Smoothies & Teas
Matcha Tea
Matcha literally means powdered tea. Because matcha is so potent, caffeine in matcha is as much as 3x the amount of one cup of steeped tea. But, because Matcha contains L-theanine, which induces relaxation without drowsiness, jitteriness usually doesn’t occur. I recommend starting with a small amount and graduating to more as your taste buds get used to the earthy taste. It is best to stop all forms of caffeine at least 6 hours before bedtime.
Detox Smoothie
Ingredients
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¾ cup frozen or fresh pineapple
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¾ cup honeydew melon
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3 oz coconut water
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¼ cup packed fresh parsley and mint leaves
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1 tsp fresh grated ginger (optional)
Directions
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Put all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
Benefits:
This smoothie has pineapple which has natural enzymes that may aid in digestion and bromelain which is known to reduce inflammation. Melon and coconut water are known to be natural diuretics which can ease water retention.
Balanced Smoothie
I make a lot of green smoothies to get all of the leafy green vegetables into my day. I use the following as my base to create a nutritionally balanced smoothie:
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I start with 8 ounces of base-liquid, I usually choose almond milk. (You can use regular milk or any nut milk you prefer.)
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I pick a protein, usually whey free protein powder. (You can use nut butter.) 1 scoop or 1 Tbsp.
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I pick a healthy fat, usually 1 small avocado. (You can use MCT oil, hemp seeds, chia seeds, or 1 more tsp of nut butter.)
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I pick 3 healthy carbohydrate servings. I choose 1 cup spinach, ½ cup rainbow chard, and use acai berry from Trader Joe’s (with no sugar). You can use any fruit such as ½ to 1 banana and ½ cup blueberries.
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I have a sweet tooth, and put a dash of pure stevia or 1 tsp monk fruit sweetener.
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1 Tbsp cinnamon tames the leafy green flavor.
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Put all chosen into a blender, adding more milk if needed.
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3 to 4 ice cubes if you like it cold.
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Blend for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth.
Matcha Tea
Matcha literally means powdered tea. Matcha is high in polyphenols especially EGCG which is known to boost metabolism. Other polyphenols in Matcha are known to prevent against heart disease, better blood sugar regulation, blood pressure reduction, anti-aging, and slows or halts the growth of cancer cells. Because matcha is so potent, caffeine in matcha is as much as 3x the amount of one cup of steeped tea. But, because Matcha contains L-theanine, which induces relaxation without drowsiness, jitteriness usually doesn’t occur. I recommend starting with a small amount and graduating to more as your taste buds get used to the earthy taste. It is best to stop all forms of caffeine at least 6 hours before bedtime.
Ingredients
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8 oz milk or nut milk
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¼ to ½ teaspoon matcha
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1 Tbsp monk fruit sweetener or a pinch of 100% pure stevia
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1 cup of ice
Directions
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Put all ingredients into a blender, blending until a froth occurs.
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Pour over ice
Lemon Water Detox
Ingredients​
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1 large lemon freshly squeezed
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12 ounces filtered water
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1 tsp ginger juice (or freshly grated ginger)
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2 or 3 drops of cayenne drops (optional)
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A dash of pure stevia powder or drops (optional)
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Ice (optional)
Directions
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Pour all ingredients over ice.
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Or microwave to warm.
Lemon water is packed with vitamin C and a host of antioxidants. The benefits include aiding in digestion, fighting off infections, reducing inflammation, boosting the immune system and assist in alkalizing the bodies pH level. It also promotes weight loss, curbs appetite, hydrates, and helps prevent binges on sugary treats. While lemons are the most acidic fruit with a high pH level, they reduce the acidity of our body. (An acidic system causes many health issues.) This is a great liver detox, including easing constipation, indigestion, nausea, aches, and pains. Adding cayenne drops if tolerated helps to reduce inflammation.