Get a better energy boost than a cup of coffee with this powerful green smoothie loaded with vitamins, minerals and superfood antioxidants!

With a wonderful rich flavor, this superfood shake can be a meal replacement. This smoothie is an excellent source of calcium, iron, protein and vitamins A and C.

Mood Enhancing Smoothie: This smoothie is a phenomenal pick-me-up, better than even the best cup of coffee! Cacao contains both anandamide, which is an endorphin that our bodies produce after exercise (a feel-good chemical), and phenethylamine, the love chemical associated with chocolate.

An Amazing Super Green (er…Brown) Smoothie: I made this smoothie last night and drank it at around 4:30 pm. I was full of energy and did not eat the rest of the evening. I didn’t need to! It’s a potent multivitamin-packed meal in a glass. Enjoy!

Why Kiwifruit Is The Star Of This Blend

Kiwifruit is a rich source of vitamin C. It is also a good source of vitamins A (as beta-carotene), B6, E and K as well as folate, magnesium, phosphorus, copper and dietary fiber. The edible seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids.

Antioxidants are especially present in the skin, which you can leave on the fruit as long as it is organic. Kiwifruit contains actinidin, which is an enzyme that breaks down protein.

Eating kiwifruit can boost your immune system and may help lower high blood pressure.

A recent study suggested that consuming two to three fresh kiwifruit each day for four weeks helps thin and reduce fat in the blood which lowers the risk of clots and blockages.

Morning Energy Green Smoothie Recipe

1 medium banana, peeled

1 kiwi, peeled

3 tablespoons goji berries

1 tablespoon cacao powder

1 stalk of celery, chopped

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 cup fresh baby spinach, chopped

8 ounces of coconut water

2 to 3 ice cubes to chill if desired

1 scoop protein powder – optional (I use NutriBiotic vegan rice protein)

Directions: Start by adding the liquid to your blender (see my blender recommendations), followed by the soft fruit. Add the greens to your blender last. Blend on high for 30 seconds or until the smoothie is creamy.

Nutrition Information (Without Protein Powder)

Calories: 317

Fat: 2 grams

Protein: 9 grams

Carbohydrates: 72 grams

Fiber: 11.4g

Calcium: 16% daily value (DV)

Iron: 5.3 mg

Folate: 159 mcg

Vitamin A: 280% DV

Vitamin C: 307% DV

Serving Size: One. (This recipe makes a large, 32-ounce smoothie. It is a meal-replacement smoothie and not a snack. I recommend drinking half right away and the other half about 30 minutes later. If it is too much for you, store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.)

Additional Nutrition Notes: In addition to the above, cacao contains magnesium, iron, chromium, anandamide, theobromine, manganese, zinc, copper, omega-6 fatty acid, phosphorus, phenethylamine, tryptophan and antioxidants (polyphenols, catechins and epicatechins). Cacao is widely praised for containing more antioxidants than red wine, blueberries, acai, pomegranates and goji berries combined!

Goji berries add a complete protein to your smoothie with a spectrum of 18 different amino acids including all essential ones. Goji berries contain 21 trace minerals including zinc, iron, copper, calcium, germanium, selenium, phosphorus, vitamins B1, B2, B6, E and up to 4 times more antioxidants than blueberries.

Blueberries add manganese, antioxidants and vitamins B6, C and K.

Red grapes add more vitamin C, K and a unique antioxidant called resveratrol with potent anti-cancer properties.

Spinach adds vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9 (folate),C, E and K as well as calcium, selenium, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, copper, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins.

Adding a scoop of protein powder will increase both the protein and calories.

If you use the meat and water from a young, Thai coconut, you will increase the calories by about 140, fat by 3 grams, protein by 2 grams, carbs by 28 grams and add an additional 17% DV of calcium bringing the smoothie to a total of 41% DV of calcium!

Also – Try This Coconut-Ginger Energy Blend!

Sometimes I like to put simple ingredients in my blender to see what whips up. This delicious, energy drink was the result of my latest “throw things in a blender” experiment.

I used 1/4 teaspoon of ginger, then I added a tiny bit more. You can also mix other spices into this like clove, cinnamon, nutmeg or even cacao powder.

There are a lot of variations you can do. Add some maca powder for even more energy!

You don’t have to put greens in everything, but this recipe is also good for sneaking those extra leafy greens. Banana and ginger will mask just about anything you put in there.

Coconut-Banana-Ginger Energy Drink Indredients

1/2 small lime, peeled

1/4 teaspoon ginger, grated

1 cup red grapes

1 banana, peeled or pear, cored

1 tablespoon chia seeds, soaked for 5 minutes

2 cups kale, stems removed

8 ounces unsweetened coconut milk

For a colder smoothie, either add a couple ice cubes or use frozen bananas.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 359

Fat: 7.2g

Protein: 9g

Fiber: 11.5g

Carbohydrates: 75g

Calcium: 27% RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance)

Iron: 5.3

Vitamin A: 902% RDA

Vitamin C: 248%

This drink is rich in vitamin B6 and is also a good source of copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, iron, vitamin C and B vitamins including folate, niacin, riboflavin and B5.

Serving Size: One. (If it is too much for you, store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours)