Goddess of Mornings

The new year had me thinking about all the ways in which I wanted to make the most of my last year of high school, a big part of that being able to manage stress in order to enjoy everything around me. First, I instinctively thought to increase the amount of time in which I slept each night, going to bed earlier and if I was lucky enough to still make the ferry, sleep in a bit longer in the morning whenever I could.

I find it so much more difficult to live on an island this year. It seems to prevent me from so much more than previous years, I can't attend some mid-week grad events unless I stay over, and the planning involved with any late night event is extensive to say the least. In the afternoon, I get home exhausted just from traveling to and and from school, and take it out on people around me in my frustration. Can't it just be easy.

And then I think back, or forward, to the summers which we enjoy every year. The ease of carefree island life, biking around in shorts and sneakers, sun tanning all afternoon on the beach (just a minutes walk from our house!) and meeting at least a couple of good friends every time you head into town. Then there's the time when you really do become absorbed in talking with close friends, an easy thing to do when they all feel like family from so many years together. Preschool apple picking to daily ferry rides together, everyone is literally in, and from, the same boat.

You begin to forget the hassle of commuting. Laughter instead, carries you home.

I wake up later now, less inclined to get perfectly organized before school, and pick up a cup of brewed tea left in the fridge overnight, I love having chai or green tea in breakfast smoothies, and blend it up with an assortment of fruit (usually a banana), often some oats, and other healthy (and delicious) foods for new flavors.

Green Goddess Smoothie
Print recipe here.

It's time to start sneaking kale into foods, stir-fries, scrambled eggs, and yes, smoothies. Blend up some freshly chopped kale in a smoothie for breakfast, and you'll feel the super charge of a vitamin boost. A single serving of kale contains 10 grams of cholesterol-lowering dietary fibre, a complete day's requirements of vitamins A, C, K, and B complex. There's also potassium, magnesium and copper. If that doesn't sound healthy, then what is?

The best thing about smoothies is how versatile they are, new straw-sipping treats can be created from nearly any ingredients which you have in the fridge and they provide on-the-go convenience. Too rushed for breakfast? Make a quick smoothie in the blender. 

Be careful not to overload on sweet fruits in a smoothie, too much can overpower the palate; green vegetables tend to balance out the flavours. Try new ingredients often, many things can be incorporated for a new flavour every time, and smoothies can be the perfect start to your day with the balance of nutrients, a complete, tasty, meal.

Serves 1 for breakfast

Ingredients

2 tbsp gluten free oats (optional)

1 cup fresh kale, chopped
1/2 Pink Lady, Ambrosia or Granny Smith apple (for a tarter taste), diced
1 whole banana, chopped
2 dried dates, to sweeten

3/4 cup coconut water

Directions

In the blender, combine oats, chopped kale, and diced apple with some of the coconut water. Pulse until chopped finely.

Add banana, dates, and the rest of the coconut water. Blend until completely smooth. Add more coconut water to reach desired thickness.

Pour into a large glass and serve. The smoothie can also be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 or 5 days.

Enjoy the power boost tomorrow morning!
xx S.