Breakfast is so important, but sometimes it doesn't fit into a busy schedule... Yet, how you begin the day will absolutely affect the rest of your day. What goes into our bellies is directly related to how we feel both physically and mentally. And we get to choose: do we select a day of energy or a day of dragging?

If you are a skip-breakfast-and-grab-a-coffee morning person, this blog is for you.

Fact: we need energy. And it can be so easy to grab a quick bowl of cereal or just skip breakfast entirely. But here's the thing − the goal is not just to survive the day; the goal is to thrive throughout the day. Beware the crash and crave rollercoaster. If you begin your morning with caffeinated coffee and sugar you will soon crash and feel too tired to conquer responsibilities with any level of motivation. Instinct will have you reaching for another cup of coffee... and so it continues. 

All is not lost. Hello, smoothies! A quick alternative to a fast breakfast, smoothies...

Blending is a great way to get nutrients into your diet. Blended recipes can be a great meal replacement with loaded value. Here is why:

• The fiber in smoothies (especially green smoothies) has a cleansing effect on the colon.
• Smoothies are more filling than juices and more satisfying for extended, routine enjoyment.
• When adding fruit, the sugar is absorbed more slowly because there is much more fiber.
• Blenders are easy to clean. A quick rinse, add a little soap, and rinse again.
• Smoothies taste great and are very family friendly.
• You can make healthy soups, sauces, nut milks, nut butters, salsas, salad dressings, and dips.
• Adding superfoods like hemp protein, chia, maca, camucamu, and spirulina to your smoothies creates dense nutritional value.

I recommend purchasing a blender for your first piece of mixing equipment.  Blenders are a great start so easy and convenient. If you can purchase a juicer next, go for it. Juicers add another dimension, because fresh juices are...

It's green, smooth, and irresistible!

In addition to pear (awesome for hydration!), kale (a wonderful nutrient dense veggie), broccoli (go, antioxidants), and avocado (each serving is filled with about 20 vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients), this smoothie contains wheatgrass − hello, benefits!

Wheatgrass contains hundreds of live proteins. A highly concentrated source of plant protein, it has been credited with body detoxification, anti-inflammatory properties, immune system boosting, and even cleansing of the liver, blood, and intestines. Rich in antioxidants, and filled with vitamins and minerals, it may also stimulate metabolism, regulate blood sugar levels, and contain anti-aging properties!  

Ingredients:

• ½ tsp wheatgrass powder
• 1 cup ice
• 1 ripe pear, chopped (with seeds and core removed)
• ½ avocado
• 1 cup kale leaves (center stem removed)
• 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped and packed
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon or lime juice
• 2 cups apple juice

...

So, what's the deal with smoothies?
Why are they good for you?

For starters, smoothies are…

• Chock full of vitamins, enzymes and minerals.
• Easy to digest, which mean optimal assimilation of your nutrients.
• Great for stabilizing blood sugar (you will see each smoothie here has a healthy fat, and fat is key for blood sugar stabilization).
• A fabulous way to consume a variety of different fruits or vegetables at one time.
• Terrific for cleansing the body of toxicity.
• An easy way to add more fiber to your diet for optimal bowel function  

Why is blending your smoothie beneficial?

• The health of your body depends on your digestion. When you blend your foods,you are supporting the digestion process. Your body does not have to work so hard to break down the nutrients as they are in a pre-digestible state.
• Did you know that 80% of your energy is spent digesting and assimilating your nutrients? So why not support your body to do less work?
• Instead of having...

Kale one of the most nutritious and hearty vegetables you can eat.  This dense green leafy vegetable is high in fiber and low in calories.  It contains huge levels of iron, vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C.  Per calorie, kale has more calcium than milk, which aids in preventing bone loss.  It is a great anti-inflammatory food and a powerful antioxidant.

Along with all these benefits, kale is a great food filled with sulfur which is wonderful for detoxifying your body and keeping the liver healthy.  Hey, let's give a big round of applause for this lush green veggie!  

 
Ingredients:

• 4-7 kale leaves
• 1 cup of frozen organic blueberries
• Filtered water (amount based how you like the consistency of your smoothie)1/2 cup organic apple juice
• Juice of half a lemon

Directions:
In a blender, combine kale leaves, water, apple and lemon juice.  Blend on a slow speed at first and gradually increase speed, adding in the blueberries last to prevent the...

Need a little pick-me-up? Try this instead of coffee!

The Maca scoop: It's the root from Peru celebrated for energy boosting properties, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and essential amino acids. This natural hormone balancer (actually regulates each body depending on its needs), also enhances fertility and is said to fight cancer and depression. Plus, it  has a great nutty taste! 

The banana scoop: Hello, potassium, vitamins... and numerous health benefits! Bananas help control high blood pressure and reduce the chances of atherosclerosis and stroke. They aid in calcium absorption, good moods, and increased energy. And they are excellent for eyes (help prevent macular degeneration) and awesome for digestion.

This Coconut Maca Smoothie combines three appealing flavors and provides a plethora of vitamins, minerals, and satisfaction. Really, really good!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tsp vanilla powder
• 1/2 cup pitted dates
• 1 tbs maca powder
• 8 oz coconut milk
• 1 tbsp almond butter
...

Cacao, in its natural (unprocessed) glory was revered by the ancient Mayans and Aztecs as currency... and even used as ritualistic offerings for the Gods. Enjoyed in moderation − and in its pure form − cacao boosts moods, relaxation, and feelings of bliss. Theobromine, cacao's non-addictive and natural stimulant, is closely related to caffeine and gives us a natural euphoric experience.

But that's not all − cacao has more than 300 naturally occurring chemicals  and antioxidants that are beneficial to our health. In addition to those feel good moments, cacao is packed with flavonoids, a heart-healthy plus.

We love this Cacao Smoothie − refreshing, satisfying, and so good for you!  

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond milk (*refer to our almond milk recipe, minus the pumpkin spice)
• 1 cup organic frozen fruit (pineapple, strawberries... get creative!)
• 2 tbsp raw cacao powder
• 1 tbsp almond butter (heart healthy)
• 1 tbsp flax seeds (awesome for Omega-3...