5 ways to power up your coffee and smoothie drinks!

This month I’m focusing on simple upgrades you can make to things you already do in your life… in order to take them to the next level.
 
And today I’ve got some great ways you can upgrade your smoothies and your COFFEE!
 
First up … stir in some MACA POWDER!
 
Maca is one of my favorite upgrades because this superfood actually does have some pretty amazing super-powers.
 
It’s loaded up with antioxidants, great for your energy, mood, and memory, and it’s also well known for helping to balance your hormones and boost libido.
 
Since it helps support your ability to focus and boost energy levels, it’s a perfect way to help kick-start your day by adding it to your morning coffee or smoothie!
 
You can find maca online, and many grocery stores now carry it!
 
My second choice is CACAO.
 
That’s right … chocolate-y goodness!
 
This one gets a little confusing … because cacao is actually the raw form of cocoa. It contains more health-boosting components, like antioxidants, flavonoids and minerals than cocoa.
 
That’s because cocoa is basically cacao that’s been processed with high heat.
 
You can get cacao powder or cacao nibs, which are little chip-like nuggets.
 
Here’s a bonus tip that has to do with cacao powder!
 
This sounds really weird, but I promise it’s delicious. In the morning, try putting a cup of hot coffee in a mason jar and stir in a tablespoon of almond butter and a teaspoon of cacao powder, and mix it up till it’s smooth.
 
Then, put the jar in the fridge till after lunch … and when you’re ready to drink it, add in some almond milk and ice cubes and shake it up. It’s a delicious after-lunch energy booster!
 
I know it sounds strange to add nut butter to coffee … but you have to trust me on this one! It’s good.
 
OK, now for my third pick … PUMPKIN PIE SPICE.
 
You have two options with this one! Add it to your coffee grounds BEFORE you brew, or to your coffee afterwards.
 
Actually, make that 3 options. If you’re a pumpkin spice fanatic, you could choose both options for a pumpkin spice party in your coffee!
 
There are a lot of reasons why this spice mixture is so amazing … if you’re trying to eat less sugar, the cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg will add enough sweetness to help satisfy you without actual sugar or other sweeteners.
 
Not only that, but cinnamon can help regulate your blood pressure and blood sugar levels if that’s an issue for you … and the ginger is good for your digestive system!
 
Pretty amazing, right?
 
Here’s another thing that I love about this tip… nutmeg is also in pumpkin pie spice, and it can help keep your breath fresh so you can avoid the dreaded coffee breath.
 
You will want to experiment with this one to find your perfect level of spice, but start with a teaspoon in your coffee grounds and then add more or less from there.
 
My fourth upgrade is also spicy … it’s TURMERIC!
 
There’s pretty much nothing that this spice can’t do! It’s everywhere these days, and for very good reasons.
 
It has powerful anti-inflammatory benefits for your entire body, is packed with antioxidants, and scientists are studying how it might be able to help protect you from all sorts of diseases, from cancer to Alzheimer’s to heart disease.
 
Turmeric can have an “earthy” taste to it, so try adding about a half-teaspoon to your grounds before you brew your coffee.
 
Or, you can stir a quarter-teaspoon into a cup of coffee and see how you like it, and work up from there … and maybe add a little of that pumpkin pie spice I mentioned earlier, to take the edge off!
 
Are you ready for my fifth and final add-in?
 
This one is so good for your hair, your skin, not to mention your bones and joints.
 
It’s COLLAGEN PEPTIDES!
 
Get yourself some collagen peptide powder and stir it into your coffee or smoothies for a major boost. This is basically like bone broth, except in powder form.
 
Here’s a tip: most collagen peptide powder is hydrolyzed, which means it’s broken down so that it’s easier for your body to absorb.
 
You can get collagen powder at many vitamin and supplement shops. I’ve even seen it in food area at TJ Maxx!
 
Most collagen powders don’t have much taste, but they definitely do have benefits.
 
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It’s a big part of your connective tissues, including your skin and muscles, giving them structure and strength.
 
The benefits of collagen supplements are still being studied, but research shows they might help with everything from shiny hair and healthy skin to relieving joint pain, improving muscle mass, and making your heart strong!
 
Definitely worth checking out.
 
I hope this list helps you upgrade your coffees and smoothies! I know it does mine.