Rise n' Shine Smoothie

This tastes like a milkshake!

It has the perfect consistency and thickness, and just the right amount of sweetness from the fruit.

The almond butter and chocolate protein powder work really well together in this shake to make it nice and creamy...just like a milkshake.

I love that the protein powder leaves no trace of chalkiness in the smoothie. Some powders are unfortunately like that.

This is the first time I've added matcha green tea powder to a smoothie. You really can't taste it and it adds a very healthy punch to the mix. Green tea in any form is a source of antioxidants, but matcha is one of the most powerful sources of antioxidants, minerals (calcium), and vitamins. There's more antioxidants in matcha green tea than there are in blueberries, it's 100 times more potent than Vitamin C, and has over 9 times the beta carotene of spinach. I really enjoyed using this as a supplement in my smoothie. It gives a whole new meaning to the name green smoothie!

If you're not used to the matcha green tea you may want to start with a 1/4 tsp instead of a 1/2 or more. It has some pretty powerful detoxing qualities.

This really is a simple fast breakfast shake that can be ready in minutes. With lot's of fiber and healthy fats to keep you satisfied and energized. Of course there's nothing wrong with enjoying it for lunch instead.

I have missed you summer! 

...Now where's the coffee!

Rise n' Shine Smoothie (serves 1) Gluten Free, Vegan

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Ingredients:

• 1/2 large banana, frozen
• 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
• 1/2 tsp matcha green tea powder
• 1/2 scoop chocolate Sunwarrior Protein
• 2 tbsp almond butter
• 1 cup almond milk (or milk of your choice)

Directions:

1. Place the frozen fruit, green tea, protein powder and almond butter into the blender. Pour the almond milk over everything. 
2. Blend and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 342 Fat: 21g  Sat Fat:2 g  Carbohydrates: 29g  Sugar: 12g  Sodium: 176mg  Fiber:7g Protein: 15g

Stress Buster Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie

Mint+Chocolate = quite possibly the best combination ever.

I've said it before and I'll say it again.

Healthy Eating doesn't have to be boring.

So when your under stress there should be no excuses to reach for the junk food right?

Stress and anxiety increase levels of cortisol (the number one chemical released during stressful times) in your body and overtime can contribute to weight gain. So when the going gets tough what do you do?

Here's a few tips that I find helpful:

• Always make sure you get a good breakfast. Skipping meals will cause your blood sugar to drop along with your metabolism and will only make you more irritable.
• Get some exercise and make sure its something you like to do. It's really amazing how even just a little exercise can help you blow off steam. Walking is one of the easiest forms of exercise you can do. Personally I love to lift weights, golf, bike and I can't even tell you how excited I am to hit the hills this winter and get back to snowboarding.
• Keep a food journal so you can account for everything you've eaten. At the same time you can plan your meals ahead of time. This way you're less likely to go rummaging through the cupboards.
• Get some shut eye. Face it. You can't accomplish anything as a zombie. Listen to your body's signals and you'll do just fine. A 10 or 20 minute nap can improve muscle memory and clear the brain of useless built-up information.
• Eat your greens. Spinach in particular is high in magnesium which improves your body's response to stress and stops your blood pressure from rising.

This smoothie is made up of healthy foods that will actually tame your feelings of anxiety and can be whizzed up in no time. It contains raspberries which are highly potent with antioxidants that actually counteract the production of cortisol.

Magnesium rich spinach also helps to regulate cortisol levels and promote a feeling of well being by producing serotonin. You know, that feel good brain chemical that maintains your emotional balance. Just a cup has 40% of your RDA.

Pure 100% alkalized Cocoa powder; yes chocolate! And the darker the chocolate the better. That's because it contains flavonoids and phenethylamine, an organic compound found in plants that enhances your mood. The addition of mint in this smoothie will also promote healthy digestion and a calm tummy.

So take a step back from your day, take a deep breath, and the make this replenishing smoothie. Go ahead, it tastes like dessert! And my favourite part about it; you can enjoy it anytime of day.

Stress Buster Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie  (serves 1)

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Ingredients:

• 1 frozen banana
• 1/3 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
• 1 tbsp 100% pure cocoa powder
• 1 generous handful of spinach
• 3 large leaves of fresh mint
• 1/2 scoop of vanilla SUNWARRIOR protein powder or protein powder of your choice
• 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend away until well combined, thick and creamy.
2. Serve immediately and top with a sprinkle of unsweetened shredded coconut.

There's snow in the forcast next week!

Wishful thinking? ;)