As I've crossed into my 40s, I've noticed a subtle yet nagging concern: I'm not consuming greens with the same reckless abandon as I did in my 30s. Back then, smoothies were my trusty sidekick – twice a day, no less. The perfect solution for a busy schedule. Simply throw in whatever looked healthy, mask the bitterness with a tasty protein powder, and I was golden.

The Unintended Consequences of Culinary Upgrades

Fast forward to today. I've upgraded my cooking arsenal with gadgets that churn out gourmet meals with minimal effort. While I appreciate the simplicity of a well-crafted salad, I've inadvertently reduced my green intake. The irony isn't lost on me: in pursuit of culinary sophistication, I may have sacrificed a key aspect of my diet.

A Nostalgic Correlation: Smoothies, Skin, and Hair

I recall the frequent compliments on my skin and hair during my smoothie-heavy days. Was it the onslaught of greens or just the glow of being in my mid-30s? Perhaps a bit of both. Now, as I've entered a new decade, I'm eager to reexamine the relationship between my diet and physical appearance.

An Experiment: Smoothies, Protein, and Omega Fats

Armed with a blender at the office, I'm embarking on an experiment:

• 2 smoothies per day, packed with:

• 1 whole meal to round out my diet

The Questions I Seek to Answer

1. Will the renewed emphasis on greens revive the compliments on my skin and hair?

2. Can I maintain, or even improve, my gym performance while leaning out with this smoothie-centric approach?

Observations and Musings

• I anticipate rapid weight loss, but at what cost to my strength?

• Will the deliberate inclusion of protein and omega fats counterbalance the potential drawbacks?

• What other, unforeseen effects might arise from this experiment?

As I embark on this self-imposed trial, I invite you to ponder: are there aspects of your own diet or routine that have evolved, perhaps unintentionally, with time? What experiments might you design to reclaim a lost habit or optimize your well-being?