Nootropics (memory-enhancing foods) are my favourite functional foods to add at breakfast in order to hack your brain chemistry and improve memory processing. Matcha is not only an excellent nootropic supplement, it also has an extensive list of health benefits including:
-Potent antioxidant (protects cells from damage/chronic disease/cancer)
Helps protect your liver (which is vital for flushing out toxins)
-Contains L- Theanine + caffeine which provide sustained energy without the caffeine crash
-Contains flavanols which promote brain function
I absolutely love making smoothies for breakfast (or any meal) as I find them to be the easiest way to pack a whole bunch of veggies & nutrients into the first meal of the day, takes little prep time and can be eaten on the go. They make healthy eating so darn easy and are a great way to get rid of leftover veggies in your fridge. If you are one of those people who’ve said, “I can’t drink smoothies for breakfast because they don’t fill me up,” then you gotta try out our recipes which are full of fibre and fat to keep your fuelled through your morning. Check out my all time fav smoothie recipe below:
Large handful of organic spinach
1 Tbsp Organic Matcha powder
1/2 C Avocado
1 Tbsp Chia seeds
1/4 of a lemon (rind on)
1/4 C fresh cucumber or zucchini
1 serving of your fav vanilla protein powder
1 small chunk of frozen ginger and turmeric (optional)
1/4 cup frozen cauliflower/banana/pineapple (optional)
1 C water (to desired consistency)
Throw all ingredients into your high-speed blender and slowly add water to your desired consistency. I like to make mine real thick, so I add less water and blend with my vitamix wand until smooth. Pour into stainless steal cup and enjoy your cold smoothie anytime in the next 4 hours.
Prep: I always keep frozen veggies in my freezer for quick smoothie making. Cut up some chunks of fresh ginger & turmeric, freeze on baking sheets so that they don’t stick together then place in reusable containers in the freezer. Steam a whole head of cauliflower, break into small chunks and freeze using the same method with baking trays. Throw any other veggies you haven’t used in the freezer before they go bad (I do this with spinach and beet leaves often to save on food waste and promote using the entire plant).
Pro tip: always check the ingredients list when purchasing matcha. Lots of brands will add sugar and other fillers to make the product cheaper for them. You want to buy only 100% pure green tea matcha, one ingredient. If the brand is cheaper than most, it is likely not pure matcha. I like this matcha company from Toronto @matchaninja. You can also buy in bulk at Costco.