The cold weather might have you in hibernation mode, but

before you take up permanent residence under the covers, give yourself a

vitality boost with energizing foods! To help jump start your energy, enrich

your immune system, and lose weight the healthy way, I recommend adding the

following Energy Smoothie recipe a few times a week to a well-balanced diet, as

a breakfast substitute or as an afternoon snack.

Energize With A Tasty Smoothie!

The high-protein, low-calorie

smoothie recipe below is packed with antioxidants and other health-giving foods

that will boost your energy level. Here are a few of the many benefits of these

powerful foods.

1. Blueberries

bring antioxidant benefits

Among fruits, fresh

blueberries have one of the highest levels of antioxidant activity, helping to

reduce the risk of certain cancers while adding various anti-aging benefits.

Blueberries have neuroprotective properties that can delay the onset of age-related

memory loss, and they have also been shown to help lower blood cholesterol and

lipid levels. They are high in manganese and vitamin K, and have a very low

glycemic load, making them an ideal fruit for diabetics. 

2. Almond milk

adds essential fatty acids

Almond milk not only adds

delicious flavor, but also provides essential fatty acids and calcium.

Essential fatty acids support healthy skin and hair while also improving your

body’s ability to regulate blood pressure, blood clotting, thyroid, and adrenal

activity. Almond milk contains no cholesterol and only 5 mg of sodium per

serving. Consuming foods low in sodium and cholesterol helps lead to better

heart health and normal blood pressure. Almond milk contains 30 percent of our

recommended daily value of calcium and 25 percent of Vitamin D. Vitamin D also

helps improve immunity and cell function.

3. Bananas help

maintain energy levels 

Bananas are a nutritional powerhouse fruit. They are

very high in potassium and very low in sodium, which helps normalize the

heartbeat and regulate the body’s water balance while providing your body with

energy throughout the day. Instead of drinking coffee or having a sugary snack,

grab a banana! They provide a level of energy that lasts longer without the

dramatic crash caused by caffeine. Bananas are also high in B vitamins, which

have been shown to improve overall nerve function. They are also relatively

high in iron, which improves the body’s hemoglobin functions so your blood can

clot faster in case of a cut or serious injury.

You can put it all together in the recipe that follows!

If fresh fruit isn’t available, I recommend using frozen

organic varieties instead. You can also substitute another milk choice

depending on your preferences and dietary needs – rice milk, light soymilk, and

other choices will all work. The recipe calls for High Performance Powder and

Five Elements Powder, which are two very potent health-boosting blends that are

available at The Wellness Living Store in Santa Monica. While these blends will

take your smoothie to the next energy-boosting level, you can make the recipe

without them and still reap plenty of health rewards.

Energy Smoothie Recipe

Serves 2

• 1 1/2 cups almond milk

• 1 banana

• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

• 1/2 cup plain coconut yogurt

• 2 tablespoons wildflower honey

• 2 tablespoons High Performance Powder

• 2 tablespoons Five Elements Powder

Put all of the ingredients into a blender and blend

until smooth. Divide between two glasses and serve immediately.

May you live long, live strong, and live happy!

Dr. Mao Shing Ni,

best known as Dr. Mao is a bestselling author, doctor of Oriental Medicine and

board certified anti-aging expert. He has recently appeared on “The Ricki Lake

Show,” “Dr. Oz,” and contributes to Yahoo Health and The Huffington Post. 

Dr. Mao practices acupuncture, nutrition, and Chinese medicine with his

associates at the Tao of Wellness in Santa Monica, Newport Beach, and Pasadena.

Dr. Mao and his brother, Dr. Daoshing Ni, founded the Tao of Wellness more than

25 years ago in addition to founding Yo San University in Marina del Rey. 

To make an appointment for evaluation and treatment please call 310.917.2200 or

you can email Dr. Mao at contact@taoofwellness.com. To subscribe to his

tip-filled newsletter please visit www.taoofwellness.com.