Ingredients

2 1/2 Cups of unsweetened almond milk (no carrageenan)
1 Frozen banana, peeled
1 Handful walnuts (1/2 cup)
1 Handful pecans (1/2 cup)
1/4–1/2 Inch fresh ginger root
1/4-1/2 Inch fresh turmeric root
1/2 Teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 Teaspoon to 1 Tablespoon fresh maca powder
1 Tablespoon chia seeds
1 Tablespoon flax seeds

How many of you are running ragged, only able to make it through the day with a boost of caffeine? Can you imagine life without Starbucks, Caribou or Nespresso? Well, if you are trying to limit your caffeine intake without hitting a wall, then try incorporating Maca powder in your diet.

This superfood smoothie contains the butterscotch flavored root, Maca. Start adding a half teaspoon and then work up to 1 tablespoon. Maca detoxifies the body so your tummy may feel off for several days if you eat a lot of processed foods. You should feel the energy boost right away though.

I make this smoothie for my kids before a big game; not on a regular basis. Since Maca is known to “bring balance to the adrenal, thyroid, pancreas, ovarian and testicular glands,” I limit the potent root just like I limit non organic milk and meats with extra hormones that may promote early sexual development. Maca may be good for kids but without any studies, I will error on the side of caution.

Maca is highly recommended for adults who need more energy and stamina in athletics and academics. Try Maca if you are deficient in B-12, have thyroid issues, depressed or want to get pregnant. It is known to improve your sex life and regulate sex hormones in men and women.

Your body will also appreciate the nut protein, anti inflammatory properties from the turmeric and ginger, Omega-3s from flax and chia seeds as well as the potassium from the banana. Let me know what you think. I adapted the recipe from a post by Dr. Amy Myers by adding more almond milk to thin the shake.

Directions

1) Cut 1/4 to 1/2 piece of ginger and turmeric. Recommend 1/4 inch piece for first timers. Peel the ginger and turmeric skin with a paring knife or back of a spoon. Grate the ginger and turmeric with a microplaner or cheese grater if you do not have a high powered blender.

2) Pour 2.5 cups of almond milk into your blender and add the rest of the ingredients. (Note: Grind the nuts in a coffee grinder or food processor if you do not have a Vitamix or high powered blender. ) Blend until smooth. Add more almond milk or spring water to thin the shake. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top. Enjoy!

Why You Want to Drink This!

Maca

For at least 3,000 years the Peruvians ate Maca to give them energy and stamina.
“Maca is a nutritionally dense super-food that contains high amounts of minerals, vitamins, enzymes and all of the essential amino acids. Maca root is rich in B-vitamins, which are the energy vitamins, and maca is a vegetarian source of B-12. To boot, maca has high levels of bioavailable calcium and magnesium and is great for remineralization. Maca root helps balance our hormones and due to an over abundance of environmental estrogens, most people’s hormones are a bit out of whack. Maca stimulates and nourishes the hypothalamus and pituitary glands which are the “master glands” of the body. These glands actually regulate the other glands, so when in balance they can bring balance to the adrenal, thyroid, pancreas, ovarian and testicular glands.” Natural News
“Maca is used for “tired blood” (anemia); chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS); and enhancing energy, stamina, athletic performance, memory, and fertility. Women use maca for female hormone imbalance, menstrual problems, and symptoms of menopause. Maca is also used for weak bones (osteoporosis), depression, stomach cancer, leukemia, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, erectile dysfunction (ED), to arouse sexual desire, and to boost the immune system.” Web MD