Did you spring out of bed this morning with energy to spare? Or, did you wake up in a bit of a funk for no reason at all? I do hope the former, but for those days when you seem to have lost your spark and you’re experiencing a low-energy day or two (We have all been there!), please . . . lean in!
Studies show those canned energy drinks can create havoc for your heart and are a risky choice to get through your busy day! But, let me share with you a few tools I use for a natural energy boost to help lift me out of those low-energy days and or when I am having a hard time finding my smile. Scan on down for a few healthy tricks you can throw in your blender to whip up a good mood and more energy in no time at all!
3 MAGICAL POWDERS TO MAKE HEALTHY ENERGY DRINKS
Have you met the magical powders below that can create some amazing healthy energy drinks? They can do beautifully when sprinkled in your blender for smoothies and other healthy drinks to give you both amazing energy and an uplifting mood! Scan on down and meet these three powerful powders (with six great recipes that use them) and learn some more about how you can create healthy energy drinks that aid you in multiple ways!
1. CACAO
Let me begin with chocolate as it is a universal favorite — and for good reason. It tastes great, but it does not end there! Find out here why the raw form of chocolate, cacao, is a great choice for your energy drinks:
- The neurotransmitters that are increased when you consume cacao may promote a sense of well-being and help cognitive function.
- Many of the antioxidants present in cacao are flavonoids, including anthocyanidin – great for the prevention of free radical damage and boosting collagen protection – a strong anti-ager.
- Cacao may be an aide to cardiovascular disease as it may lower inflammation and block the oxidation of undesirable LDL cholesterol.
- It acts as a great protector for your nervous system. Cacao is high in resveratrol, a potent antioxidant, known for its ability to cross your blood-brain barrier to help protect your nervous system.
- Cacao contains over 300 important compounds, including protein, fat, certain B-vitamins and minerals such as calcium, sulfur, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc and copper.
2. MATCHA TEA
The second energy and health-promoting powder I reach for often may be my favorite! If I have a demanding day ahead, organic matcha tea is on my list to prepare for it. I love how it does not make me jittery or wired at all (like coffee can for some), but, instead, provides a really nice, even energy for a very long time. Yes, it cheers me on even on my craziest days! Here are some more specifics on Matcha and why I really think you should include it on your pantry shelves and reach for it often:
- The high chlorophyll contained in the leaves is a known purifier of harmful elements like heavy metals and chemical toxins.
- Matcha increases your energy and concentration. The energizing properties of Matcha is largely due to its combination of nutrients. Japanese Samurai drank it before battle, and Buddhist monks drink it to assist in meditation creating an alert calmness.
- Matcha is rated at 1300 according to the ORAC scale (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, which is the scale to measure the antioxidant level of foods). This is a high number considering the antioxidant-rich pomegranate is 131. The antioxidants like EGCg as well as the amino acids, high chlorophyll levels and vitamins A, C and E in Matcha have been linked to longevity, prevention of cancer and other diseases. These also play a big role in its detoxification and mood enhancement capabilities.
- Matcha is an aide to your oral health. The amino acid, catechin, in Matcha has antibacterial properties that can protect your tooth enamel and also counteract the effects of germs and bacteria in your mouth.
3. MACA
- Some studies are pointing to Maca’s ability to provide a nice energy and mood boost – great right before that early morning workout or help counteract a sleepless night.
- Maca may help balance stress, aid in reproductive function, increase fertility and overall, is and aide for hormone health.
- The root is rich in protein and B vitamins which can be especially helpful for vegetarians and vegans.
- Maca also has vitamins C and E, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and phosphorous.
6 HEALTHY DRINK RECIPES TO PROVIDE GREAT ENERGY AND MOOD
Steer far away from the chemically-laden energy drinks you can buy and instead, try a few of these healthy energy drink recipes below using cacao. matcha and maca that you can whip up in minutes to put a smile on your face and some pep in your step:
1. CHERRIES & CHOCOLATE PROTEIN-RICH INFUSION
Cherry and chocolate are a classic winner, and this drink packed with protein does not disappoint! It will surely delight with the taste and the mood-boosting cacao.
Gather:
- 2 cups hemp milk, unsweetened
- 1 cup mixed greens, fresh
- 1 cup organic cherries, pitted – frozen are fine
- 1/2 banana
- 1/2 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon raw honey
- 2 tablespoons cacao powder
- blender
- Layer all the ingredients in your blender, beginning with the liquid as the bottom layer.
- Follow the instructions for your blending device to create your perfectly blended, energy-boosting infusion!
2. CHOCOLATE ALMOND COVERED SMOOTHIE
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 pear, cored and chopped
- 1.5 tablespoons almond butter
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder
- 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- blender
- Layer all the ingredients in your blender, beginning with the liquid as the bottom layer.
- Follow the instructions for your blending device to create your perfectly blended, energy-boosting smoothie!
3. ORANGE, VANILLA REFRESHMENT WITH MATCHA
This drink has a big dose of probiotics for your digestion, loads of vitamin C for your immunity, good fiber and can provide the most even, sustaining energy all day:
Gather:
- 2 cups organic, unsweetened kefir, vanilla
- 1 tablespoon matcha tea
- 3/4 cup fresh organic spinach
- 1 organic orange, peeled
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon flax seeds
- blender
- Layer all the ingredients in your blender, beginning with the liquid as the bottom layer.
- Follow the instructions for your blending device to create your perfectly blended drink!
4. TROPICAL ENERGY-PRODUCING MATCHA TONIC
- 1.5 cups chilled filtered water
- 3/4 cup frozen pineapple
- half a banana
- 1/2 cup fresh kale
- 1 tablespoon matcha tea
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
- blender
- Layer all the ingredients in your blender, beginning with the liquid as the bottom layer.
- Follow the instructions for your blending device to create your perfectly blended tonic!
5. CREAMY, WARMING BLEND WITH MACA
It is hard to pull yourself out of bed sometimes to do that extra early morning workout, but this drink will warm you up and give you the extra energy to get through it! Toss these in the blender for a sweet way to power through your early morning workout with ease:
Gather:
- 1.5 cups coconut milk
- 1 large banana, peeled
- 1 tablespoon maca powder
- 2 dates, pitted
- 2 teaspoons hemp seeds
- A good pinch of pumpkin pie spice
- blender
- Layer all the ingredients in your blender, beginning with the liquid as the bottom layer.
- Follow the instructions for your blending device to create your perfectly blended drink!
6. HYDRATING WATERMELON & LIME MACA COOLER
Hot and thirsty? Let’s fix that and hydrate successfully with this thirst-quenching maca smoothie:
Gather:
- 1/2 cup chilled filtered water
- 2 cups chilled watermelon
- 1 tablespoon maca powder
- 1 lime peeled
- 1 teaspoon flax seeds
- 1/2 small organic cucumber peeled and seeded
- blender
- Layer all the ingredients in your blender, beginning with the liquid as the bottom layer.
- Follow the instructions for your blending device to create your perfectly blended cooler!
3 BEST RATED BLENDERS FOR EVERY BUDGET
I consider a blender an important tool for healthy food making. They are great for a quick healthy sauce, soup, dip and, of course, drinks and smoothies! They can range greatly in price, though, and it is not possible to fork out so much cash on one tool, I know. With that in mind, I am listing here three well-rated blenders and smoothie makers (with affiliate links below the graphic) for every budget and kitchen size you may want to consider. And, if you have a favorite, please list it in the comments:
1. To look like the pros and for one that will last forever, make the investment for the smoothest smoothies, soups and more with this Vitamix Blender that could end up being more cost-effective in the long run because you won’t need to replace it.
2. For those in tight spaces and with tight budgets, this Magic Bullet, Nutribullet can get the job done quite nicely.
3. I have heard great things about this well-rated mid-range option for blending up all kinds of goodies, and all the colors for the Kitchen Aide 5-Speed Diamond Blender are pretty fun!
A cup of hot cocoa may do more than keep us warm on a cold winter night. Hot cocoa made with milk contains calcium and protein and helps ensure us to get the recommended amount of milk each day. I would love to try these delicious drinks 🙂
I love drinking matcha tea.. Its amazing.. Health benefits gain by drinking matcha tea for me include improved mental alertness and clarity, stronger immune defense and detoxification.I would love to try other drinks too..
Matcha does help me stay alert and extra sharp – I agree, Nick! Do try some of these other ingredients and recipes and let me know what you think!
Oh my goodness, these healthy drink recipes look so appealing. I love to work with cacao and matcha but I am looking forward to using maca much more. Thank you so much for sharing these healthy and delicious mood and energy boosting health drinks with us on the Healthy Happy Green and Natural Party Blog Hop. I'm pinning and sharing.
I hope you get to try a few, Deborah! And, yes, rotate maca in your diet, too! Glad you came by!
All of these sound so delicious! I'll take one of everything!
Ha! I love that comment. One for almost every day of the week!
These all sound delicious! I am all about chocolate cherry and the chocolate almond 🙂
Chocoholics rejoice! Thanks for coming by, Annmarie!
nice
It is important to drink healthy drinks. And in summer's you need to drink more energy drinks or healthy drinks.
Yes, Evie, we must get extra hydration during the warmer months! And, best to make them a healthy choice! Hope you get to try a few of these, here!
My husband just found a ninja bullet thing at half price and bought it for me. I didn't really want it until I used it. Now I am into green drinks. It is so quick and easy to use. So your post on healthy drinks has come at the right time.
Kathleen
Blogger Pit Stop
Nice hubbie! Glad the post came at the right time!
I rarely drink my calories but I might have to think about it if it could boost my energy in the mornings… I am always a bit sluggish due to the lack of proper rest I get. I have heard a lot about match tea… I will have to try it out to see if it could be a favorite of mine too… I don't drink coffee or energy drinks… this might help xox
True, Launna, drinking your calories is not a good idea, but these recipes are full of nutrition and can support your body in multiple ways. You could use it as a small meal replacement or along with something else lighter as well. Matcha is an amazing bright green wonder. I encourage you to try it. I use it mostly in smoothies and drinks in my blender as it combines it better. Let me know what you think!