RISE in the morning with this delicious and refreshing immune boosting matcha and mint smoothie!
When the new year rolls around, most of us are tempted by lofty ambitions, that are hard to measure and unrealistic, which is why I have a new proposal for you. Instead of promising ourselves that we’ll lose weight and never touch chocolate (or wine) again, why not start with something small like a healthy breakfast or snack?
To fuel our healthy, realistic New Year’s fire, I’m toasting 2019 with this creamy, and satisfying healthy breakfast smoothie that is packed with all the vitamins, protein, fats and veggies you need to RISE powerfully toward the day and New Year ahead. When a recipe is as tasty as this breakfast smoothie, eating right is a delight, not a chore.
How else am I RISING into a healthy and balanced lifestyle in 2019?
I will be adding a natural pep in my step without the crash, saying goodbye to stress, boosting my immune system, my mood, and my concentration by the help of healing adaptogens.
If you read last weeks blog, you will know the role of these powerful medicinal mushrooms and their healing benefits! However, this week, we are going to uncover some of their adaptogen side-kicks, that will allow your body to RISE and find its most efficient state:
American ginseng: American and Asian ginseng vary in their concentration of active compounds and effects on the body. It is believed that American ginseng works as a relaxing agent, provide substantial antioxidants that can reduce inflammation, boost brain function, improve the immune system, reduce fatigue while increasing energy levels without a crash, and regulate your blood sugar(1, 2).
Rhodiola: Rhodiola is an herb that grows in the cold, mountainous regions of Europe and Asia. People in Russia and Scandinavian countries have used rhodiola to treat anxiety, fatigue and depression for centuries. Today, it’s widely used as a dietary supplement for its many health benefits including, but not limited to: reduction of stress, alleviate levels of fatigue, reduce depression, reduce mental fatigue and improve work performance, and may even improve exercise endurance. (3,4)
Gotu Kola: Pegged as the “herb of longevity,” Gotu Kola is a staple in traditional Chinese, Indonesian, and Ayurvedic medicine. Practitioners claim the medicinal plant has the power to boost brainpower, heal skin issues, and promote liver and kidney health — and some studies seem to agree. Additional benefits include: ability to boost cognitive function, improve stress and anxiety, can act as an antidepressant, improve circulation and reduce swelling, ease insomnia, and may even help the appearance of stretch marks by the compound terpenoids that is found in Gotu Kola by increasing collagen production in the body. (5, 6, 7)
Those are the tip of the iceberg to some of the adaptogens that I plan to use for a herbal boost in 2019…
Now onto the smoothie…
Ingredients:
- 1 frozen banana
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- 1 cup full fat coconut milk or cool water
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 2 tbsp Raw Aloe Juice
- 1 serving of Peppermint CURED Oil
- 1 serving scoop of Collagen Peptides
Topped with
- tiny pinch of Himalayan salt
- Hemp hearts
- Fruit (we used banana)
Instructions:
Place all ingredients into a high-speed blender, blend until smooth.
If you find this smoothie not sweet enough to your preference, add one-two pitted dates, a bit of honey to sweeten it up, or for a calorie free alternative, try stevia.
