Functional Mushrooms at Every Meal
Let’s face it, we are living through wild times. One of the most common shared experiences in modern life is stress. Whether external caused by news, traffic, work or internal like lack of sleep and emotions running high, stress is inevitable. A modern daily routine looks something like this: a highly stressful day leading to a few drinks in the evening to unwind and get some sleep, only to wake up the next morning feeling groggy, so you drink a third (or maybe even fourth?) cup of coffee, followed by an afternoon crash, where you turn towards an afternoon pick-me-up (more caffeine, anyone?), a few drinks to unwind- rinse, wash, repeat. I’d like to introduce you to my new daily routine, one that leaves out the crash, jitters, and groggy mornings and swaps that for more balance, productivity and supported stress, naturally. How? Functional mushrooms and adaptogens at every meal.
Morning: Mushroom Ground Coffee with Lion’s Mane.
I love my morning coffee. Something about the ritual, the smell, the process of waking up and having a routine that I’m used to. It just feels good. What I don’t love are the negative side effects that so often come with it, crash and jitters, anyone? I’m so excited to introduce you to… Mushroom Coffee. If you’re wondering why you would ever combine mushrooms with coffee, let me break it down for you. The mushrooms used in this coffee are called functional mushrooms —they’re nothing like the culinary varieties you may be used to. First off, they grow on trees and have more of a bitter, earthy flavor unlike the umami taste that usually comes with the mushrooms you’re probably more familiar with. These functional mushrooms have been used by cultures across the world for their health benefits for 5000+ years! They’re known as tonics, meaning they’re meant to be used long-term, as a daily drink to support over wellbeing. It’s pretty tough to start a new routine, no matter how time-tested and beneficial something may be for you. But building off an existing routine? Now we’re talking. 63% of Americans drink a cup of coffee every morning. Not only is mushroom coffee real coffee, so it tastes just like coffee, not like mushrooms, the synergy of the ingredients helps productivity, creativity and many of things most of us are looking for in our morning cup of joe anyway, all while skipping the negatives.
My go-to is Four Sigmatic Mushroom Ground Coffee with Lion’s Mane, which is a single origin, Organic, and Fair Trade Coffee made with 100% Arabica beans from Honduras. It contains your brain’s new BFF, Lion’s Mane mushroom, for a truly elevated cup of coffee. I brew it in a French Press, but you can use it in any way you are used to — a coffee machine, pour-over or even as a cold brew.
Mid-Day: Plant-Based Protein Smoothie elevated with Superfoods.
As a primarily plant-based eater for over 20 years, I can’t even count the number of times I’ve been asked about protein. Where do I get it? How much should I consume? Is there really protein in plants? And on and on. The short answer to all the above is: yes, I get plenty of protein and feel totally nourished from the right balance of plant based protein sources. My favorite mid-day ritual is Four Sigmatic Plant-Based Protein with Superfoods. It has 18 g of plant-based protein per serving from 5 organic sources — pea, pumpkin, chia, coconut and hemp. What truly elevates this protein though are the 1500 mg of organic functional mushroom and adaptogen extracts in every serving for stress and immune support! It’s the only plant-based protein I’ve ever found where the ingredients in it are as impressive as the ingredients left out. It’s vegan, gluten free, soy free, with no gums, fillers, no “natural flavors”, no stevia and nothing other than real, whole food ingredients. It’s smooth, creamy, and the perfect unflavored base for a smoothie. I alternative between a low-sugar smoothie with frozen cauliflower (I promise, you won’t taste it!), kale stems, and oat milk or a sweeter treat with frozen or fresh berries, a banana, and whatever nut milk I have on hand. I’ll pour straight into a cup and sip or turn it into a smoothie bowl, topping it with coconut flakes, cacao nibs, fresh berries, or granola. It is SO yum!
Evening: Cacao with Reishi Mushrooms
No routine can be complete without the rest and reset. Instead of your typical nightcap (wine and chocolate, anyone?), I’d like to introduce you to your new evening ritual, Mushroom Cacao with Reishi. When I think about why I am really reaching for that second glass of wine or sweet treat at the end of the day, it’s to unwind, to let go of the stressors of the day, and to prepare my body for a night of deep sleep. And while it can get the job done, the next morning becomes my new problem. So instead, I’ve switched to a new nightcap, the most decadent cup of cacao, that is actually a total superfood. This dairy free, adaptogenic and instant cacao is so simple to use. I take it with me everywhere I go- on planes, to hotel rooms, you name it. It’s in an instant packet, so all you do is combine with ½ cup of hot water, stir, and whala! It’s a rich and creamy European-style hot chocolate elevated with Reishi mushroom, also known as the “Queen of Mushrooms”, and your new partner in chill. It’s the perfect way to unwind.
I can’t wait to hear what you think! Whether it’s morning, mid-day, or evening, I encourage you to start where you’re at. Already drink coffee in the morning, try incorporating functional mushrooms with Mushroom Coffee. Already make summer smoothies, try adding in Plant-based Protein with Superfoods. Already have an evening ritual? Mushroom Cacao… you get the idea. I always tell my clients, “the medicine doesn’t work if you don’t take it.” What I mean is, it has to be easy, convenient, and delicious. Elevating what you already do with better-for-options each step of the way is the most sure-fire way that you’ll be consistent with elevating your daily routine, bringing the most nutrient dense and most researched foods on the planet into your busy day to day life.
In health,
Danielle
