MATCHA GREEN SMOOTHIE

I recently started adding matcha green tea powder to my morning smoothies. Not only is matcha packed full of nutritional benefits, it also contains caffeine and other properties that boost energy. So on mornings when I'm tight for time, adding a little bit of matcha to my breakfast feels like I'm killing two birds with one stone.

So what is "matcha" anyway?  Matcha is green tea leaves finely milled to form a fine powder. For centuries the Japanese have used matcha in part of a traditional tea ceremony that includes the preparation, serving, and drinking of matcha. Buddhist monks have also relied on this powder to keep them awake and focused during long days of meditation.  

A few benefits of matcha: 

  • high in antioxidants 
  • detoxifies the body by removing heavy metals and toxins 
  • increases metabolism and helps the body burn calories 
  • improves cognitive abilities and concentration 
  • contains cancer fighting properties 
  • increases energy levels 
  • boosts immunity 
  • helps relieve stress 

MATCHA GREEN SMOOTHIE: a healthy and energizing breakfast or snack on the go. 


INGREDIENTS: (yields 1 serving) 

  • 1 cup of spinach 
  • 1 banana 
  • 1 cup of water 
  • ½ granny smith apple (core removed, chopped) 
  • ½ kiwi (skin removed) 
  • 2 tbsp chia seeds  (I added these in at the last minute so they didn't make the ingredients picture above) 
  • 1 tbsp raw honey 
  • ½ tsp matcha green tea powder
  • 2-3 ice cubes 

Wash and prep fruits and vegetables and add to your blender. Add water, chia seeds, matcha green tea powder, and ice cubes. Blend until smooth, pour and enjoy. 



SPINACH & QUINOA GRAPEFRUIT POMEGRANATE SALAD

I adore the warm cooked dishes prepared for Christmas - it really wouldn't be Christmas without them! However, the rich traditional holiday foods can leave one feeling a little, shall we say, heavy?? So when it comes time to getting back to reality and into a routine again, I always crave an abundance of fruits and vegetables (particularly greens) and find myself making fresher foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants. 

The first meal I made for myself after the holidays was this Spinach & Quinoa Grapefruit Pomegranate Salad. Pomegranates are still in season and I have been looking to incorporate them into other meals besides breakfast. So with a few whole grains, nuts, superfoods and some fruits and vegetables I managed to satisfy everything my body was craving and kickstart a healthy new year.

SPINACH & QUINOA GRAPEFRUIT POMEGRANATE SALAD: a meal or a beautiful side to breakfast, lunch and/or dinner. 

INGREDIENTS: (yields 2 servings) 

  • 3 cups spinach 
  • 1/2 cup quinoa 
  • 1 cup grapefruit 
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate 
  • 1/2 cup cauliflower 
  • 4 tbsp hemp seed 
  • 4 tbsp raw walnut 

DIJON VINAIGRETTE DRESSING INGREDIENTS: (yields 1/2 cup. more than needed for recipe) 

  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper 

INSTRUCTIONS: 

  1. Rinse quinoa, add 1 cup water to a pot along with rinsed quinoa. Bring quinoa and water to a boil, once it has reached a boil, dcrease temperature to a simmer, cover and cook for 15 min. Remove from heat, fluff and cover again.  
  2. While quinoa is cooking whisk oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper together in a bowl and set aside. 
  3. Wash spinach and cauliflower, grate cauliflower and set aside.  
  4. Cut pomegranate in half and remove the seeds from 1/2 of the fruit. Cut grapefruit into cubes and remove the peel. 
  5. In a large bowl or plate directly to plates dividing ingredients, layer spinach, quinoa, grapefruit, pomegranate, cauliflower, hemps seeds walnuts and dress lightly with dressing.  

Enjoy!