I'm A Cancer Survivor — Here's The (Crazy Cheap) Morning Elixir I Use To Beat Stress & Boost Immunity

Last year I made a commitment to myself to start off my morning in a way that reduces stress and is full of healthy goodness. This commitment was spurred by my cancer diagnosis, which led to a dedication to living a holistic lifestyle, using food as medicine, and helping others learn to do the same. One of my favorite parts of my morning ritual involves making a warm, calming superfood-filled elixir that helps support my immune system and regulates my system to combat stress. The best part? It costs me less than $2.50 to make this—cheaper than a cup of coffee! And it often serves as my breakfast since it has protein and healthy fat.

I keep my elixirs affordable by shopping for bulk ingredients at local herb shops or online as well as using discount online sites such as Thrive Market for ingredients like raw cacao powder, collagen, and adaptogens. Another hack? Discount shops (like TJ Maxx and HomeGoods) often have amazing superfoods in their food sections at a discount!

I use tahini for flavor, healthy fat, minerals, and because it is highly regarded in ayurveda (as well as cardamom) for balancing vata (my favorite is a brand called Soom; it’s delicious!). Collagen serves as protein (feel free to leave this out if you are vegan/vegetarian) and as gut support. Reishi serves as both a calming element and an immune-builder as the queen of all functional mushrooms, and he shou wu as an adaptogen that helps support stress response, as well as improving hair, nails, and energy and is chock-full of minerals and vitamins. And the raw cacao ensures all this tastes like you are drinking hot chocolate while providing a hearty dose of antioxidants!

Method

Blend all ingredients until smooth.