So far as substitutes, I don’t really know of anything specific. You might try google for an answer. If you find something, please come back and share with us.

I’m so glad you love your Vitamix. I think until people try it, they just can’t imagine how wonderfully powerful it is. So far as the chia seeds, I’ve heard of doing that, but I haven’t tried it myself. I’ve read about it on some very good blogs, so I believe it’s a sound principle. Do you enjoy the gel aspect of it?

So far as spinach… According to LiveStrong.com “Spinach contains a high amount of oxalate, which are naturally-occurring substances found in the food you eat and in your body. Oxalate found in urine combines with calcium to form calcium-oxalate kidney stones. Foods high in oxalate include spinach, beets, okra, leeks, collard greens, kale, celery, Swiss chard, zucchini, parsley, rhubarb, soy milk and black tea. Avoid large doses of vitamin C, as your body may turn extra vitamin C into oxalate. Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/485037-can-eating-too-much-spinach-give-you-kidney-stones/

I guess the bottom line is you don’t want to eat too much of any one thing. It’s suggested that you keep your oxalate levels to 40 to 50 mg a day.

I hope that helps.

Smiles,
Lesli

Smiles,
Lesli

I make a fruit/veggie smoothie about 4 days a week (can also speak highly about Vitamix – wonderful!) and just started putting chia seed gel in for my liquid instead of water or other juices. Any thoughts on that?

And thanks to Kelly commenting that you shouldn’t eat spinach every day due to kidney stones. I currently do eat the stuff almost every day (in smoothies or just eat it whole because I love it) so I’ll have to make some attempts to get out of my spinach rut.