Many people start their day with a green smoothie these days, but (to be perfectly honest) I do not like smoothies. I would much rather make a salad and chew it than to drink it. There’s something about a smoothie that I just don’t like: it is the consistency of a milkshake, but it isn’t – it freaks me out. Because of this, you will almost never see me post a smoothie recipe. (There are one or two that I do actually like, maybe I’ll share those soon.)
To get to the point …
While I don’t like smoothies, I do like the purpose behind them. Starting the day with a good boost of nutrients and filling the stomach is excellent. I simply prefer to eat my breakfast (usually egg whites with spinach, mushrooms, onions and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast), and usually a couple hours after I wake. I currently only drink coffee one day a week (this is a new habit, post-detox). The other six days a week I start my morning with two drinks first thing in the morning:
- 1. either hot lemon water or Dr. Axe’s detox drink (I do mine without cayenne pepper)
- – and –
- 2. my green morning boost
- 5-6oz fresh juice
- 2tsp collagen hydrolosate
- 1tsp spirulina
WHY …
fresh juice?
Morning is the only time of day I drink juice (or really anything other than water or herbal tea) that way my body has the entire day to process the carbs. I prefer fresh, but if I buy juice from a store I make sure it is pure juice, no sugar added. Drinking fresh juice on an empty stomach allows your body to absorb all the nutrients the juice has to offer. While fresh-pressed juice is best, let’s get real … no one has time to both juice and clean the juicer every single morning. Make a 32oz glass jar of juice once a week and it’ll last the whole week. Some of my favorites are: apple, apple + carrot, apple + beet, carrot + ginger + lemon.
spirulina?
Spirulina may not look or smell amazing, but its benefits certainly are! Detox and gut health are two of the main reasons to opt to include this superfood in your morning routine. Spirulina also helps with heart health, blood pressure, and respiratory health. Need another reason to add this little powder to your juice? How’s an energy boost and weight loss aide for an incentive?
collagen hydrolosate?
Let’s face it, I’m not getting any younger. As I approach 38, I want to age as gracefully as possible (who doesn’t?). And while genetics has a major role in that, how you care for your body does too. As we pass age 25, collagen production in the body begins to slow. Not long after, lines begin to form and things that were once taught can begin to look a little less so (especially after having babies). Being a vegetarian, I held off on adding collagen to my diet for a long time, but I eventually caved in the name of vanity. Collagen is good for your joints, skin, hair, nails, digestion, and it is a good source of protein. It is rumored to help decrease the appearance of cellulite too, ladies. I chose collagen hydrolosate because it dissolves in cold or warm drinks (I even use it in my cheat day coffee).
The process is simple: put 5-6oz of juice in the shaker, add the spirulina and shake it up. Afterward, add the collagen and stir with a spoon. I have found that shaking the collagen makes a froth that is near impossible to dissolve and I prefer to drink it than eat it in foam-form. Drink on an empty stomach.
I would love to hear how you like and what changes you notice it if you decide to add this to your morning routine!