Wake up, go to school, do homework, sleep. As the school year drags toward summer, this cycle seems to infinitely repeat, and we all just go through the motions in a constant fog of fatigue. This leads to laziness in schoolwork, sinking grades (especially since there is only one quarter left), and stress. That is why I have decided to make an energy-boosting smoothie that will have you feeling lively and ready to tackle the school day.

When I first looked at this recipe, I was skeptical about how all of the flavors would combine, but it was better than I expected! Chai is a blend of Indian spices and herbs, mixed with black tea.  Its little kick of caffeine is perfect for clearing your mind early in the morning while attempting to prepare yourself for the upcoming school day. This magical herb blend is loaded with antioxidants that can help to prevent cancer and cardiovascular diseases, as well as containing many anti-inflammatory agents that can help to relieve gum pain and bloating.

Working in harmony with chai in making this smoothie a wonder-worker for your body is coconut milk, chock-full of vitamins and minerals. Since it is a bit thicker than cow’s milk, it is a perfect base for smoothies. Coconut milk is high in vitamin C, E, and B, as well as iron, calcium, and magnesium. Ginger, another ingredient, helps to prevent nausea and motion sickness, protects against the cold and the flu, and is rich in antioxidants.

The most important component of any smoothie is the fruit, a vital food group in a healthy diet. All fruits contain natural sugars and are lower in calories than many other foods, but each has their own special benefits. The fiber-filled mango helps to lower cholesterol, promote good eyesight, and clear the pores of your skin.  Bananas are high in potassium, which does wonders for your body; the mineral provides energy, protects against muscle cramps, and lowers blood pressure, protecting against heart attack and stroke. A little-known fact about bananas is that they have high levels of serotonin, which helps to overcome depression.

This recipe makes for a great breakfast before school, and it only takes about 5 minutes to make, so you can still sleep in until the last possible minute before hopping out of bed. One note about the recipe: the chai tea needs to be completely cooled before being put in the smoothie, so I would suggest making a pot of chai tea and keeping in the fridge for later use. Get the kick you need to last through the school day and enjoy!

Ginger and Mango Chai Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 cup of frozen mango
• 1/2 cup of chai tea, completely cooled
• 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger
• 1/2 of a frozen banana (about 1/4 cup of sliced banana)
• 1/4 cup of coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Directions

• Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.

Yields 1 large glass