Dr. Joel ND’s Pre-Workout Smoothie

What Does Dr. Joël ND Eat To Power Up Her Day? I enjoy this pre-workout smoothie 20-30 minutes before I exercise. The Matcha green tea helps to nourish the adrenal glands and increase epinephrine to mobilize extra stored energy to power my workout. L-Theanine from green tea helps to boost energy and reset stress by calming your nervous system. Hemp seeds add protein, while the fruit gives you quick acting fuel. Lastly the coconut oil is a source of MCTs (medium chain triglycerides) that provide more fast acting energy!

Matcha smoothies offer numerous health benefits due to the unique properties of matcha and the other ingredients commonly included in these smoothies. Here are some key benefits:

1. Rich in Antioxidants

Matcha is packed with antioxidants, particularly catechins, which can help fight free radicals in the body. This may reduce oxidative stress and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

2. Enhanced Focus and Mental Clarity

Matcha contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation without drowsiness. This can lead to improved focus, concentration, and a calm sense of alertness, making it ideal for pre-workout consumption or mental tasks.

3. Sustained Energy Boost

While matcha contains caffeine (about half the amount in coffee), the presence of L-theanine allows for a more stable release of energy, avoiding the jittery feeling often associated with coffee.

4. Weight Management

Matcha may enhance metabolism and fat oxidation, which can aid in weight management. Combined with a workout routine, a matcha smoothie may support weight loss efforts.

5. Detoxification

Matcha contains chlorophyll, which helps remove toxins from the body. This can support liver function and overall detoxification.

6. Support for Heart Health

The catechins in matcha have been associated with improved heart health due to their potential to lower cholesterol levels and reduce blood pressure.

7. Supports Healthier Skin

The antioxidants in matcha can help protect the skin from UV damage and improve skin elasticity, leading to a healthier complexion.

8. Nutrient Boost

When combined with other ingredients like fruits, vegetables (like spinach or kale), nut butters, and yogurt, matcha smoothies can provide a well-rounded nutrient profile, including vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy fats.

9. Hydration

If made with a liquid base like water or almond milk, matcha smoothies can help keep you hydrated, which is essential for optimal physical performance.

Dr. Joël ND’s Pre-Workout Smoothie

Power Food: Green Tea (Matcha)

Free From: Gluten, Dairy, Soy

Course Drinks

Keyword Smoothies

Total Time 5

Servings 2

Calories 189.2

Ingredients

1 tsp. Matcha green tea
1 cup almond milk unsweetened
1 cup each: pineapple & frozen mango
1 frozen banana or 1 avocado, pitted & peeled
3 Tbsp. hemp seeds
1 Tbsp. extra virgin coconut oil EVCO
1 tsp. vanilla extract pure
4 mint leaves

Directions

Place Matcha green tea, almond milk, pineapple, mango, banana, hemp seeds, EVCO, vanilla extract and mint leaves in a blender.
Blend until smooth and enjoy!

Notes

*Health Buzz: What is Matcha green tea? Matcha is a premium green tea powder made from Japan that is used in their tea ceremonies and was used by Zen Buddist monks to remain alert and calm during long hours of meditation. It is made from grinding the whole leaves which have been grown in the shade to increase their chlorophyll content. When the tea is made the entire leaves are dissolved in water rather than steeped in bags, giving it much more concentration. Matcha green tea helps to support metabolism, the reduction of stress, immunity, cholesterol-reduction and cancer prevention. This is due to its powerful antioxidant content. One cup of Matcha green tea has as many as 10 cups of regular tea, 6.2 times that of goji berries, 7 times that of dark chocolate, 17 times that of wild blueberries and 60.5 times that of spinach! You can find it at your health food store.

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

References:

Weiss DJ, Anderton CR., Determination of catechins in matcha green tea by micellar electrokinetic chromatography., J Chromatogr A. 2003 Sep 5;1011(1-2):173-80.m , PMID:14518774
Xin-Xin Zheng, Yan-Lu Xu, et al. Green tea intake lowers fasting serum total and LDL cholesterol in adults: a meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials Am J Clin Nutr August 2011.
Abdul G Dulloo, Claudette Duret, et al. Efficacy of a green tea extract rich in catechin polyphenols and caffeine in increasing 24-h energy expenditure and fat oxidation in humans. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 70, No. 6, 1040-1045, December 1999

Dr. Joel ND’s Pre-Workout Smoothie