matcha coconut smoothie

I've become obsessed with the matcha, coconut & bergamot smoothie from Greecologies in Soho. Anytime I'm in the area, I can't help but stop in and grab one to-go. It's SO good and I really love the unique flavor profile, but it's also super healthy to boot. Matcha is an antioxidant powerhouse- the powdered green tea has 137 times as many antioxidants as regularly brewed green tea, and in my opinion tastes way better! Plus there are little chewy bits from the dried coconut throughout the smoothie which adds a nice chew-factor. I figured it was time I created my own Greecologies-inspired version at home, and the below recipe totally satisfies my craving for a tasty matcha smoothie. Bergamot oranges can be tricky to find, so I typically make it without. Alternatively, you can add 1/2 cup brewed Earl Grey tea or a couple drops of bergamot essential oil for a delicious twist. I love experimenting with various mix-ins and toppings as well, so feel free to play around with some of the combinations below to see what you like best!

Matcha Coconut Smoothie:

  • 2 cups frozen bananas, sliced

  • 1 cup coconut milk

  • 1/2 cup coconut water

  • 2 tsp matcha powder (I love Matchaful!)

  • 1 cup greens

  • 1/2 cup coconut flakes, unsweetened

  • 2 tbsp crystallized ginger

  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

  • ice, optional

  • optional mix-ins: 1/2 cup Earl Grey tea, 2 drops bergamot essential oil, 2 Medjool dates, 1/2 cup frozen pineapple, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp spirulina

  • optional toppings: 1 tbsp coconut flakes, 1 tbsp goji berries

Blend frozen banana, coconut milk, coconut water, matcha powder, greens, coconut flakes, crystallized ginger, and vanilla extract on high until thick and creamy. Feel free to add (any combination of) Earl Grey tea, bergamot oil, Medjool dates, frozen pineapple, cinnamon, or spirulina to the blender as well, and top with coconut flakes and/or goji berries, if desired. Makes 2 smoothies.

*Check out Britt and her smoothie featured on Live the Process. Photos by Bekka Gunther.

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loaded chia seed puddings

Sometimes breakfast can get monotonous and boring, but these totally loaded chia seed puddings will get your day started on a delicious, healthy, and satisfying note. I like to keep the chia pudding itself quite simple and not too sweet. The toppings are where you really get to be creative! Feel free to mix them up based on your preference, but more is always better. Just make sure you use toppings with a variety of textures, so your breakfast doesn't turn into a big pile of mush. Think toasted nuts, dried fruit, nut butter, fresh fruit, etc. These chia puddings are colorful and flavorful, not to mention packed full of healthy ingredients to ensure the most important meal of your day is one to remember.

Chia Seed Puddings:

  • 1/2 cup chia seeds

  • 2 cups almond mik

  • 2 tbsp maple syrup

  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

  • 1/4 tsp ground allspice

  • zest of one lemon

  • pinch of salt

  • toppings of choice (I used pomegranate seeds, goji berries, almond butter, fresh berries, toasted nuts, granola, dried coconut, and finished with frothy steamed almond milk)

Combine all ingredients in large bowl, stirring until combined. Let sit overnight to thicken. In the morning, serve with preferred toppings and enjoy!

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turmeric sunrise smoothie

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More often than not, I find myself making green smoothies. I love that they make it easy & delicious to add extra handfuls of spinach or kale into your diet on a regular basis. However, it's also nice to keep experimenting and try new things. Here is a great way to get out of a smoothie rut and mix it up. This bright and refreshing drink is packed full of healthy ingredients, and will help ensure you get your day off on the right foot, or give you the afternoon pick-me-up you need later in the day.

Just take a look at some of the impressive health benefits this smoothie boasts: Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory & is rich in antioxidants. Ginger soothes the stomach and boosts the immune system by helping to fight infection. Pineapple & lemon are both packed with vitamin C & antioxidants. Carrots supply ample amounts of beta carotene, antioxidants & vitamin A. Coconut meat boasts a high concentration of healthy fats, amino acids, fiber, folate & potassium. Maca helps to increase energy, contains many vitamins & minerals, and can help boost your mood. Dates promote digestive health, are rich in iron & potassium, and can help lower cholesterol. So as you can see, this smoothie packs a punch! I hope you enjoy it!

Turmeric Sunrise Smoothie:

  • 1 cup raw coconut meat

  • 1 cup frozen pineapple

  • 1/2 cup frozen mango

  • 1 cup carrots, peeled & chopped

  • 2 tbsp fresh turmeric, peeled & chopped

  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled & chopped

  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

  • 1/2 tsp maca powder

  • 3 Medjool dates, pitted & chopped

  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

  • Ice, if desired

Add all ingredients to a powerful blender (I use a Vitamix), and blend until well combined. You may want to scrape down the sides or use the plunger to get everything well incorporated, adding a bit more almond milk if needed. You may adjust the amount of dates (or sub raw honey or agave syrup) to your preferred level of sweetness. Makes two smoothies (or one giant one).

*You may sub ground turmeric (and/or ginger) powder if you can't find fresh. Use 1/2 tsp of powder for 1 tbsp fresh.

**For a green version of this smoothie, sub out the carrot for cucumber, and add a couple big handfuls of spinach or kale!

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