SAY GOODBYE TO YOUR CAFFEINE DEPENDENCY

I've never been a caffeine drinker — it makes me sick the second I ingest it. But of course, with my hectic schedule (and early call times) I needed to seek out other ways of getting that much needed "pep" first thing in the AM.

I discovered Maca powder while working as an editor at WorldLifestyle.com. In it's early stages, the site conducted many interviews with leading health experts, renowned chefs, and lifestyle gurus. Maca powder was one superfood that just kept coming up in conversation. After many failed attempts to include it into my daily diet (it has a rather earthy taste to it, which I was totally turned off to), I decided to attempt it in a morning smoothie and was thrilled with the outcome.

Here's a few facts about Maca Powder:

It's loaded with vitamins. B, C and E to be exact. It's also high in calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and amino acids.

Naturally provides a boost in energy. And let's not forget about your libido (hey, now!).

Improves PMS and your cycle. I swear, I'm a much more sane, rational human being during my cycle and it's all thanks to maca. It alleviates my cramping, improves my hormonal acne and boosts my mood.

I decided to combine the powder with a few other power-packed favorites, including bee pollen (high in folic acid, amino acids and B-complex. It's great for energy and naturally sweetens up the smoothie), goji berries (high in beta-carotene...which will make that skin GLOW), a hemp-based protein powder (I like to buy the kind with fiber included), lots of antioxidant-rich blueberries, and of course some greens (which I tend to switch up - one week spinach, the next kale, etc). Here's the recipe:

• 1.5 cups of water
• 2 tbsp Hemp Protein Powder
• 1-2 tsp Maca Powder (start with 1tsp...gradually work your way up to 2tsp after a few weeks)
• Handful of frozen blueberries
• Half of a frozen banana
• Handful of spinach (kale, swiss chard or any other dark, leafy green work fine)

Blend all ingredients together and top with 1-2 tsp of Bee Pollen and Goji Berries. Enjoy!!