What’s better than a coffee to cure your 3:30-itis you ask? Well, that would be an energy-boosting Happy Way latte of course. Made using matcha, a Japanese powdered green tea, this latte will deliver all the energy without the shakes that often come with having your fourth coffee for the day (guilty as charged). Containing a host of additional mood enhancing and brain friendly ingredients such as maca, this delicious mid afternoon drink is the kind of beverage your boss will appreciate.

So what makes this Happy Way recipe your new ‘go-to’ energy booster?

AMINO ACIDS FOR ENERGY

Matcha contains the powerful amino acid L-theanine, which can work to help you feel more focused while also delivering the same amount of energy as an espresso. While it may be tempting to reach for a sugar filled coffee or even energy drink to beat that mid-afternoon slump, these options only provide a momentary boost of energy. And they often do so while simultaneously causing a sense of anxiousness due to a rapid delivery of cortisol and adrenaline spike in the body. Swapping out your usual coffee for this energy-boosting latte will not only help you regain your focus, but it will also satisfy the taste buds all in one go.

ANTIOXIDANTS TO ELIMINATE THAT SLUGGISH FEELING

When it comes to antioxidants, maca and matcha are a match made in heaven (pun most definitely intended) Antioxidants play an important role in helping the body rid itself of unnecessary toxins, chemicals and all those free radicals that slow down the cell renewal process. A diet rich in antioxidants has been shown to not only prevent that sluggish feeling that has a hitting a wall by mid afternoon, but has also been shown to increase focus and mental clarity.

MATCHA FOR SLOW RELEASING ENERGY

A typical cup of coffee will give you added energy for an average of 30 minutes at which point the same crashing feeling will come sweeping over you. This is the very reason you may find yourself reaching for the next coffee before you have had time to say Nespresso. Matcha on the other hand is known for offering a slow release of energy. Just one cup of hot matcha will deliver concentration and alertness for an average of 3-6 hours. Just what you need to wrap up your workday and stay committed to that 6pm gym class – no excuses!

A NATURAL SUGAR HIGH

Honey offers a natural alternative to a sugar high that comes from your favourite three quarter latte with a double dose of sugar. Offering 17 grams of carbohydrates per teaspoon, this unprocessed source of sugar enters the bloodstream quicker to deliver an all but instant boost of energy. However it doesn’t leave you with the post sugar high and foggy feeling that comes from highly processed glucose. Perfect for beating 3:30 itis or delivering rapid energy before your gym session.

BRAIN FRIENDLY INGREDIENTS

Peruvian’s were onto something when they introduced matcha as a means of improving brain function. Traditionally used to enhance the performance of children in school, maca has long been used as a means of improving memory in one of the world’s oldest cultures. What’s more, this super delicious recipe also contains honey, which has also been shown to help boost short-term memory. Just what you need before that all-important presentation!

So get to whipping up that delicious, energy-boosting latte. Don’t forget to show off your hot beverage using #HAPPYWAYRECIPES and #HAPPYWAYAU

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tbsp matcha powder
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tsp Happy Way Organic Maca Powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp honey
• Dash hot water

METHOD

1. Add your hot water into a saucepan and combine it with your Maca and matcha powders and your honey. Whisk the ingredients together.
2. Pour in your chosen milk. We have gone with almond milk for our cooking demonstration, but you may choose to swap it out for dairy or coconut milk. Heat up the mixture on the stove for a couple of minutes.
3. Pour the mixture into a blender for 30 seconds to achieve a frothy finish.
4. Pour into your favourite mug and sprinkle with cinnamon to finish.

So get to whipping up that delicious, energy-boosting latte. Don’t forget to show off your hot beverage using #HAPPYWAYRECIPES and #HAPPYWAYAU