Morning Happy Hour

Having a smoothie every morning can provide you with the majority of nutritional needs for the day. For those of us constantly rushing out to catch that rush hour bus or train and rather not jet to the stops and stations while wiping bagels with cream cheese off our faces, smoothies are, in short, lifesavers.

Incorporating smoothies as part of your daily intake will provide you with plenty of natural fiber, brain fuel, vitamins, antioxidants, empowerment for your immune system and proper hydration to kick off your day. Whether you’re into blending fruits, vegetables, or both, there are several nutrient dense supplements you should consider having on deck to provide incomparable boosts.

Try it for just ten days. Make it your morning happy hour. Here’s one smoothie add-on for every day. You’re welcome.

Day 1: Chia Seeds

Chia is the Mayan word for strength. These seeds were a dietary staple; an important energy source for many ancient cultures particularly in Central and South America. Just 1 tablespoon of chia seeds contains 5 grams of fiber, 3 grams of protein, 2282 mg of Omega 3 and 752 mg of Omega 6 fatty acids! Chia seeds also contain respectable concentrations of potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorous and manganese and has one of the highest antioxidant concentrations of any known food.

Day 2: Bee Pollen

This is a really popular “superfood” you’ll see talked about online. It’s said to contain 24-35% complete protein, 22 amino acids, 12 vitamins, 28 minerals, 11 enzymes and beneficial fatty acids. Let’s take a second to shout out the animals this supplement comes from. Just one teaspoon dose of pollen takes one bee working eight hours a day for one month to gather. But in turn, we have an energy enhancer, skin smoother, cardiovascular supporter, among other things.

Day 3: Spirulina

Spirulina is an algae, grown in pristine, highly concentrated salt lakes that have very high pH levels, making it a very alkalizing food. It’s largely consumed in Central Africa. Would you believe it has more iron than spinach, more beta-carotene than carrots, more calcium than whole milk and more protein than tofu? (Of course this isn’t provided per smoothie serving, typically one tablespoon.)

Day 4: Brewer’s Yeast

This is a type of yeast that is actually used to make beer. Brewer’s yeast provides one of the highest quality and most easily absorbable forms of chromium of any food, which has beneficial effects on blood sugar and cholesterol levels in people. It also bolsters the immune system by acting both locally (at the site of infection) and systemically (throughout the body). It helps with anemia and fatigue and calms the nervous system.

Day 5: Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are tiny but loaded with nutrition. It’s another supplement widely discussed online. When you add a tablespoon of flaxseed to a smoothie, you’ll get between two and three grams of unsaturated fat. This can help you lower your cholesterol level and reduce your risk of heart disease. You also get trace amounts of thiamin, riboflavin and niacin, B vitamins that help your body turn food into energy. Flax seeds are also very rich in omega 3 fatty acids that has been shown to offer improved brain function and a stronger immune system.

Day 6: Maca

Maca is a root vegetable that is grown and eaten in Peru. Interestingly, long used to enhance energy and boost stamina, maca is often touted as an aphrodisiac and a natural means of improving sexual performance and fertility. It contains Iron, Iodine, Manganese and Zinc. Studies have also shown maca to reduce anxiety and depression.

Day 7: Coconut Water

Coconut water is the liquid component found inside young coconuts before they reach maturation. Widely consumed throughout the Caribbean, it contains various nutrients, vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes and minerals. Coconut water is a significant source of electrolytes, including potassium, which makes it an ideal drink for when the heat rises. Coconut water also has phenomenal detoxifying properties that can help flush your body and oxidize cells, resulting in better circulation, healthier organs and clearer skin.

Day 8: Wheatgrass

The consumption of wheatgrass was primarily popularized in the 1960s; promoted based on the idea that 15 pounds of wheatgrass contained the nutritional value of 350 pounds of vegetables. It contains significant levels of a wide variety of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, including vitamin A, B-12, C, E, K, calcium, potassium, folic acid and riboflavin, among others. Wheatgrass may help to improve appetite while lessening cravings, may be beneficial for enhancing memory and mental clarity, help to reduce blood pressure by dilating your blood vessels and is helpful in purifying the liver.

Day 9: Almond Milk

Most people have no idea that almond milk is more beneficial and nutritious than ordinary dairy milk. It is also an ideal alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or have allergies to soy. Almond milk is a beneficial addition to a diet geared toward weight loss or weight management. Almond milk contains 25% of your daily recommended Vitamin D intake and 30% of calcium both of which aid in building and maintaining strong healthy bones. One serving of this milk is 4% of your recommended daily intake of iron, which helps regulate oxygen absorption. It also contains a high dose of riboflavin, which appears to be useful in the prevention of migraine headaches.

Day 10: Cacao

Cacao, the dried seeds of a South American evergreen tree, is used to make cocoa, chocolate and cocoa butter. All raw forms of cacao are filled with iron, dietary fiber, calcium, zinc and potassium. It is a rich source of antioxidant flavonoids that promote cardiovascular health and protect against toxins. Cacao promotes the release of neurotransmitters, which promote a positive outlook and bodily rejuvenation and release feel-good hormones, such as serotonin.