Every morning I start my day the same way. I even make sure to set my alarm earlier just so I have enough time to wake up, boil water, empty the dishwasher, make coffee in the french press, take my brain vitamins, then finally enjoy my herbal coffee blend. The rest of the day is negotiable. My little routine is not, for multiple reasons. 1. It helps me start the day at my pace, I get lost in my thoughts doing a mindless task like the dishes while I wait for the water to boil. 2. Having this time to myself, sans emails or Instagram, makes me feel a little more grounded. If I’m rested and remember, I’ll try to think of a few positive affirmations/mantras to really set the tone of the day. ( Admittedly that’s a habit I’m still working on.) Finally, 3. My herbal brain boosters truly make a difference in my day, I feel better, clearer, and far more motivated to slay the day away. Here’s a run down on the ish I get down on every morning.
Bacopa
This little flowering aquatic plant has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to help improve mental function and memory. Its an antioxidant, anti-depressant, adaptogenic stress reducer, and some studies show it can prevent the onset of Alzheimers. I take this in tablet form, just one before breakfast every day.
Read more about Bacopa benefits here.
Macuna
I call these my “happy pills.” This bio-available source of L-Dopa, or levodopa- a precursor to dopamine,norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Basically all the things in your brain that help you deal with stress and make you happy. Macuna helps support a healthy central and peripheral nervous system. Again, I take this in tablet form, you can find it on Amazon here.
Bee Pollen
I won’t go into bee pollen here, read ALL about it in my previous post.
Cordyceps
AKA “the anti-aging, excersise boosting, medical mushroom.” Cordyceps are a fungus, closely related to the mushroom family, found in high mountain regions like the Himalayans. Known for their powerful properties that have a multitude of benefits, such as improved immune function, better stamina and athletic performance. Fights diabetes, respiratory infections, and helps improve liver function and aids in detoxification. I prefer to mix this Four Sigmatic packet in with my coffee each morning (along with the herbs below.) Use my code CBBXFS for 10% off.
Chaga
Another immune boosting & antioxidant chalked mushroom. It has soothing properties that helps reduce pain, supports gastrointestinal health, and helps normalize blood pressure and cholesterol. Again, I add a Four Sigmatic packet to my coffee.
Cacao
I literally am copying and pasting this straight from google here, as cacao is a pretty common superfood I think most people are already familiar with. “Raw cacao powder has more than 300 phytochemicals and nearly four times the antioxidant power of regular dark chocolate, and contains protein, calcium, carotene, thiamin, riboflavin, magnesium, and sulfur. ” That and, I just kinda like the way it tastes. Turns my coffee into a healthy little mocha. Shop my favorite cacao brand here.
Brain Octane/MCT Oil
AKA Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFA’s) are healthy fats that are often missing from our diets. They’re easier to digest and your body absorbs and uses these differently than long chain triglycerides. Studies show that ingesting more MFCA can beneficial for not only your brain and heart health but also helps to maintain a healthy weight and reduce stored body fat. You’ll have more energy, digest better, balance hormones and notice an improved mood. Seriously the benefits are endless. I mix about 1 tablespoon of Bulletproof Coffee’s “Brain Octane” into my coffee in the morning.
What gets you going first thing? Any addition to your morning routine that’s been particularly game changing? Let me know!
Until next time.
XX,
CBB
COLDBREWBLONDE 
1 Comment