About Maria

I grew up in the sunny land of San Diego, California. I spent many hours on the beach, enjoying all outdoor activities that fresh air, sunshine, and wide-open land affords. Growing up, I was actively involved in sports such as softball, field hockey, and competitive gymnastics.

I’ve had a keen interest in natural health for twenty years. While still in college, I was introduced to the ideas of fresh juice fasting and living foods. My experience of adding these to my diet was so life changing that I became an avid researcher of alternative medicine and natural health. Meeting people cured from diseases such as cancer and AIDS through natural means fascinated me and instilled in me a great passion for this subject.

I am married to Tobin, whom I met at the lively young age of fourteen. We have introduced four beautiful, laughter-filled children to this world through natural home births. Our children have rarely had need of doctor visits, and have avoided any use of conventional medications such as antibiotics and the like. Although we do not claim to feed these youthful beings perfectly, they have been raised on a largely whole and living foods diet. They currently regularly beg me for my delectable raw-food creations!

I received my BA from Oregon State University. I am the former managing editor for the Alternative Medicine and Natural Health Channel at BrightHub.com . You can view my health articles on Brighthub here. I’m  also the sole contributor to my blog at www.bewellthy.blogspot.com.

When I look hard and find some free time, I enjoy competing as a triathlete, basking in the sunshine, swimming in warm open water, and harvesting fresh food from my garden. If you were a fly on my wall you would most likely catch me in my kitchen, otherwise known as my laboratory, making tantalizing raw-food creations and offering them to those who have never heard of raw foods. I get a thrill from the almost always positive reactions! You may also spy me spending time reading to my kids, teaching them to “cook,” or laughing at their sometimes funny jokes. You would spend a lot of time watching me research and write. Family, friends, and my Creator are the things I hold most dear.

As a young girl aspiring to share the good news of natural health, I dreamed of owning an island where the sun shines brightly and people from all walks of life could come to be rejuvenated. In a sense, The Green Smoothie Challenge is that island, accessible to all who would like to come for a visit.

Welcome! I’m so glad you came. It is my true hope that The Green Smoothie Challenge becomes a great blessing to your life. May you encounter abundant energy, improved health and joy in your accomplishment.