This competitive boxer’s caffeinated smoothie packs a one-two punch of fiber and protein

To kickstart your day, you can’t go wrong with the energizing combination of coffee, protein, and fiber. Take it from retired competitive boxer and founder of Juice Press Marcus Antebi. He’s been making his signature coffee smoothie recipe  to fuel his workouts for years.

While training as a competitive boxer, Antebi changed up his diet to consist primarily of cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and salads. It was this lifestyle change that led him the open the very first Juice Press in 2010. “Eliminating processed foods and replacing hem with pure, plant-based options has given me the physical health to succeed as a Muay Thai boxer and yogi,” he says.

“Eliminating processed foods and replacing hem with pure, plant-based options has given me the physical health to succeed as a Muay Thai boxer and yogi.” —Marcus Antebi, founder of Juice Press

Antebi’s caffeinated plant-powered smoothie, which comes from the Well+Good Cookbook, provides more energy, mental clarity, and all the fire you need to make through the morning. You’ll get a decent amount of protein from the almond butter as well as a serving of fiber from the cauliflower and banana. Cacao nibs and dates add depth and sweetness. And the coffee adds a just the right energizing buzz you need to get your day doing. It’s an excellent pick-me-up before early morning workouts. Call it plant-powered—with a punch.

Competitive coffee smoothie

Ingredients
3/4 cup brewed coffee, cold1/4 cup nondairy milk1/2 frozen banana1/4 cup chopped frozen cauliflower1/4 cup ice cubes2 pitted dates, such as Medjool or Deglet Noor2 tablespoons almond butter (optional)cacao nibs, choppedalmond butter, melted, for topping

1. In a high-speed blender, combine the coffee, nondairy milk, banana, cauliflower, ice, dates, and almond butter (if using).2. Blend until smooth, creamy, and completely combined.3. Pour into a glass and top with cacao nibs and a drizzle of melted almond butter. Enjoy immediately.

All the benefits of coffee, according to a registered dietitian:

If you’re not ‘descaling’ your coffee maker, prepare to be grossed out. Then find out if lab-grown coffee is the new lab-grown meat.