Maca Morning Motivator Smoothie
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Maca, which is found in the high Andes mountains of central Peru, has been touted as a superfood for its multiple health benefits. It’s been eaten as a medicinal plant for over 3,000 years to boost libido, strength, and stress. Today I’m sharing with you my Maca Morning Motivator Smoothie recipe which takes advantage of one other benefit maca provides – increased energy.
What is Maca?
The maca plant is a cruciferous vegetable known scientifically as Lepidium Meyenii. It contains 133% of the recommended daily dose of vitamin C as well as other nutrients such as vitamin B6, manganese, copper, potassium, and iron.
One ounce (28 grams) of maca root powder contains 4 grams of protein and only 20 grams of carbs and 1 gram of fat. It also contains bioactive plant compounds like polyphenols.
The powder form can provide stable energy without the jitters you get with caffeine. It has a slightly sweet, nutty, and earthy taste, which makes it ideal for smoothies or blended drinks.
Aside from this smoothie recipe, I like to enjoy it in iced coffee and lattes, but it also works well in baked goods, energy bars, and oatmeal.
Where can you get it?
You can find in your local health food store in the supplements section and through online retailers. If you’re new to maca, consult your doctor to see if it’s right for you, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have thyroid problems. Also, start with a small amount, such as half a teaspoon to see how your body reacts to it.
Blending Tip
If you find your blender doesn’t give you that smooth consistency you want, make sure you add the liquid to the blender first. Doing this allows the blender to pull down the ice and other ingredients into a “vortex” for a better, smoother blend.
For easy cleanup, fill your blender with about a cup of water and a few drops of dish detergent. Cover and blend. The action will easily scrub bits off the inside of the carafe. Empty the contents, give it a good rinse, and enjoy the time you saved with this quick cleanup tip.
Personally, I love my blender. It can handle the toughest nuts and leaves and create a smooth smoothie.
Easy Swaps
If you have nut allergies or dislike the taste of almond milk, you can substitute with light or low-fat coconut milk.
Want to skip the vanilla protein powder but still want some sweetness? Try substituting a banana, two pitted Medjool dates or a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Storage
I highly doubt you’ll have any leftover, but if you want to whip up a big batch in advance, it will keep well in the fridge for a day or two. Store it in the blender carafe so you can easily remix it just before serving.
Alternatively, pour individual servings into mason jars and shake well before drinking. Mason jars also make this smoothie super easy to travel with or take to work.
Maca Morning Motivator Smoothie
This maca smoothie is rich and chocolatey but packed with superfoods to give you a boost of energy to kickstart your day.
Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup plain almond milk
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon Maca powder
- 1/2 tablespoon cacao powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 5 ice cubes
Directions:
1. Add all ingredients to a blender. Mix until desired consistency.
2. Sprinkle cinnamon or cacao powder on top.
3. Serve and enjoy!
If you’ve tried one of my recipes, leave a comment and let me know what you think. Shared it on social media? I would love to see it! Tag your post with [insert your hashtag], so I can find it.
Do you need some help getting your mornings in order? School is starting and schedules are changing! Use this time to get your mornings organized so that you are less stressed and able to get your day going. Sign up for a free Good Morning Worksheet here.
References:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3184420/
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322511.php
3. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-maca-root
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464612000436
Loving Life–The Reboot!
Dominique
This article provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this article, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.
23 Comments
Melanie Frost
I’ve actually never heard of Maca powder, but I may have to try it if it really provides such great nutritional benefits!
Kenneth
Sounds very healthy to drink. Never heard of this Maca product before, I’ll check it out, this looks really nice.
Sushmita
This is the first time I have come across Maca. Doing my bit of research on it now because this post certainly made it sounds very beneficial!
Steph
I’ve never tried maca but it gives that curve structure.I definitely recommend it and I’ll try it one of these days.
Joanna
I have heard about Maca before and seen it in my local supermarket, but I never bought it. I usually add chia seeds in my smoothies.
Emily Fata
This looks like such a great way to jumpstart your morning the right way! I typically start my day off with a smoothie, so this would be a great recipe to swap out for a few times a week!
Crickette, The Things I Have to Say
I love smoothies. I don’t know what a Maca powder is. But lemme see if I can find that here.
Farah Al Zadjaly
I need to start havin more morning smoothies.. The recipes look good and easy to make.
Samar
This is the first time I am hearing about Maca drink, have to try it some time.
Crystal
Maca is one of my favorite smoothies to have. Another good way to try it is over ice mixed with vanilla soy milk!
Dominique
That sounds great! Thanks for sharing!
Jasmine M
This smoothie sounds like it’s extremely healthy! I’ll definitely have to try making it soon. I hope I like it.
Krysten Quiles
I have got to try this out. I make smoothies every morning but usually with a mix of fruit and veggies. Thanks so much for sharing!
Olya AMANOVA
Days with kids and nights with computer – working. I do need a motivation drink every morning. I have to try this one and see if it can boost my energy level. Hopefully it will)))))))
Kuntala Banerjee
Interesting. Never knew about Maca amd especially the health benefits. Need to try out. Thanks for sharing. Very unique and loved the way you brought forward about Maca.
Elizabeth O
Wow..This smoothie is so unique. I would love to try this one of these days.
tweenselmom
Wow Maca, it’s nice to learn another new thing today. Thanks for introducing this healthy goodness to me.
Njkinny
I havent heard about Maca but will definitely check it out. This smoothie sounds just the thing i need. Thanks for sharing!
Lasonia | Lasonia B Graves
I have never tried Maca before. It sounds delicious. I need to try this recipe.
Akriti
A very unique smoothie recipe. Will definitely give it a try!
http://www.itsasweetsweetworld.com
Bindu Thomas
Seems like a yummy and nutritious smoothie. Not tried Maca before, will give a try for sure.
Dana Brillante-Peller
Thanks for sharing how to create this unique smoothie. Most importantly, how you store it! I don’t always go through my entire smoothie.
Dominique
THat’s a problem with all smoothies I find. If I put it in the fridge, it’s no fun to eat later. I have more success with the freezer. You often have to reblend it. Hope that helps. Maybe someone else has a suggestion…