How I Kick Start My Morning!
As summer winds down and our fall schedules fill up quickly, starting your day off right with a protein and nutrient rich breakfast is key. Keeping things like frozen fruit, dark green leafy vegetables, a protein heavy yogurt and milk are essential for an easy and on the go breakfast.
The first few weeks of fall always sneak up on me and are often packed with events. My days vary greatly and could include anything from meetings, TV appearances, cooking demos and events. Each morning, I start my day with a little caffeine plus a protein and nutrient rich breakfast. It’s a powerful combination that keeps me full for hours. I love adding dark leafy greens to my morning smoothies or juices because they are loaded with vitamins and minerals including vitamin C and iron. I added matcha in this particular smoothie because it provides a nice caffeine boost to help get me through the morning. Traditionally matcha is mixed with hot or cold water (depending on your preference) and is whisked with a bamboo brush until frothy. I’ve decided to add it here as an extra caffeine and antioxidant boost to this super smoothie.
My PR and Culinary Marketing Manager Becca Noren, who is also an RDN is here to share a few tidbits on why this smoothie is a great jumpstart to your morning!
Notes from Becca:
Thanks Chef! I totally agree, this smoothie is a fantastic start to your morning. I too love a good caffeine fix and matcha is not just loaded with caffeine (contains about 3x more caffeine than a brewed cup of steeped tea) but is also packed with nutrients. Did you know that matcha is high in antioxidants and is thought to help protect against heart disease, aid in blood sugar regulation, reduce blood pressure and may help with cancer prevention? Plus, the caffeine kick matcha provides a calmer alertness compared to coffee which can sometimes give a more jittery alertness.
Eat Well With Ming: The antioxidant property of matcha comes from catechins which are shown to not only help decrease blood pressure, but research has shown it can help decrease the likelihood of developing certain cancers including pancreatic and ovarian. Drink warm as tea, add to your morning smoothie or even use it as a spice in cooking, the uses are endless!
Mango-Matcha Smoothie
Serves 4
2 tablespoons peeled ginger, roughly chopped
½ cup watercress
2 tablespoons matcha powder
3 cups unsweetened almond milk
3 cups frozen mango chunks
Add ins: CBD oil (see note below for specifics), pea protein powder
1. Add all ingredients to a blender
2. Blend until you have reached desired consistency, adding more milk if necessary.
*Note about CBD oil
CBD or cannabidiol is a compound known as a cannabinoid and is part of the hemp plant. In our bodies, cannabinoids work by binding with receptors on our cells as part of the endocannabinoid system. This system helps regulate many processes in our bodies including mood, appetite, sleep, pain management and inflammation. CBD is the non-psychoactive part of the hemp plant and is thought to help manage symptoms and conditions related to anxiety, depression, epilepsy, Parkinson’s and more. I like using CBD as a way to help reduce inflammation, ease post workout pain and help with sleep. I choose to pick brands (including ones like Medterra) that are 100% GMO free, organic, third party tested, and U.S. grown.
Peace and Good Eating,
Chef Ming Tsai
#EatWellWithMing
#YouAreWhatYouEa