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I don’t like taking a bunch of supplements or even medicine, really. I mean… I take them when I have to. Trust me, nothing helps a migraine like a quick dose of aspirin. Ideally, I’d love to be getting all of my nutritional needs met through my diet, but let’s be honest, I’m pretty sure no one does that except maybe a dietitian. But they kinda have to otherwise they’d just be hypocrites.

And since my diet includes regular consumption of chocolate (mostly the dark stuff, I swear) and carbs (I don’t eat pizza crust – does that help?) and alcohol (red wine is still good for you, right?) in addition to all the stuff I’m supposed to eat like fruits, veggies, healthy fats and protein, I feel like I need a little extra something to make up for the naughty stuff. It’s all about balance and I’m just trying to keep myself in check.

So… I’ve succumbed to green powder. I originally tried AG1, but I didn’t love the taste, it gave me headaches, was expensive, and not organic. Then I switched to Super Greens (now called LiveItUp). SO MUCH BETTER!!! And, it’s half the price, made with organic veggies, and has a better flavor (minty). 

And, I discovered that I could mix my other two daily supplements in and concoct a tasty morning beverage. This is a huge win because who wants to have to drink more than one daily supplement beverage. I think the rationale is to have these supplement drinks first thing in the morning so they absorb into your system better.

So, the two other supplements I mix in are collagen protein powder and psyllium husk. Once you hit your mid 40s, the skin on your face changes and gravity is not kind. Also, you may be aware that muscle mass declines as we age especially at menopause so a little protein powder and weight lifting can go a long way to keep you feeling and looking your best. Thank you, Jane Fonda, for drilling that little bit about muscle mass and aging into my young brain. I still remember this tidbit at the beginning of my mom’s workout videos. I’ve been taking 2-3 scoops of unflavored collagen every day for over a year and I swear it helps plump those droopy jowls and saggy eyes back up. This is especially important since Botox can’t help you in those spots.

I also had hemorrhoids when I was pregnant. Sorry if that’s TMI, but when you have to go in and get a surgical correction for this situation multiple times (thanks kiddos), you listen closely when the doctor tells you that if you don’t want to keep having this problem, you need to take a fiber supplement for the rest of your life. Thus, we have supplement #2. I started with Metamucil, but the artificial orange flavor and Yellow 6 gave me pause. I didn’t want to be putting those fake chemicals in my body every day so I did some recon and discovered finely ground organic psyllium husk. Yay for being regular! I still take those Metamucil packets when I travel though. Mix that orange pack in with a little fizzy water and you’re good to go (literally).

I also discovered along the way, thanks to a complete metabolic panel, that I was a bit calcium deficient so I decided to give unflavored oat milk a try for this morning mix and it worked out great. I’d say this has a hint of a minty milkshake flavor – or at least enough to trick my mind into actually enjoying it every morning.

So here’s how I make it.

What you will need:

• A milk frother style handheld electric whisk – I don’t recommend making without this magic tool
• A 16oz glass
• 1 cup unsweetened oat milk (I prefer Planet Oat Unsweetened Original, you can also use almond milk if that’s your preference, 40 cal)
• 3 scoops (~ 4 Tbsp) unflavored collagen powder (70 cal)
• 1 tsp finely ground psyllium husk powder (10 cal)
• 2 tsp Super Greens (30 cal)

To keep the concoction from getting clumpy and prevent a bunch of powder from congealing on the bottom of the glass, I start by filling the glass with 2 ounces of cold water. Then, I put the collagen powder in and whisk. Then, I add the psyllium husk and Super Greens powders and whisk some more. Lastly, I add the oat milk and whisk until it’s all blended. Wash that electric whisk right away so you don’t have a clumpy mess to deal with later and voila – you have yourself a tasty, healthy morning supplement beverage that’s roughly 150 calories to start your day off right with hydration, good energy, and, hopefully, a productive trip to the bathroom. You’re welcome.