Do you find it difficult to get moving in the morning without a jolt of caffeine? Or are you one who gets the jitters from sipping a cup of java? Whether you are trying to cut back on your wake-up ritual or looking for an alternative early morning pick-up, this creamy confection will give you what you need.

Aside from the powerful nutritional kick of sacha inchi seeds that provide sustained protein satiety, this smoothie also includes a serving of maca, which increases energy levels while supporting your entire endocrine system! That means instead of burning out your adrenals, you could actually support them and feel energized without missing the artificial energy you get from caffeinated beverages.

So, where does this luscious delight get its malty flavor? From the addition of lucuma powder! Lu-cu-what??  You say. This South American fruit is a staple in Peru and has been regally termed, the “Gold of the Incas”  Its powder, readily available through Superfood Suppliers like Navitas Naturals, and natural food markets, has a seductively sweet and malted-maple flavor. It is rich in B Vitamins, antioxidants, and high in fiber. It is also lower in sugar content when compared to other tropical fruits such as mangoes, bananas, and pineapple. This makes it a sneaky low-glycemic add-in that results in treats and beverages that are decadent and nutritious.

Makes: 2 (12-ounce) smoothies

Time: 15 minutes

Equipment: blender, bowl or pitcher, nut milk bag or fine-mesh strainer, and cheesecloth

Ingredients:

1/2 cup sacha inchi seeds

2 cups water

1 medium frozen banana

2 teaspoons maca powder

1 tablespoon lucuma powder

3 pitted medjool dates

1 tablespoon green powder (such as spirulina)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

10 ice cubes

6-8 Vega Chocolate Covered Sacha Inchi Seeds, chopped

Preparation:

1. In a blender, combine the sacha inchi seeds and water. Blend until smooth, about one minute.

2. Line a large bowl or pitcher with a nut milk bag or set in a strainer lined with cheesecloth. Pour through the blended sacha inchi seeds.

3. Pleasce the sacha inchi milk through the strainer and return to the blender.

4. add the frozen banana, maca powder, lucuma powder, dates, green powder, vanilla extract, sea salt, and ice.

5. Blend on high for 1 minute or until completely smooth and incorporated. Top with chocolate covered sacha inchi seeds and enjoy slowly savoring every sip!

NOTE: If you’d rather skip the step of making sacha inchi milk, add only half of the seeds and 1 3/4 cups water to your blender with all other ingredients. The texture will be a bit thicker, but oh sooo rich and delicious.

* This recipe and 99 other juice and smoothie creations can be found in my latest book, Superfood Juices & Smoothies.