I am a morning person. That annoying one you see on Instastories who has been to the gym, walked the dog, cooked a full breakfast and is ready to go by 7am. But even after a decent night’s sleep, I like a little boost to help me on my way. I tried coffee but we did not get along. I hated the wired feeling I got after a few sips on an americano. So, after some research I rummaged around my cupboard of untouched supplement powders and stumbled upon the life-changing magic of matcha, a green-tea-derived superfood powder. Think of it like ground green tea with 120 times the anti-oxidants.
Now, not all matcha is equal; the type with the highest concentration of nutrients is ceremonial grade from Japan.
It's bursting with magnesium, zinc, vitamin C and selenium to form an absolute anti-ageing powerhouse. Of course, you can get lower grades, including ones for cooking. However, I always stick to ceremonial grade for its many health benefits and slightly sweeter taste. Chinese matchas are reported to have a higher risk of contamination from lead so best to stick to the Japanese varieties.
Not only does matcha provide that early morning caffeine boost, but you won't experience the jittery feeling or shakiness that often accompanies coffee drinking. Also, matcha contains theanine - an amino acid known to help calm an anxious mind and increase focus. In case a matcha latte is not within easy reach, try these quick snack recipes to help fuel you through the day.
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150g oats
100g vanilla protein powder
50g apricots
100g mixed seeds - I like a mixture of pumpkin and sunflower
4 egg whites (120ml)
50g flax seeds
2 tbsp ceremonial grade matcha green tea
Preheat the oven to 180c. Line a nine-inch tin with baking parchment and set aside. Put everything into a large bowl and mix together well with you hands making sure everything is dampened by the egg.
You may need to add a tablespoon or two of water to the mixture depending on the type of protein powder you use.
The mixture should be sticky but not wet. Tip the mixture in to the pan and press down really firmly. Put all your weight on it so the mixture is packed in nice and tight. Mark out the squares with a sharp knife and then bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the flapjacks have set. Once set, remove from the oven and cut in to squares.
2 tsp sunflower oil
1 egg white
3 tsp ceremonial grade matcha green tea
1 tsp honey
400g blanched almonds
Put oven on to 200c/fan 180c/gas mark 6. Brush or spray a tray with oil. Put the egg white in a large bowl with the matcha green tea and the honey.
Whisk the mixture gently with a fork to combine. Add the nuts and stir everything together so all the nuts are covered.
Tip on to the tray evenly and bake for 12 minutes, giving them a shake halfway through.
They are ready when they are just going a little darker.
Once cooked remove from the oven and leave to cool. Sprinkle on some salt or sugar if you fancy it.
Grab your FREE report - Top 15 Natural Superfoods
Now, not all matcha is equal; the type with the highest concentration of nutrients is ceremonial grade from Japan.
It's bursting with magnesium, zinc, vitamin C and selenium to form an absolute anti-ageing powerhouse. Of course, you can get lower grades, including ones for cooking. However, I always stick to ceremonial grade for its many health benefits and slightly sweeter taste. Chinese matchas are reported to have a higher risk of contamination from lead so best to stick to the Japanese varieties.
Not only does matcha provide that early morning caffeine boost, but you won't experience the jittery feeling or shakiness that often accompanies coffee drinking. Also, matcha contains theanine - an amino acid known to help calm an anxious mind and increase focus. In case a matcha latte is not within easy reach, try these quick snack recipes to help fuel you through the day.
Grab your FREE report - Top 15 Natural Superfoods
Matcha And Apricot Protein Squares
This is about as healthy as it gets with oats, protein, flax and matcha all in one place. I cut these into nine and then each square into four, so I can have a nutrition-packed energy bite a couple of times during the day.150g oats
100g vanilla protein powder
50g apricots
100g mixed seeds - I like a mixture of pumpkin and sunflower
4 egg whites (120ml)
50g flax seeds
2 tbsp ceremonial grade matcha green tea
Preheat the oven to 180c. Line a nine-inch tin with baking parchment and set aside. Put everything into a large bowl and mix together well with you hands making sure everything is dampened by the egg.
You may need to add a tablespoon or two of water to the mixture depending on the type of protein powder you use.
The mixture should be sticky but not wet. Tip the mixture in to the pan and press down really firmly. Put all your weight on it so the mixture is packed in nice and tight. Mark out the squares with a sharp knife and then bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the flapjacks have set. Once set, remove from the oven and cut in to squares.
Roast Matcha Almonds
A handful of nuts has become the nation’s favourite healthy snack. Add a little matcha to these baked ones to give you a little lift throughout the day.2 tsp sunflower oil
1 egg white
3 tsp ceremonial grade matcha green tea
1 tsp honey
400g blanched almonds
Put oven on to 200c/fan 180c/gas mark 6. Brush or spray a tray with oil. Put the egg white in a large bowl with the matcha green tea and the honey.
Whisk the mixture gently with a fork to combine. Add the nuts and stir everything together so all the nuts are covered.
Tip on to the tray evenly and bake for 12 minutes, giving them a shake halfway through.
They are ready when they are just going a little darker.
Once cooked remove from the oven and leave to cool. Sprinkle on some salt or sugar if you fancy it.
Grab your FREE report - Top 15 Natural Superfoods
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