Start your day in a positive way!

Some mornings I just know I need all the liquids! I start by waking up, drinking a tall glass water and taking my daily vitamins. Right now I'm really in to taking a daily multi-vitamin, probiotic and Ashwaghanda supplement. Make sure to double check the back of your vitamins to ensure they do not contain allergens such as gelatin, gluten, soy or dairy. Next I make breakfast ~ my favorite meal of the day. Green smoothies made with kale or spinach provide your body with immediate energy, and of course coffee is a must (most days). Below is my favorite kale smoothie recipe + ways to enhance your coffee with my healthy coffee recipe to help it be better absorbed by the body ~ negate inflammatory properties that are usually present within your morning cup o' joe. 

Kale Smoothie, with love

Ingredients:

(yields 2 servings, share with someone you love)

• 3 stalks of Lacinato Kale (organic if possible) - stems removed + chopped
• 2 cups of your favorite plant milk - add as you go for desired consistency
• 2 frozen organic bananas
• 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
• 1 tablespoon organic unsalted nut butter with no added oils (seriously, the ingredients should only be dry roasted peanuts/almonds/whichever nut butter you like best)
• 2 cups frozen organic mango 
• 1 teaspoon Maca powder for energy + proper hormone balance

Prep:

• Begin by blending together just the bananas, kale and 1 cup of the nut milk
• Next add all other ingredients, adding the remaining nut milk as you go for desired consistency (I like my smoothies super thick but some people are different!) 
• Enjoy! Sometimes I share half of this recipe with my boyfriend and other days I close half up in a mason jar and take it with me to have later on.

Healthy Coffee Recipe

I realize that a lot of people have issues when it comes to consuming caffeine or coffee of any sort, but my dad introduced me young to coffee and I don't really see a reason to give it up. Life is all about balance, and coffee is one of my only vices when it comes to what I eat and drink. But listen to your body, and do what makes YOU feel best. We're all different, and that's what makes each of us beautiful and unique. If you don't suffer from headaches, migraines, jitters, upset stomach and coffee is something you enjoy most mornings, this recipe is catered to you! Otherwise just enjoy the green smoothie recipe and keep kicking ass in the a.m. hours! :) My favorite way to enjoy a cup of coffee is to make it in a french press. You're welcome to make it however you please, although I negate the idea of using a Keurig as the plastics in the k-cups are not environmentally friendly or the healthiest choice for your body. Anyways! On to the recipe ~ this recipe for coffee has some of the yummiest (in my opinion) and healthiest adds to your regular cup of joe. Adding coconut oil to your coffee allows it to absorb slower, so that you don't risk getting jitters. Adding some healthy medium-chain triglycerides (healthy fat!) to your body right away in the morning boosts your metabolism and adds to your body's immune-fighting response. Next, cardamom and cinnamon have a multitude of benefits - the most significant being that cardamom works to alkalize the acidity in your coffee, while cinnamon works to eliminate inflammation within the body.

Ingredients:

(yields one serving ~ (just double the serving size if you're making coffee for a loved one)

• 1 large tablespoon of your favorite coffee grounds 
• 1 cup of boiling water ~ electric tea kettles are my jam lately, quick + easy!
• 1 teaspoon organic cold pressed coconut oil
• 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite plant milk
• pinch of organic cardamom 
• pinch of organic cinnamon

Prep:

• Begin by dumping your coffee grounds into the bottom of your french press
• boil water in your kettle (or on a pot on the stove), then add to french press
• wait a few minutes (5 max), then press!
• add freshly made coffee to your favorite mug/what have you
• add coconut oil first, so that it melts into your coffee and is super delicious 
• add the remaining ingredients 
• stir and enjoy!

I hope you all being to have easier and most enjoyable mornings, especially when you have proper fuel such as this combo of a green smoothie + healthy coffee recipe. Never hesitate to comment or email me with questions or concerns.

Much love, MAKE your life beautiful each day.

--Madelene, author of MAKE with Madelene