Nourishing Rituals: Matcha Green Tea Smoothie.

{Matcha Green Tea}

Lately, I‘ve been thinking about the power of rituals. A ritual is different than a routine.

Routines can become, well, a little too routine—where you simply go through the motions as if you’re on autopilot. Rituals, on the other hand, are more like a pause in your day. They have intention and meaning behind them and can help you bring your focus deep down into your soul.

A nourishing ritual feels like a gift that you give to yourself, a short shift in focus that can make you feel centered. It can be something simple like hugging someone you love to begin each day on the right note or lighting candles & taking a bath in the evening to wash away the stress of the day. Some people have a moment of silence & gratitude before a meal, while others take the time to create an intention every morning.

If you don’t have any rituals, stop and think about what nourishes you and try to find space so that you can give yourself what I call your “soul greens.” Figure out a time in your day where you can put things on hold and take a moment to reflect or create a quick experience that you can truly savor.

Here is one of my nutritious & delicious rituals:

For the past few years, I’ve been drinking my morning matcha green tea. (If you haven’t tried matcha green tea, it’s a fine powder made with baby tea leaves that is chlorophyll-rich and loaded with antioxidants.)

While the health benefits of green tea go on and on, I love the way it makes me feel. And I enjoy making it for myself as a way to transition from my morning run or yoga practice into the beginning of my workday.

Sometimes I drink it straight up with hot water. Other times I create a decadent matcha green tea latte. But lately, I‘ve been making the most luscious matcha green tea smoothies.

So, why is it a ritual? Because no matter how I make my matcha green tea, I always take the time not only to relish it (the color, the smell, the taste), but to also set my intentions for the day.

From my blender to yours, enjoy my morning ritual that I drink as I become grounded, focused & centered.

Matcha Green Tea Smoothie

*Makes 1 large glass.

{Macha Green Tea Smoothie via kaleandchocolate.com}

INGREDIENTS:

6 ounces unsweetened coconut milk (or almond milk)

½-1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder

1 cup spinach leaves

1 large banana, frozen and sliced ahead of time

2 pitted dates or sweetener of choice to taste

2-3 mint leaves to taste

*Optional: 1 scoop vanilla plant-based protein powder (I prefer the taste without it, but if you’re using the smoothie as a meal replacement, the added protein will help sustain you for a longer period of time.)

**Note: If you use sweetened coconut or almond milk, then omit the dates.

METHOD:

Mix coconut milk & matcha green tea powder in high-speed blender.

Add in spinach and blend. Blend remaining ingredients until smooth.

Sip, savor & enjoy!

Do you have any rituals that feel like a small gift that you give to yourself each day?

Share your stories and insights below.

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