Power Breakfast

Most days we may not have time to prepare an elaborate breakfast. But we do want to jump-start our body's metabolism with a morning meal that is delicious, filling, and energizing. For me, the perfect weekday breakfast combination is a matcha green tea smoothie paired with a slice or two of whole-grain toast topped with sunflower seed butter. This delicious day-starter is loaded with nutrition and comes together in minutes.

Unlike coffee, matcha green tea powder provides a boost of mild, sustained energy throughout the day, while also enhancing calm. (Apparently, Chinese Daoists and Japanese Zen Buddhist monks use matcha to relax and meditate while staying alert.) Matcha is also said to increase focus, boost energy, and detoxify the body. And, it tastes delicious! So give this luscious green smoothie recipe a try, and let me know if it makes you feel pretty wonderful throughout the day, too.

Power Green Smoothie

1 cup non-dairy milk
1 tsp organic matcha green tea powder (I like Kiss Me Organics brand)
1 very ripe banana
1 mandarin orange, peeled and segmented
1 apple, cored and chopped
2 large kale leaves, chopped
3-4 drops vanilla stevia liquid

Place the milk and matcha in a blender container and pulse for a few seconds to combine. Add the remaining ingredients, and blend until smooth. Pour into a tall glass, and enjoy. (All the better through a Glass Dharma straw.)