Starting the day with a giant smoothie is my favorite. Fruit is more easily digested on an empty stomach so it is a great option for breakfast. Having a big smoothie can help you to feel energized and satisfied - so you can ditch the coffee on these mornings (especially because this recipe includes Maca powder. Maca root powder helps the body to feel more energized by providing our essential unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids, also known as our omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Coconut is an amazing source of healthy fat, while hemp seeds serve as a source of protein. The kale in this recipe is a decent serving size and blends well with the other ingredients, so if you're not a fan of chomping on your greens daily -- this smoothie can get you on the right track. Greens such as kale are known to "...prevent oxidative stress, induce detoxification enzymes, stimulate immune system, decrease the risk of cancers, inhibit malignant transformation and carcinogenic mutations, as well as, reduce proliferation of cancer cells.

This recipe is a full balanced meal and will get you up and going, ready to take on your day. Make sure you have a good blender - I use a Ninja.

Recipe:

1 organic banana

1 cup frozen organic blueberries

1 1/2 cups organic almond milk -- look at the ingredients to ensure there is NO carrageenan (a preservative that causes inflammation in the body)

2 handfuls chopped organic kale -- I used curly kale but you could use Lacinato or any other kind.

1 teaspoon organic maca root powder 

Top with:

1 tablespoons raw organic hemp seeds (protein $$)

1 tablespoon raw organic shredded coconut (unsweetened)

--> Blend well and enjoy! Notice my reusable glass mason jar and reusable steel straw

Smoothie Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 421

Carbohydrate: 37 grams

Protein: 12 grams -- average daily recommended intake for protein is 56g/day for men and 46g/day for women

Fat: 16 grams 

Fiber: 12 grams

Calcium: 361 miligrams 

Kale Nutrition Facts:

2 Cups provides the body with:

Potassium: 19% of recommended daily intake

Fiber: 19% of recommended daily intake

Protein: 5.7 grams for 2 cups raw kale

Vitamin A: 268% of recommended daily intake

Iron: 11% of recommended daily intake

Calcium: 20% of recommended daily intake