Matcha Chacha Horchata Smoothie
This smoothie was inspired by most post Barry’s Bootcamp workout Matcha Made in Heaven smoothie obsession. Every time I would finish a Barry’s I would go down to the boost bar and grab a $10 Matcha Made in Heaven. The $30 Barry’s class plus the $10 smoothie came to be an expensive habit!
I started making my own version, and it’s so easy, and I get to control what is going into it (without the additional charges!). This is a great post workout smoothie, or great for when you need a boost in energy. Green tea, and matcha are high in antioxidants to help fight oxidative damage. Matcha also has caffeine and is high in L-theonine (an amino acid) which has been shown to promote a relaxed mental state, without the drowsiness, as it has a direct effect on the alpha brain waves. (Nobre, 2008) For the amount of L-theanine that you could get in a cup of matcha or tea combined with the affects of caffeine, studies have shown this can increase focus and relaxation. (Owen, 2008)
Matcha Chacha Horchata Smoothie
Ingredients
- 2 Large Handfuls of Spinach (or ~1 cup frozen spinach)
- 2 frozen bananas
- 1/2-1 cup Coconut milk (use more milk to make thinner, less for a thicker smoothie)
- 1 T almond butter
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 T organic Matcha (Pique Tea or Pluck are great options)
- 1 Scoop vital proteins collagen creamer or Vanilla protein powder
- handful of ice (if you want it thicker and icier)
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into cups and top with a shake of cinnamon if desired. Enjoy!
References:
Nobre AC, Rao A, Owen GN. L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17 Suppl 1:167-8. PMID: 18296328.
Owen GN, Parnell H, De Bruin EA, Rycroft JA. The combined effects of L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood. Nutr Neurosci. 2008 Aug;11(4):193-8. doi: 10.1179/147683008X301513. PMID: 18681988.
