Blend Something Every Day

A Short Guide to Eating More Plants with Your Vitamix

By Lenny Gale

Read it through now. And come back to it when you’re feeling stuck.

Start reading →

First published in 2017 as The Perfect Mix. Updated in 2026.

Introduction
Chapter 1: Your Good Intentions
Chapter 2: Understanding Past Failures
Chapter 3: Public Enemy #1: Big Food
Chapter 4: Getting Started the Smart Way
Chapter 5: The Framework
Chapter 6: A Word of Caution
Afterword
Appendix I: 5 Common Mistakes New Vitamix Owners Make
Appendix II: 7 Easy Habits to Adopt
Appendix III: 10 Vitamix Hacks
Appendix IV: Do These 7 Things to Prolong Its Life
Appendix V: The 5-Step System for Perfect Protein Shakes
Appendix VI: Container Deep Cleaning
About Shalva & Lenny

(Re)Dedication

“For the CEOs of Kraft Heinz, PepsiCo, and Tyson Foods.”

Wait, what?

Yes, that was the dedication in the book’s first edition. A handful of CEOs running Big Food companies.

It was a proverbial middle finger to the harm they’re doing to the health of our planet and its people.

Clever? Maybe.

But that’s not the tone I want to set for this book anymore.

I’m a dad now. And cynicism is not something I want to teach my children.

So let’s try again.

For my sweet kids Ezra, Judah, and Zelda.

And for the values I want to impart upon them: Kindness, compassion, and love.

Introduction

Your story is my story

Do any of these sound familiar?

You look in the mirror and are not satisfied.
You struggle with “portion control.”
You think you’re doing all the right things; yet, you are still feeling stuck.
You can’t get into a routine that works.
You feel like you might be addicted to sugar.
You rely on prescription medicines more than you would like.
You’re simply too busy.

If you answered yes to any of these, then you’re in good company.

Millions of people like you are dealing with the same challenges.

Why?

Well, you’ll soon see that it’s not your fault.

First of all, you’re human. The primal urges for immediate gratification are powerful.

Second of all, change is hard. We like routines, even if they’re not in our best interest.

And third of all, we are up against an enemy that wants us to fail. An enemy that profits from our demise.

But together, we’ll prevail.

Because now…

Your story is our story.

Your transformation. Your embracing of a plant-based lifestyle.

Your journey.

Your story is the core ethos of why Blending For Good exists.

People all over the world are struggling despite wanting the same thing:

That jump-out-of-bed feeling.

Who doesn’t?

Well, here’s the solution: Plants.

Fruit!
Vegetables!
Nuts and seeds!

Plants. It’s so simple.

And here’s the deal, my friend: Most people now understand the value of a Vitamix, how it can change their lives.

We’re on a mission to help people get their Vitamix and actually use it.

And the easiest method? The most effective way to ease into more of a plant-based lifestyle?

Use a Vitamix every single day.

And so we are devoted to educating the public on how using a Vitamix (the smart way) can be the catalyst for change that sticks.

But know this…

We can’t do this alone.

The process of educating only begins with us teaching you. It’s crucial that you, too, show your loved ones the way.

For you. For us.

For our world.

Share your food and drinks, of course.

But you must also be an echo.

The simple principles we’ll discuss? Share them.

The words of encouragement? Share them.

The stories? Share them.

Because behavior is contagious. And the behaviors we’ll discuss in this book are worth spreading.

My Only Regret

Here’s a cliché: You should live your life without regret. You don’t get second chances.

But it’s so true.

I have no regrets about adopting this lifestyle. Just one regret about the journey.

I wish I hadn’t waited so long to “take the plunge.” To get started.

Here’s what I’ve realized.

There will always be tomorrow. The question is, is that finally today?

↑ Contents

CHAPTER 1

Your Good Intentions: Eat More Plants

Call it what you want.

Plant-based diet.
More vegetables without getting bored.
A cleaned-up diet.
Reduced desire for refined carbs.
Delicious home-cooked meals.
Replacements for pizza and bacon.
Food as medicine.

Bottom line is this:

You want to eat more plants and you want it not to suck.

And chances are, you’re dealing with one or more of the following.

Habits
You’re struggling to stick to healthy eating habits.

Addiction
You feel addicted to sugar and refined carbs.

Snacking
You are a nighttime (or all-the-time!) snacker.

Doctor’s recommendation
Your doctor recommended you eat more vegetables.

Spouse’s recommendation
Your spouse thinks you don’t eat enough vegetables.

Protein requirements
You live an active lifestyle and need to get more protein.

Nutrient requirements
You’re not getting enough vitamins or minerals.

Starting
You’ve been told how great people feel now that they’ve:

Stopped eating meat, or…
Stopped eating dairy, or…
Gone plant-based completely.

For you, which one is it? Have you heard people saying all of these?

There are a million reasons to eat more plants.

But this shouldn’t be breaking news. You’ve been told to eat your veggies since you were a child.

And yet, you’re still stuck.

So why is it so hard to make the change?

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CHAPTER 2

Understanding Past Failures

You’ve tried. You’ve failed.

Here’s why your attempts at adopting more of a plant-based diet, in the past, may have been a failure.

Change is hard.
External pressures are real (and use our limited time and energy).
Sugar (and refined carbs) is like a drug.
Meat and cheese taste really good.
Behavior is contagious.
There’s always tomorrow.
You were not expecting to fail (even though you should have).
You bit off more than you could chew.
You tried to go at it alone.
You were afraid.

And you know who’s keenly aware of this? The natural shortcomings of every human being?

Your enemy. Our enemy.

Introducing…

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CHAPTER 3

Public Enemy #1: Big Food

Big Food is not in the business of keeping you happy, healthy, and strong.

Their business?

Getting you hooked on their products. Addicted.

Food products are engineered to make your brain go wild.

Take ketchup: For Big Food companies, ketchup is the perfect food. It:

Is good on everything.
Is non-perishable.
Simultaneously tickles all five of your tongue’s tastes, something that no whole food from nature does.

More detail on your tongue’s five tastes starting…now.

The Five Tastes on Your Tongue

Your tongue identifies food from nature as sweet, salty, sour, or bitter. Four tastes.

Put any two together and you get a nice little harmony of taste. (This is why chocolate and pretzels are so good. Sweet and salty!)

But there’s a fifth taste: Umami.

Umami is tough to pinpoint, but it’s essentially savory smoothness.

Umami is elusive and tough to find in nature. Spinach, mushrooms, celery, soy sauce, and nutritional yeast provide umami tastes (along with meats and cheeses).

They say humans’ first interaction with umami is through breast milk.

Come to think of it, that’s probably the best way to understand and remember what umami does to our brains. It’s breast milk for our baby brains.

So to recap: Sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and breast milk.

Okay, back to ketchup and other products designed to tickle all five tastes.

Let’s pretend you found a tree that grew fruit that touched all five tastes. You’d visit that tree every day, right?

This, my friends, is why Doritos are so good. They make your brain go nuts.

More than lab-manufactured food products, factory-farmed products are tough to avoid. Corn (for sweeteners and livestock feed), dairy (for the cheese you can’t give up), and meat (for the fun, flirty, and bacon-wrapped, butter-soaked-everything diet you’ve probably tried) are everywhere.

Why?

Well again, it’s money.

So you’re stuck with bad habits and an addiction to certain foods you can’t kick. Dang.

And just so it all sets in with you, let’s recap.

Change is hard. Life is busy.

And despite knowing that refined carbs, sugar, meat, and dairy make you feel and look terrible, they are tough to avoid.

And of course, we’re up against a behemoth: Big Food.

So what do we do?

Well, here’s what’s worked for us and hundreds of our followers: Use your Vitamix to make the transition to more of a plant-based diet:

Easier.
More enjoyable.
Unlike everything you’ve tried in the past, a reality!

Now, we’ll get into what to make soon. But first, we should talk about the three keys to adopting more of a plant-based diet: Mindset, habits, and expectations.

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CHAPTER 4

Getting Started the Smart Way

Later in this book, we’re going to see ways a Vitamix can help you ease into eating more plants (in a way that sticks).

But those recipes? They’re just recipes.

You want to change your lifestyle? You need to change your mindset.

To get into the right mindset, here are some lessons from two pretend coaches: Reminder Randy and Promise Me Pam.

Pretend Coach 1) Reminder Randy

Here are a few things you need to remember. Friendly reminders, if you will.

Reminder 1: You’re going to fail.

You have to remember, your failure does not mean you are a failure.

Reminder 2: Your brain is only half rational.

Half of your brain is rational. It’s the half that drives you to do your work, be patient with others, and eat healthy food.

The other half is irrational and only wants immediate satisfaction: sugar, sleep, and sex.

When the rational half gets tired after a long day, it’s really tough to stop the irrational half from taking over.

Reminder 3: This is a process.

Like a really long process.

It took me five years to get to how I eat today. And for me, it wasn’t ever a conscious decision.

I started to listen to my body, and it just happened.

Reminder 4: But despite the long journey ahead, you’re going to start to feel the difference immediately.

Yes, immediately.

It’s like a sip of coffee after not having caffeine for a long time. You can really feel the difference.

But it’s unlike coffee, too. Where the effect of caffeine lessens over time, the gains from changing the way you eat are cumulative.

We began our Whole-Food, Plant-Based lifestyle just over three short months ago. The difference in the way we feel is amazing.

Subjectively, we both have more energy, we both sleep better, we have fewer cravings, more enjoyable meals, AND objectively, all of our numbers are better too, i.e., our weight, our blood pressure, and our cholesterol numbers are all lower.
Dale and Kim

Pretend Coach 2) Promise Me Pam

Eating more plants (and sticking with it) is a lifestyle. Here are a few things you need to do to make this lifestyle change a reality.

These are promises you need to make right now.

These will be helpful in your life beyond helping you get the most out of your Vitamix.

Promise 1: Pick a day of rest.

And promise you’ll stick to it. This is your day off.

Wherever you are on your journey, there will be room to slow down. To take the pedal off the gas.

And yes, to cheat, if you want. Whatever cheating may be for you.

In our home, Saturday is our day off. That way, we can feel good about going out to a special breakfast (without stressing about a healthy eating decision).

The decision is already made.

Promise 2: Pick a partner.

And promise you’ll hold them accountable.

Life is better when you can ride its ebbs and flows with someone. Someone to deliver praise when you do good (and call you out for not).

It can be a spouse. Or a sibling.

Or maybe even a coworker.

But you need someone to take the journey with you.

Can’t think of someone to be your partner in this journey? Pick us. (It’s a big part of our membership: Shalva and me in your back pocket.)

Promise 3: Blend something every day (except on your day of rest).

And promise, to begin, you won’t worry about anything else.

Blend something every day. If you do that, you’ll get:

A daily win.
A meal replacement.
Some practice (which becomes routine and eventually a habit).

Again, the decision has already been made. No need to hem and haw over “should I or shouldn’t I?”

Find something to blend.

Okay? Promise you’ll do these three things.

Okay, a quick recap: We want to eat more plants but it’s hard because we are humans and Big Food wants us to fail. And to do that, you’re best doing it with someone, a little bit at a time, and with the expectation that it’s a long process.

Okay, onwards!

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CHAPTER 5

The Framework for Using the Vitamix to Eat (and Drink!) More Plants

Finally, the chapter on what you can make. 🙂

Okay, we’re going to break this down into three phases.

Blended Drinks.
Staple Replacements.
Culinary Creations.

Each section builds upon the last and gets more challenging than the previous one.

We’re going to start with blended drinks.

Why?

Because blended drinks, specifically smoothies, whole-food juices, and shakes are the gateway drug to adopting more of a plant-based diet.

Not just muddled fruit and ice.

But tasty drinks that your body is going to crave.

Phase I: Blended Drinks Your Body is Going to Crave

Could you pay $12 for something like this from a store? Of course!

But that’s not a routine that will stick.

Plus, making your own blended drinks, once you get the hang of one you love, is so much more convenient. Not to mention, much more financially wise.

So what’s in these blended drinks? Ones that are:

Nutrient-rich.
Easy to make.
As tasty as candy.

Well, there are three categories of blended drinks you’ll make.

1) Smoothies

We started with blended drinks because they’re the “gateway drug” of a plant-based diet with the help of a Vitamix. And of the blended drinks, we’re starting with smoothies for the same reason.

They’re easy to make and are picky-eater-friendly.

Smoothies are mostly fruit with some (optional) greens. The best ones have a velvety, not-just-cold texture.

Here’s how smoothies compare to the other two types of blended drinks:

Fruit: High
Greens and other veggies: Low
Nuts and seeds: Low
Thickness: Medium
Calories: Lower

Here’s how we smoothie:

Summer
They’re all good in the summer. But our strawberry and grapefruit smoothie called “The Pinkman” is one of our favorites.

Bowls
Special breakfast doesn’t always have to be pancakes. Smoothie bowls are such a treat if you aren’t in a rush. Just make the smoothie a bit thicker than normal. Pour it into a bowl, add toppings, and enjoy with a spoon.

Must-go
Do you have produce that must go? Throw it in the Vitamix!

People like bringing orange juice to our house when we host brunch. While we don’t normally add orange juice to our smoothies, if we have some that must go, we throw it in!

The best recipe for getting started with smoothies is Carolyne’s Green Smoothie. It’s sweet, it’s creamy, and it’s the perfect green smoothie for getting started.

Alternative if you don’t eat banana: The Going Green Smoothie. Another sweet and smooth green smoothie that tastes more like candy than anything, well, green.

Pro tip: In general, there are two types of smoothies: Citrus and berry. Citrus smoothies are orange and yellow (mango, orange, pineapple). Berry smoothies are blue or red (blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries). In general, ingredients that are good in one are not good in the other. But, bananas and some greens are good in either.

2) Juices

Making juices in a Vitamix is an incredible way to pack nutrients into one glass.

To be clear, we’re making whole-food juices.

Fruit, greens, seeds, roots, all blended together with some water and ice.

Compared with traditional pressed juice made with a juicer, whole-food juices let you drink all the precious nutrients and fiber. You’re juicing the whole food: skin, seeds, everything. (Just as nature intended.)

And because you’re getting the dietary fiber with the juice, your blood sugar stays in check (compared to it spiking and crashing after drinking pressed juice that’s mostly sugar).

So whole-food juices are really good for you, especially compared to traditional pressed juice.

But they’re also so convenient. There is no quicker or easier (or more enjoyable) way to put the garden into your body.

Now, you may be wondering, “What’s the difference between a smoothie and a whole-food juice? Aren’t they both just blended fruit?”

Compared to smoothies, juices are generally less thick and less sweet.

Here’s how juices compare to smoothies and the shakes we’ll discuss next:

Fruit: Low
Greens and other veggies: High
Nuts and seeds: Medium
Thickness: Low
Calories: Lowest

Here’s how we juice in the Vitamix:

Breakfast
We always have a little green juice for breakfast. The quick hit of hydration and plant-based punch is the best way to start the day.

After-school snack (kids)
It’s more than just drinking it. We love making juice with our kids after school. Such a good alternative to processed snacks and screen time.

After vacation
Green juice is the first thing we make when we get back from a trip. In fact, if it’s just one of us away, the other will bring fresh green juice to the airport pickups. And it’s so appreciated.

The best recipe for getting started with whole-food juicing in your Vitamix is our Spicy Green Juice.

Many people like carrot juice. Of course, our Invigorating Citrus Carrot Juice is pretty different from pressed carrot juice. But with nothing going to waste, you’re getting all the fiber and nutrients as nature intended.

Pro tip: Whole-food juices are pretty invigorating. You may be able to use them to let go of morning coffee.

3) Shakes

Let’s talk about plant-based shakes you can make in a Vitamix.

Think milkshakes like chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry. But these have some redeeming health value.

Generally, shakes are higher in calories. But that’s by design and great for meal replacements, muscle-building, and post-workout recovery.

Here’s how shakes compare to the other two types of blended drinks:

Fruit: Medium
Greens and other veggies: Low
Nuts and seeds: Medium
Thickness: Thickest
Calories: Highest

Here’s how we do protein shakes.

After exercise
The obvious benefit is recovery and hydration. But there’s a less obvious one: Protein shakes made in the Vitamix are a nice incentive to start and finish a workout. (Your monkey brain needs rewards!)

Date night dinner
Sometimes you just feel like putting on a show and having a chocolate shake and popcorn for dinner. We jokingly call that date-night dinner.

Teething toddler
Teething is uncomfortable enough. But when your child is also hangry? When our kids were little, we loved making them shakes when they were clearly hungry but didn’t want to eat anything because their teeth hurt.

Breakfast on-the-go
Sometimes we have a long day of driving to tackle. On those days, we love packing shakes to go. It saves us a stop and keeps us going for longer.

Dessert
Need dessert? Yup, these.

Here are two good shake recipes to try:

Strawberry Banana Shake

Or if you don’t want bananas in your shake, our PB&J Smoothie is great.

Pro tip: Protein shakes are good with added protein powder or without. You can always add more greens or nuts or seeds!

Okay, let’s recap.

A once-daily blended drink is the ticket to the lifestyle you’re looking for.

Practice and master the ones we listed, first. One of each category (smoothie, juice, and shake).

Momentum is critical here. Because if you try to do too much at once, you won’t get the crucial momentum you need to be successful.

Make one. Then one the next day.

Suddenly you have a two-day streak.

And again; now it’s three days in a row.

Then keep the streak alive.

When your “day of rest” comes, take a break. Look back and be proud of your accomplishments.

Look at how far you’ve come!

Got it? Start with one.

One blended drink.

If it doesn’t turn out how you expected, it’s okay. Chances are it’s not your Vitamix’s fault.

Simply try the same recipe again tomorrow.

That’s all you gotta do.

But I want you to close your eyes for a minute. At least one eye. 😉

Imagine what a delicious, nutritious daily blended drink can do to your lifestyle.

Just one each day.

And if you have a spouse or kids, imagine one giant blended drink to share.

Now imagine the Vitamix cleaning itself. (It does!)

This is where it all begins, my friend. A single blended drink every dang day.

Okay, once you’ve gotten the hang of blended drinks and made it part of your routine, you’re ready for level two: The Replacements.

Phase II: The Replacements

Here’s the second category of ways that a Vitamix is helpful in easing into more of a plant-based lifestyle: Replacements.

Let’s replace the following:

The snacks you grab.
The dips you stock.
The sauces you pour.
The soups you serve.
The desserts you crave.
The salads you make (or think you should be making).

Now, as we’ve mentioned a zillion times now, this is a process.

It’s about getting a little bit better.

Instead of microwaved Velveeta, you’re going to make our famous queso, a cheese-less cheese made from peppers and nuts.

(No, I’m not nuts. I’m just a dad who makes cheesy jokes.)

Our Queso is by far the most popular and life-changing recipe we’ve ever created. We make it weekly and always have a batch in the fridge.

Instead of crackers or chips, we’ll satisfy that craving for savory and crunchy with homemade hummus. Any veggie vehicle will do.

Hang on. A veggie vehicle?

“Veggie vehicle,” defined

Most people don’t actually like snacking on veggies.

Celery spears? Carrot sticks? No thanks.

But, dips?

Yes, please!

With awesome dips, veggies are merely a vehicle for getting dips and spreads into your mouth.

A Veggie Vehicle.

So instead of canned or boxed soups, you can enjoy fresh, hot soups that are so tasty they will make your friends and family think you’re a top chef. Like our Creamy Wild Rice Soup! (It’s one of our most popular recipes.)

Instead of pints of ice cream, we’ll have an all-fruit sorbet that tastes like it came off an Italian street cart. You must try our Bermuda Sorbet. (It’s divine.)

And instead of a drive-thru cobb, we’ll make a giant batch of crunchy, filling salads just like ones you’d find in bulk at Whole Foods. Detox Salad! (We make a batch every week.)

No, it’s not going to happen overnight.

But once you start introducing these Replacements, your body will start speaking to you louder than it ever has before. And you’ll hear what it has to say!

Your body is going to feel revitalized.

And it’s going to beg you for these plant-based foods and drinks.

Furthermore, when you try to feed your body junk food, you’re going to hear your body cry out.

And this is where the magic happens.

You’re going to start to decline meat, dairy, and sugary snacks. Not because you’ve suddenly become unwaveringly disciplined.

But because your body’s going to say: This doesn’t make me feel good anymore.

And again, you’re going to listen.

(But that plate of falafel with salad looks fabulous. May I?)

Okay, let’s recap: We’ve eased in and incorporated plants into our routine with blended drinks (smoothies, juices, and shakes). And we’ve also begun to replace some of our staples with soups, salads, dips, and spreads that our body craves.

Now, let’s go to phase three.

Phase III: Culinary Creativity

By now, your cravings have changed a bit. And with that, comes a change in your taste buds, too. They:

Are more refined.
Need less sweetness.
Can decipher freshness, taste artificial additives, and recognize processed ingredients.

In other words, it’s now about more than just easing into plant-based options. It’s about using the Vitamix to level up to more of a plant-based lifestyle.

You’re craving:

Homemade flours. (Bleached and enriched? No thanks.)
Dressings made from scratch. (Additives and preservatives? No thanks.)
Homemade nut milks. (Because they taste like heavy cream in coffee!)
Less starchy sides. (Artichoke dip!)
Craft cocktails.
Sauces and purees that didn’t come from a jar. (Pesto!)

These things may sound advanced today.

But that’s why you have to start slowly. This is Phase III.

Soon these creations will come naturally. They are part of who you are.

It will happen.

You just have to be patient.

↑ Contents

CHAPTER 6

A Word of Caution

The goal of this book is to show you how you can use a Vitamix as a tool to achieve your goals. But be warned.

Simply having a Vitamix is not going to magically get you eating more plants.

You’re going to have to put in the work.

But if you’re intentional about it and remember what we discussed above, there’s a good chance that your Vitamix will help you get to the promised land.

If You’re Still a Bit Stuck

Remember, the lifestyle you dream about is there for you to take.

But it’s up to you to look your fears right in the eye.

Afraid of failure? Ask yourself, “What’s the worst that could happen?”

Afraid of succeeding? Yes, this is a real thing. You should never feel guilty about achieving the lifestyle you deserve.

Ultimately, you have to look at yourself in the mirror. Are you living the life you want to be living?

Will the answer be the same tomorrow?

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Afterword

I’ve been 100% plant-based since the beginning of 2017. I’ve never felt so good.

Okay, 100% with one exception: traditional holiday meals. I’ll eat a matzo ball. Or some challah. Both have egg. That isn’t going to kill me. And it’s not worth taking joy away from the matriarchs in my family.

I call it being a simcha vegan. (A simcha is a joyous occasion.)

But it took a long time.

And I want to be sure you know that adopting a plant-based diet is a journey. It takes a long time.

Furthermore, it was never a conscious decision. It happened without me realizing it was happening.

First, I realized I was lactose intolerant. So I gave up cheese.

Then, I began to decline red meat. Then chicken.

For a while, I only ate fish and eggs. (Because sushi!)

And finally, I was a vegan.

All it took was five years.

I’ll say it again because it’s important.

It was a five-year process.

And it was all because I began to listen to my body.

And it progressed because I educated myself on the perils of the factory farming industry. That’s what sealed it for me.

Here’s what I’ve realized.

I never had a clear goal. Just baby steps. And after each one, a little voice saying, well, that’s the last time I do that.

Or softer: I don’t think I want to do that anymore.

All this stuff is just better.

I’m 41. My watch says my biological age is 35, and I feel better than I did in my 20s.

Half marathons are my favorite thing ever. And I was never a runner.

Perfection is absolutely not the goal. Just feeling good is. And staying on the right path.

But it all can start for you the same way: Listen to your body.

If it’s tired, give it some green juice.

The rest happens on its own.

Without ever deciding “to go vegan.”

Blend something every day. Take note of how you feel.

And ride the momentum into the promised land.

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APPENDIX I

5 Common Mistakes New Vitamix Owners Make

This is one of those guides to keep in your back pocket.

Why?

The Vitamix machine comes with a bit of a learning curve.

Yes, it’s a blender. Yes, it’s powerful and can do so much more than just smoothies and shakes.

But there are a few things to keep in mind as you begin your journey.

And after doing this full time since 2012, here are the reminders (mistakes to avoid) that are most helpful for new owners.

1) Your Vitamix is probably not defective.

Might it be? Sure.

But very few Vitamix machines ever go in for warranty service. So it’s probably not defective.

Feeling like your Vitamix is defective is totally normal.

Perhaps it’s overheating or shutting off? Perhaps there are large air bubbles?

Remember the following:

Ratio: Aim for a 50/50 ratio of liquid to frozen ingredients, especially when making blended drinks. Any less than that and you should expect to use the tamper.
Loading order: Always add liquids first and frozen ingredients last. This helps get everything moving into that efficient, vortex motion.
High speed: Your Vitamix is made to run on the highest speed it will go. You may think you’re going easy on it by holding it back. But because the cooling system turns on at the motor’s highest speed, the opposite is actually true.

Also worth noting: You may notice a burning smell during the first couple blends, even if you’re minding the ratio, loading order, and using high speed. This is totally normal as it is just the motor breaking in.

If, of course, this lasts beyond the first few blends and you’re minding the ratio, loading order, and using high speed, you may have gotten unlucky and should contact Vitamix Customer Service.

2) The tamper is your friend.

The tamper is designed to help you push ingredients down into the blade. So a couple of things to note:

First, assuming the container’s lid is on, the tamper will never touch the blade. (Never use the tamper without the container lid on!)

Second, the Vitamix motor is made to handle your push with the tamper. No need to worry about hurting your machine here.

And third, you should know when to expect to use it (and when not to).

You should not need to use the tamper for most smoothies and juices.

But if you do, it’s okay.

Thick smoothies and shakes are great. A couple of pushes with the tamper may be necessary.

In some cases, however, you should expect to use the tamper.

Nut butters
Ice cream
Very thick blends (like hummus)

(We even use the tamper as a ricochet point when coarsely chopping carrots or cabbage or cauliflower for things like our Detox Salad.)

So don’t be afraid of using the tamper. Assuming you’re on high speed and you’ve minded proper loading order, your Vitamix appreciates you using it.

And most likely, you will, too.

3) Go slow.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the things you want to make in your Vitamix.

Of course, you want to make almond butter. And you want to make pizza dough and Blizzards and Frappuccinos and sorbet and…

We’ve been doing this full-time for a long time and we still have a giant backlog of things we’re yet to try.

It’s cliché, but it’s true: the journey is the destination here. Enjoy what you’re working on now (without thinking about everything you have to work on later).

4) Keep it on your counter.

Maybe you have some health and fitness goals you want to accomplish.

Or maybe you are looking to be more creative in the kitchen.

You now have this tool to help you be a little more like your ideal self.

So don’t let it gather dust in a cabinet!

Doing so, hiding your Vitamix, does three things:

First, a Vitamix out of sight is a Vitamix out of mind. You want it in your peripheral vision, constantly reminding you to put it to use.

And second, a barrier is a barrier. Even if it’s easily accessible, the smallest bit of friction (putting it on the counter and plugging it in) is enough to keep you from using it.

And finally, with your Vitamix put away, something else is taking its spot on the counter. Put the toaster in a lower cabinet and give the Vitamix its spot; you’ll be amazed at the results you get.

5) You’re gonna fail.

Yes, the mechanics are pretty straightforward. There’s a blade that spins.

But there’s a learning curve with the Vitamix.

It takes a little bit of time to really get the feel of it.

So you might try to make ice cream and end up making ice cream soup.

You might make a smoothie that’s brown and tastes like mud.

So you failed. Who cares?

It’s important to remind yourself that just because you failed, it does not mean you’re a failure.

And, that it happens to everyone.

We use our Vitamix almost every day. And if we’re improvising, there’s a decent chance we’re not gonna get a masterpiece on the first try.

And with that, if you want to build confidence with your Vitamix, the best way to do so is to follow recipes that work.

Begin with these: Green Juice, Carolyne’s Green Smoothie, Our Famous Queso, Creamy Wild Rice Soup, the PB&J Smoothie, and Detox Salad.

They’ll set a foundation for the habits we’ll discuss in the next section.

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APPENDIX II

7 Easy Habits to Adopt (Now That You Have a Vitamix)

It’s easy to buy a Vitamix and then feel like the work is done. Yes, the Vitamix can help you:

Lose weight
Gain more energy
Impress your partner

But you need to build some habits around your machine. Here’s what’s worked for us.

1) Green juice on tap

A little bit of green juice every day will change your life.

Let that sink in. Because it’s so, so true.

The energy boost you feel immediately after drinking some blended, whole-food green juice is intoxicating.

Get into the habit of having some every day.

We make a big batch every other morning before work and school. Other people like to make it in the evening.

You can store it in the fridge for a few days. After the third day, you’ll want to make a fresh batch.

We still like coffee in the morning because we like the taste. But if you’re looking for a coffee replacement, green juice certainly can be that.

In our home, making green juice is my responsibility. Whose will it be in your home?

2) Sunday night detox

Our Detox Salad is one of those magical recipes.

Fills you up
Makes you feel full (without making you feel stuffed)

It’s like something you’d see in the Whole Foods deli counter. Something so colorful and impressive, it feels like something you could never make yourself.

Well, now you can and should. Once per week, make a habit of making yourself a giant Detox Salad.

You can use the dressing from the original recipe. Or, leave it undressed and simply add some balsamic, sunflower seeds, and raisins.

It takes just a few minutes to coarsely chop all the veggies. And it lasts the entire week, especially if it’s covered in the fridge.

This is one of those Sunday-night recipes. Because after a long weekend of indulging, it feels so good to have some Detox Salad on Monday.

3) Dips for days

There are a million different dips you can make with your Vitamix.

Hummus is good. Salsa is great.

In our home, we love having our queso on hand.

The key is getting into the habit of making one or two of those dips every week.

Got dips at eye-level in your fridge? Now you have a grabbable veggie snack (that you can dunk in good-for-you deliciousness).

Snacking is a way of life. The trick is making healthy snacking easy and enjoyable.

4) Because you can’t buy frozen bananas…

Add it to your list. You should always have frozen bananas in your freezer.

Frozen bananas are the key to thick and creamy shakes. And they’re in nearly every frozen dessert recipe.

Peel them.
Slice them into three or four pieces.
Freeze them.

Now, you can certainly just throw the sliced banana pieces into a container in the freezer. But, if you want them to freeze without sticking together, making it easier to grab them for blending, do this:

Stand the banana pieces up on their own. We like to think about making a frozen banana forest.

Then, once they’ve frozen, you can pluck them off and place them in a bag. (Tear down the frozen banana forest.)

Don’t let not having frozen bananas force you into eating junk.

5) Soup kitchen.

You can get really creative with Vitamix soups. And we’ll discuss that next.

But simple soups and stews and chilis are so nice to have ready to eat.

We like making double batches of our lentil chili.

Some for now. And some for later.

And to get the most value of batching soups, we freeze them in soup cube trays. Surprisingly pricey, but well worth it.

It’s important to have hot dinners, especially if your winters require it.

But it’s even more important that you’re in the habit of making those hot dinners in advance so they’re easy to grab and reheat.

6) Wow your partner.

So much of how we use our Vitamix supports a healthy, minimalist, productive lifestyle.

But don’t forget to dig into some of the recipes that are special. The ones that will make your spouse go “wow!”

Our Creamy Wild Rice Soup is incredibly popular.

And our Thai spring rolls are really impressive (but also fun if you want to make it a date-night activity).

Stay creative, even after you’ve figured out the handful of things you like to make.

7) Take a blending sabbath.

One of the best pieces of general advice you can use in life: take a break.

Pick a day that you refrain from blending.

We blend so much in our home. We blend for work and we blend for our life.

But on Saturdays, we rest.

It’s a decision that we’ve made. And thus, we don’t need to grapple with the decision again.

No guilt, no excuses. One day per week, we give ourselves a little break.

Because living this lifestyle takes a lot of effort. And of course, you need to be disciplined to stick with it.

But that gets exhausting. And without a break, it’s unsustainable.

Your Vitamix doesn’t need a break. But your brain, on a regular basis, definitely does.

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APPENDIX III

10 Vitamix Hacks

I want to share ten little Vitamix hacks with you. You know, little-known Vitamix tricks to make your life easier, better, whathaveyou.

But first, a quick note.

Most pieces about Vitamix hacks are often just features and benefits disguised as “hacks.”

You already know the Vitamix can turn cold water and vegetables into hot soup in six minutes. You already know it can make ice cream from frozen bananas.

Those aren’t really hacks. 🙂

These, however, are nifty little Vitamix hacks that we actually use in our home.

1) In-sight, in-mind
We keep our Vitamix on our countertop. We use it as a constant reminder of the lifestyle we’ve committed to. And in doing so, we get so much more out of it. (Not sure if you have the counter space for it? Do you have a toaster? Let it have the toaster’s spot. You’ll be blown away at the results.)

2) Get creative
We take number one (from above) to the next level by personifying our Vitamix. How? We put blank stickers on the base and write little messages. From the Vitamix, to us. “FEED ME!” is one of our favorites.

3) Quench thirst
This one is kind of silly, but surprisingly satisfying. We use the Vitamix container to water our plants. It helps us live a more minimalist lifestyle.

4) Measure precisely
The lid plug has accurate measurement markings. So we use it to measure ingredients when making adult beverages like margaritas or mojitos.

5) Slide it out
Our Vitamix lives on the counter and below the cabinets. When we use it, we pull it towards us so we can access the container. To make that process a little bit easier, we stuck felt pads on the Vitamix’s rubber feet. Felt pads are available for a dollar or two at any hardware store.

6) Stay ripe
Assuming you’re minding proper loading order, frozen fruit can do wonders for smoothies and juices. So when fruit is about to go bad, we throw it in a storage container and freeze it until we need it. Frozen mango, for example, is great on top of a spicy green juice blend.

7) College fund
This one is for new parents. Use your Vitamix to make baby food and then freeze it in little trays for later. Great. But before needing baby food, you’ll need to endure life with a newborn: survival mode. And that means feeding yourself warm, nourishing meals with little effort. So just like we made baby food and froze it, we do the same with hot soups. Giant batches and freeze them for when you’re in survival mode.

8) Freshly ground
I like to grind my coffee beans when making coffee. The coffee is so much better that way. So when my coffee grinder needed repair, I used my Vitamix to grind the beans. Not as good as coffee from beans ground in the grinder. But definitely better than using pre-ground beans.

9) Popcorn meal
We don’t grind a lot of dry grains in our home. But did you know you can use popcorn kernels to make cornmeal? It makes our cornbread taste so fresh.

10) Smooth move
I saved the best for last. Make a nut butter in your Vitamix. And scrape as much as you can off the container. But instead of just cleaning it, use the nut-buttery container to make a berry smoothie. Now you have a tasty PB&J smoothie and less wasted nut butter. The best!

I hope those were fun to read and will someday be helpful.

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APPENDIX IV

Do These 7 Things to Your Vitamix to Prolong Its Life

So you recently (or maybe not so recently?) got a Vitamix and want to make sure it lasts as long as possible.

Oh, you smart.

In this guide, you’ll learn the 7 things you can do to prolong the life of your Vitamix.

But first, some good news.

Vitamix machines already last forever.

Okay, that’s factually incorrect.

Your Vitamix will not last forever.

The sun is going to stop burning in 5 billion years, and forever is way past that. Infinitely, actually.

But Vitamix machines do last many years; often far past their warranty.

Some of the best emails we get are a variation of the following:

Hey, Lenny and Shalva, I’ve had my Vitamix for 15 years and I’m tired of waiting for it to die. Can you help me find the right upgrade for me?

It’s always fun to hear that a Vitamix owner has a machine that’s a teenager.

But you know what makes this remarkable?

These Vitamix owners are likely not doing many of the life-prolonging tricks we’re going to discuss below.

Had they? Wow.

Now, before discussing the life-prolonging tips, let’s discuss the three most common causes for Vitamix machines needing service. This will help you better understand “the why” behind the life-extending tactics for your Vitamix.

3 most common issues (causing owners to need service for their Vitamix)

It’s important to understand these. The typical “whys” behind a Vitamix needing repair.

Leaking container
If you only made green juice, you’d probably never get a leaky container. But certain ingredients can harm and wear upon the container seal.

Broken or worn drive socket
The drive socket is the rigid metal thingy that fits around the blade assembly’s gear. By using a few of the best practices below, you can help the drive socket stay strong (for long!).

Blown motor
This is the engine that won’t start. In our experience, most motors that fail early fail because of how they were used.

Do you feel qualified to work at the Vitamix Call Center yet? Either way, let’s move to the things you can do to extend the life of your Vitamix.

Extend the life of your Vitamix with these 7 tips

Want your Vitamix to outlive you? Here’s how to prolong its life.

Always run a cleaning cycle.
Use top speed.
Use the tamper when applicable.
Layer correctly.
Be careful with protein powder.
Don’t put the container in the refrigerator or freezer.
Use your Vitamix regularly.

Now let’s discuss the reasoning behind each.

1. Always run a cleaning cycle

A couple drops of soap, warm water, and 30 seconds on high speed is all you need.

But, look. I get it.

It’s really easy to just leave the container in the sink for later. Or just give it a quick rinse and run out the door.

But for the good of your Vitamix, don’t do that! Get into the habit of running a cleaning cycle after every blend.

Why is it important to always run a cleaning cycle after using your Vitamix?

Aside from keeping your container clean, reduced residue on the blades mitigates container leaks. And, as a bonus, it’s a food safety best practice!

Pro tip: Your Vitamix container might be dishwasher safe. But unless you’re going to run the dishwasher immediately, a traditional cleaning cycle is a better choice.

2. Use its top speed

You may think you’re “saving your Vitamix” by never running it on the highest speed it can go.

No!

You need to be using Variable Speed 10 (or on some Classic machines, High). High speed.

This is so important. High speed.

The engine inside the Vitamix machine is designed to run most effectively on Variable Speed 10 (or High Speed if you have one of the Legacy machines). Blending on lower speeds when you can (and should!) use top speed is actually bad for your Vitamix’s engine.

Why?

At high speed, the fans turn on. This helps keep your engine cool.

Need an analogy? Here’s one.

Refusing to run your Vitamix on top speed is like driving your 5-speed manual transmission car on the freeway in 3rd gear. Can it do it? Yes. Will it harm your engine? Of course.

Want another analogy? Exclusively using lower speeds on your Vitamix is like swimming laps with one arm tied behind your back. You might think that saving your left arm is a good idea. But Left Arm is not going to be thrilled when Right Arm falls off. (Or, if you drown.)

Got it?

You got it.

Because I’ve been reading a lot of rhyming children’s books to my kids (and I can’t help myself), here are a few one-liners to help make this stick:

Variable Speed 10 is your friend.
High Speed is what you need.
Turn it all the way up, Buttercup.
Thick blend, turn the dial to the end.
High as it can go, yo!

Okay, thanks for indulging me there.

3. Use the tamper when applicable

If you follow well-tested Vitamix recipes, you should not need to use a tamper for smoothies and juices.

But ice creams and nut butters, for example, do need a tamper.

In fact, that’s one of the things that makes the Vitamix so special. It loves it when you use the tamper.

Using a tamper to gently guide ingredients into the blade helps the motor process your blends more efficiently. I know it’s counter-intuitive because using a tamper can feel harsh.

But, failure to use the tamper can overwork your Vitamix’s motor.

In the short run, an overworked Vitamix motor will shut itself off to cool. In the long run, it places undue stress on the motor, which, of course, shortens its useful life.

Moral of the story: Don’t be afraid to use the tamper. Be afraid of not using it.

4. Layer correctly

You may notice something in the recipes from Vitamix or on the Getting Started Guide that comes with your machine. There’s an emphasis on which ingredients you should add first.

Why? Because order matters!

You should layer ingredients soft stuff first, hard stuff last. For example:

Liquids
Soft, fleshy fruits (e.g. oranges)
Harder fruits (e.g. apples)
Leafy greens
Frozen fruits and ice
Seeds and nuts

The Vitamix machine (and probably all other blenders) works most efficiently when layered correctly.

With liquid and soft fleshy fruit at the bottom, the blade has something to grab onto. Then, the hard ingredients get pulled in (as well as being pushed down by gravity).

(Why seeds last? We’ll discuss why in the next section.)

The result is an efficient blend without any ingredient idling.

The other reason why layering the Vitamix container correctly matters is this: Anytime the blade hits a hard object (ice or frozen fruit) at low speed, the blade stutters and wears the drive socket.

So by putting frozen ingredients on top, the drive socket stays stronger, longer.

(This is also the reason to avoid dropping any and all foreign objects into your container. The drive socket and blade do not appreciate smacking a metal spoon.)

Pro tip: If you drop a spoon in your Vitamix while blending and it breaks the drive socket, you should still call Customer Service and explain what happened. They understand that this stuff happens and should be able to take care of you.

5. Be careful with protein powder

Totally cool if you like to use protein powder. We do occasionally, too!

But if you’re not careful, regularly and incorrectly using protein powder can do damage to your Vitamix machine.

Never add protein powder first. Add protein powder sometime in the middle or last if possible.

Even better, add it through the lid opening while it’s running. That way it gets mixed well and is less likely to get caked onto the blades or the seal.

This helps prevent container damage (leaks).

Pro tip: The same goes for seeds. Add them last or through the lid opening while running for the best results, easiest cleanup, and lightest load on the machine.

6. Don’t put the container in the refrigerator or freezer

I know it’s tempting. We used to do it before learning not to.

But don’t place a half-full container in the fridge or freezer.

The extreme temperatures affect bearings in the Vitamix’s blade assembly. Use a mason jar or reusable container to store leftovers instead.

Cool?

Okay, last tip.

7. Use your Vitamix regularly

Another counter-intuitive point. But the more you use your Vitamix, the longer it will last.

Why?

When you use your Vitamix frequently, you’ll be:

More comfortable using it.
Less likely to make new-user errors.
More likely to build good Vitamix-owner habits.

I think owning a motorcycle is a good parallel here. The more you ride, the less likely you are to burn out the clutch. (Or crash.)

Okay, so we’ve talked about why Vitamix machines typically need repair and how to prolong its life. Just one last thing, and this comes directly from a longtime Vitamix Customer Service rep.

If your Vitamix needs service, make the call.

Some people are stubborn and won’t see the doctor. But then their issue lingers until it cannot be fixed.

Don’t do that with your Vitamix!

Everybody at Vitamix HQ wants your Vitamix to run as well as it did on day one. So if it’s having issues, call Vitamix customer service!

They may be able to troubleshoot the issue with you over the phone. And if not, they’ll schedule a repair.

Remember: Your machine came with a full warranty spanning several years. It covers free shipping both ways, so take advantage!

But most importantly…

You really can prolong the life of your Vitamix. Use it right, use it often, and as my grandmother used to say, “Use it in good health!”

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APPENDIX V

The 5-Step System for Perfect Protein Shakes

I stumbled upon this guide to making protein shakes, and it’s perfect.

“Start from the bottom up!”

Here’s the five-step system for making protein shakes.

Step 1) Liquid on the bottom

Hydration!

It’s worth repeating as much as I do in this book. Always add liquids first!

Water or any plant-based milk is great.

Use about 50% of the total shake you’re making.

Step 2) Add nut butter or avocado

Anti-inflammatory!

Both nut butter and avocado will get you a creamier texture. And you’ll also get anti-inflammatory properties.

The good fats!

We love nut butter flavor with protein shakes. (Chocolate and peanut butter, peanut butter and jelly, etc.)

But sometimes you want just vanilla. In that case, add avocado instead; you cannot taste it in shakes.

Pro tip: Add chia or flax or hemp seeds to your protein shakes. Just a tablespoon can add more of the good fats and some helpful dietary fiber.

Step 3) Protein powder

Muscle repair!

Add one scoop. Usually, less than that is enough and makes the shake tastier anyway.

The key here: Be fairly careful about where you place the protein powder into the container. The more protein powder that you drop on the walls of the container, the less that gets mixed into your shake. (Less protein ingested and more cleanup endured.)

Pro tip: For less chalky protein shakes, add a scoop of oats.

Step 4) Frozen fruit, veggies

Energy!

Frozen bananas are the singular best ingredient to add to protein shakes. They make them creamy and cold and give them a tasty ice cream-like texture.

Frozen strawberries and blueberries are good here, too.

You should consider adding some spinach, kale or other greens to your protein shakes. A little bit goes a long way (and you cannot taste them).

Pro tip: Frozen fruit is great in protein shakes. Just be sure not to add so much that it throws off the 50/50 liquid-to-frozen ratio.

Step 5) Ice on top

Hydration!

Round out your protein shakes with a bit of ice on top. This will help push down any greens you added.

Again, you may not need much if you already used some frozen fruit.

Pro tip: Use the shake test before blending your protein shakes. Do the ingredients move around a bit when you shake the container? They should move back and forth like a well-crafted summer cocktail. If they don’t, you need to add some liquid.

FAQ

“What protein powder do you use?”
We’ll use any that’s 100% plant-based. They’re easy to find these days.

“How long can you store protein shakes in the fridge?”
Unlike whole-food juices, protein shakes are not great the next day. They’re safe to keep for a day or two, but really lose their allure after a few hours.

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APPENDIX VI

Container Deep Cleaning: 3 Easy Fixes

Odors from food prep, cloudy residue, and orange turmeric stains are the most common cleaning challenges people have with their Vitamix. Here’s how to fix all three.

Odors: Vinegar Soak

Lingering odors in your Vitamix container are common when you use ingredients like onion or garlic. Yes, those aromas are nice on their own.

But you do not want them infiltrating your green juice.

So if your Vitamix container still smells funky, use the vinegar soak method.

Sponge down the outside of the container. There’s usually some buildup there.
Soak your container overnight in vinegar. Use a mixture of 2 parts hot water to 1 part white vinegar. In the morning, rinse.
Run a cleaning cycle. Container halfway filled with warm water plus a bit of soap.

This should eliminate odors in your Vitamix container and restore your Vitamix to its previous splendor.

Turmeric Stains: Sunlight

Nothing is less sightly than a yellowed Vitamix container. Turmeric is incredibly good for you, but also a very annoying ingredient to clean up after.

Here’s the trick:

Leave your container in the sunlight for an afternoon. The sun’s UV rays will naturally bleach your container back to its original glory.

Yes, it’s that simple.

And if you’d like to mitigate the impact of turmeric stains on your container, consider this: Hot blends (soups or lattes) rich in fats (nuts) will stain more than cold blends using turmeric.

Cloudy Residue: Baking Soda Scrub

A cloudy container is most likely just mineral deposits left from water.

To remove these mineral deposits, do a baking soda paste rub. With a bit of persistence, this method works well and is non-toxic.

Put a bit of baking soda in a small bowl.
Add a bit of water to the bowl. (You’re making a paste.)
Use a paper towel or soft brush (old toothbrushes work great) to rub the inside of your container in a circular motion.

After, run a regular cleaning cycle with warm water and a couple drops of soap.

Pro tip: Want to avoid or slow cloudy buildup on your container? Use a towel to dry the container walls after cleaning it.

Did the baking soda paste method not work? You may have another cause for the cloudy container: Scratches.

Some hard ingredients, when thrown around during a blend, can leave small scratches on the inside of the container. There’s not a lot, unfortunately, you can do about these (other than get a secondary container that’s dedicated to scratchy jobs like this).

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About Shalva & Lenny

Hey there, we’re Shalva & Lenny Gale.

We’re Vitamix dealers, wellness consultants, and the creators of Blending For Good.

We’re on a mission to help people get their Vitamix and actually use it.

Yep. That’s about it.

When we first started out, we demonstrated our best tricks for what to do with the Vitamix.

But after a decade, something struck us: nobody was using it like they intended – like the best version of themselves.

So we got to work. We took what a Vitamix is actually helpful for, what we know about how habits get built (and why they fall apart), and what we do to almost never need an actual recipe — and built this thing to make it easy and make it stick.

We’ve partnered with Vitamix since 2012 and are an authorized Vitamix dealer. Orders through us come in the same box with the same warranty as buying direct.

We’re a certified B Corporation. Every transaction provides at least 100 meals to kids in need through our partner No Kid Hungry.

This book first came out in 2017, back when we went by Life is NOYOKE. Pronounced “life is no yolk,” it was originally wordplay. Think egg whites. They’re often used by people early in their healthy lifestyle journey. “Egg white omelet, please!” It’s this idea of small steps in the right direction that remains the core ethos behind Blending For Good.

About Lenny Gale

Lenny Gale studied Accounting at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and earned a CPA in 2008.

After college, he took a traveling consulting job where he built strategic financial models for Fortune 500 companies’ office of the CFO.

In 2012, he left that job, an unhealthy lifestyle, and 40 extra pounds to make health and wellness his work. He’s been working on his mission ever since, first as Life is NOYOKE and now as Blending For Good.

Low Point
2009. Lenny was a cigarette smoking, steak and buttery potatoes eating, alcohol indulging, single, consultant-guy who actually thought that a bagel and cheese and bacon was a healthy breakfast.

Turning Point
2011. Burned out with the consulting lifestyle, Lenny took a solo trip to Europe to do some soul-searching. There, Lenny read “Live Young Forever” by Jack LaLanne, “The China Study,” by T. Colin Campbell and Thomas M. Campbell II, and a book about habit change called “Switch.” Soon after, he decided that he had one year to transition clients, change his habits, and learn how to build a website.

Today
Lenny eats plant-based, give or take matzo ball soup and challah. He is the “engine” that powers Blending For Good.

How did you decide to stop eating meat?
“It’s been a process. One day, I just started to listen to my body. That day, when offered pepperoni pizza, it said, ‘No, thanks.’ So I ate something else. Haven’t turned back since.”

About Shalva Gale

Shalva Gale got a Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at DePaul University in 2008.

After college, she built a nice career in corporate training at companies like Restaurant.com, Vivid Seats, and United Airlines.

In 2016, a few months before her wedding to Lenny, she joined Life is NOYOKE full time.

Low Point
2010. Shalva was a cocktail-serving, bread-and-cheese-loving, candy-hoarding, single gal who baked (and ate the creations) for the sake of “therapy.” Her nickname was “shluffy girl” because of her low energy.

Turning Point
2015. After a few months of dating, Lenny brought over one of his demo Vitamix machines to live on Shalva’s counter. She got into smoothies and hasn’t turned back since.

Today
Shalva still loves to create in the kitchen, but now does so with plant-based ingredients. Outside the house, she will proudly enjoy non-plant-based indulgences without guilt.

We’d love to hear from you: hello@blendingforgood.com. We read every one.

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