Matcha Cucumber Mint Cooler

Matcha is a great morning or afternoon pick-me up, especially paired with protein and healthy fats to keep your energy steady, nutrition high, and calories low. It’s even better on hot days because of the cooling cucumber and mint that is instantly refreshing.

Matcha is the powdered green tea traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. It has the uplifting qualities of low doses of caffeine, along with other compounds that help you to relax.

In my experience, it doesn’t fray my nerves or upset my stomach the way coffee or regular green tea does. If you are using it for the first time, it’s a good idea to start with a small amount, 1/8 – 1/4 tsp, to see how you like it, and then work your way up over time.

For this recipe food grade matcha is just fine. Get the best quality organic you can afford, a little bit goes a long way!

I recommend buying smaller quantities of matcha, 8 oz or less, unless you plan on using it often. It loses it’s freshness over time. Buying a pound is cheaper, unless you end up throwing out half of it. (I speak from experience!)

This drink is perfect if:

• you had a late dinner and don’t feel like eating too much in the morning, but need the energy to make it to lunch
• you didn’t have time for lunch and need a quick stand in to make it to dinner
• the weather is hot or you suffer from hot-flashes

Matcha Cucumber Mint Cooler

Serves 1

1 cups cucumber – cubed – peel if skins are too tough or waxed
1 small handful of fresh mint
1/2 lemon – peeled
3 T hemp seeds 
1 tsp organic matcha green tea powder, 1/8-1/4 tsp if you are a first time user.
1 pinch sea salt
1 drop stevia, or more to taste
1 handful of ice
1/4 cup water

• place everything in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy
• start drinking immediately!

Options:

• 1 T collagen powder – this will add another 8 grams of protein
• 2 T of flax seed – 3 grams protein – add this if you want a more filling drink and for hormone balancing
• 1-2 drops organic peppermint oil – this will add even more peppermint flavor and aid in digestion
• swap out the hemp seeds for raw almonds or cashews