and eating that food or just gathering around local food with friends. In this busy day and age where we’re all constantly ‘plugged in’, getting back to these simple practices has such a grounding influence on our lives.

    As much time as both of us spend out in the world, we are always looking for that rooting force in our life, both individually and as a family. We value those grounding forces that keeps us clear about what is really important and focused on the things that will bring genuine happiness.

    When we’re living in the island countryside part of the year, getting grounded is so much easier than when we’re in the city. But no matter where we are, going to our local market and interacting with the people who grow our food is just as special. During the weekend, when they’re not at soccer practice, we find time to take our kids to the markets, too. Allow your children to see all the different foods and have them meet the people who grow the food they are going to eat. We know it takes more time and work than swinging by the grocery store, but making room for more locally grown food and the sense of community surrounding it can add such an enriching dimension to your family’s lives. Bon Appétit!

    • Home Grown Fruit Smoothie

    • Ingredients:

      8 oz almond or coconut milk
      1 serving TRUition vanilla whey protein powder
      ½ papaya
      1 frozen banana
      4 to 6 ice cubes

    • Directions:

      Add all ingredients into blender and mix well. If you like your smoothie colder and thicker, add a few more cubes. If you prefer your smoothie to have more a liquid consistency, then ease back on the ice..

      Check out more smoothies from the duo here.

    Bottom banner image

    Meet our February guest editors Gabby Reece and Laird Hamilton and learn a bit about their healthy living philosophies!

    From our friends

    Comments


    1. I just ran out of greens powder and would love to try theirs!

      Caroline | 02.27.2013 | Reply
    2. I would love to win some TRUition Greens – I make a smoothie every morning and am always looking for healthy new additions!

      Kate | 02.27.2013 | Reply
    3. You guys rock! I wold love to try Truition Greens. You guys are an inspiration. Having been to Kauai myself, I can appreciate your words on the fertile grounds that abound on the island.

      Katharine | 02.27.2013 | Reply
    4. I would love to try TRUition Greens! I think it would be a perfect way for me to get an extra boost of healty greens in my morning smoothie.

      Aling | 02.27.2013 | Reply
    5. I love to juice and am always buying kale, spinach, parsley and such. It would be great to supplement or substitute some of it with TRUition Greens! Would love to try it!

      Leah B | 02.27.2013 | Reply
    6. Gabby and Laird are truly an inspiration in health, fitness, and family! I’d love to try their TRUitiin greens!

      Sarah C. | 02.27.2013 | Reply
    7. Been taking Truition now for a few months. Love them especially the meal. At least one of my meals I don’t have to think about….

      June | 02.28.2013 | Reply
    8. that smoothie sounds awesome – i LOVE papaya (esp with a little lime) – and I would love a chance to try their product. 🙂

      gabrielle | 02.28.2013 | Reply
    9. There is something special about giving and receiving from the earth right beside you. Excellent post. There is really nothing to compare with local, community food. I love the TRUition line, and would welcome some delicious TRUition greens.

      Jeff | 02.28.2013 | Reply
    10. Gabby, you are one of the most prolific writers and you inspire me greatly. You are a great teacher and I am a huge fan. I have a tremendous amount of respect for you and Laird and how you live your lives. I also appreciate how much you in touch you with your feelings and your willingness to share the good, the bad and the ugly. Your authenticity helps me to make those subtle adjustments (or not so subtle, lol). I realize I am not alone in my quest for good health, healthy relationships, and striking a balance for a healthy, happy life. I have been going through a very challenging time, to say the least, and would love to try your Truition products. A year ago, I would have been able to purchase a case of each product. I hope you will give me that opportunity to try the greens. Looking forward to reading more, watching more and learning more.

      Heidi | 02.28.2013 | Reply
    11. I agree with a the other comments I read as to how much of an inspiration Gabby and Laird are in fitness, health and as a family. I’ve mentioned both them, their sites and the chalkboardmag site to many friends and all have thanked me for it after checking it out. I’ve not tried any of the TRUition products, but ironically before reading this I was actually researching more about adding products like this into my diet. This would be a great way to start! Thanks for another great post, look forward to more in the future!

    12. Been procrastinating on treating myself better but the above recipe just sounds so good that I can’t wait to make one.

      mark masters | 02.28.2013 | Reply
    13. You guys are really awesome! Thanks for all of the recipes, workouts and fitness tips. I love your site and I am always so inspired after reading the posts! I add Catie’s Organic Greens to my morning smoothie after reading Laird’s book, but I’d love to try TRUition!

      Lisa | 02.28.2013 | Reply
    14. I am so fortunate to have found the G & L website – from everything to the recipes to the workout tips to the emails and facebook messages – their message of healthy, grounded, happy living has helped to enrich my daily life. I have been incorporating their philosopy (and their website) with my own fitness group and my family – and would be delighted to have a chance to share their products as well. Aloha, Christine

      Christine | 02.28.2013 | Reply
    15. Living in NYC it’s not always easy grocery shopping thru local produce vendors. We occasionally have a bi monthly farmers market but without the obvious tropical paradise choices you have on the islands. However having been active in sport and fitness my whole life and professional career I have always valued the nutritional component of staying healthy. Following L&G for quite some time now it’s a real joy to read, view and take away knowledge from the lifestyle habits you both possess. I would just like to say keep sharing your fitness, dietary, training and your overall mind body and soul recipes to living the quality of life that so many people in this world struggle to achieve. It’s awesome stuff. If I am lucky enough I would love to add Truition Greens to my Acai Berry Bowl recipe. It would be mind blowing to my clientele- JD @ Total Athletic Performance Training

      Jason | 02.28.2013 | Reply
    16. I always start the day with a green mix with some protein and vitamins, then have another green mix later in day. A green mix is a great alkalizer as well as fiber and energy boost. Ive been using the Amazing Grass brand but would like to try some truition greens!

      Bailey Webb | 02.28.2013 | Reply
    17. Oh and cant wait to see and try out Lairds new board line, the photos I saw from surf expo looked good! Thanks and keep up the good work here and at G&L, enjoy checking out the family exploits and fitness articles.

      Bailey Webb | 02.28.2013 | Reply
    18. Here is my favorite smoothie of all time……enjoy
      1 cup almond, coconut, or raw milk (I’m on a raw milk kick and it is the best!)
      1 tbsp TRUition greens
      1 serving TRUition vanilla Whey Protein
      1/4 or 1/2 an avocado
      1 tbsp fresh lime juice
      1 cup of organic blueberries
      4-6 ice cubes

      Rick | 02.28.2013 | Reply
      • Correction on my recipe.
        1 teaspoon of TRUition greens

        Aloha

        Rick | 03.01.2013 | Reply
    19. I want to take the time to thank you both. My sister knew about Laird and I followed Gabby’s career. I looked you guys up and was so motivated to get back into working out. I was slacking due to my divorce. I went on Lairds site and that short video clip of him saying get outdoors and etc,just watching how great you both look inspired me. God Bless you both and thanks for making a difference in my life. I went swimming today and aqua jogging as well as resistance work. If I did not watch your videos and read the blogs, I was just blah! Know that you both are responsible for making me happy and zapping some new life into me. I still have good muscle tone and balance, so it won’t be as hard getting back into shape.. THANKS THANKS THANKS for sharing! xoxoxoxxo Cindy

      Cynthia Mello | 02.28.2013 | Reply
    20. Love this! Such a good idea. Love Gabby and Laird and their commitment to sharing the best resources. 🙂

      Sarah Metzger | 02.28.2013 | Reply
    21. Why not just use actual greens instead of a commercially processed powder?

      Matt | 03.01.2013 | Reply
    22. I have enjoyed everyone of your posts…
      Thank you for being such an inspiration!!

      Sharea Johansen | 03.01.2013 | Reply
    23. I use both TRUition Greens and TRUition Meal (but I definitely want to win more!) and I think they are great products. I renewed my commitment to healthy living, I replace breakfast with a smoothie using both ingredients. I am down 8 pounds in 7 weeks and on my way to getting off my blood pressure medication. Yeah, all that exercise helps too.

      I was just newly diagnosed with celiac disease and all TRUition products are gluten free. That is a huge plus! Gabby and Laird are both great inspirations as are the people at TRUition. I have bent their eyes with all of my calls/emails seeking advice and getting answers to product questions.

      It’s great stuff and I am very happy with it.

      Lisa | 03.01.2013 | Reply
    24. I’m always looking for a new, organic protein powder to try. Thanks for the smoothie recipe and chance to win with protein!

      Kilee | 03.01.2013 | Reply
    25. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR THOUGHTFUL COMMENTS, AND CONGRATS TO OUR WINNER – HEIDI!

      The Chalkboard | 03.04.2013 | Reply
    26. Thanks for the smoothie recipe I will have to try it sounds and looks delicious.

      Sheldon | 03.20.2013 | Reply
    27. This tea helps naturally get rid of all the toxins, poisons and impurities which enter our
      body as a result of the type of foods we eat, places we go to and lifestyle
      in general. Examples from nutritional grains that would help
      the bodies cells to get it shape are oats, apples and cocoa.
      Eliminate all refined sugars, natural and artificial sweeteners from your diet.

      δίαιτα | 03.08.2014 | Reply
    28. Have you ever thought about creating an e-book or guest authoring
      on other websites? I have a blog based on the same subjects you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I
      know my audience would value your work. If you are even remotely
      interested, feel free to shoot me an e-mail.

      gehirn-doping.org | 08.18.2018 | Reply

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