This Is Exactly What a Wellness Expert Eats for All-Day Energy

If your standard granola bar–and–coffee breakfast isn’t doing you any favors, it may be time to revamp your morning routine. That’s where Lily Kunin comes in: The wellness blogger, cookbook author, and certified health coach definitely knows a thing or two about making those wee hours count. And—surprise, surprise—it all comes down to what you eat. 

Kunin, the founder of Clean Market and author of Good Clean Food: Super Simple Plant-Based Recipes for Every Day, has basically built a feel-good mecca around the idea that healthy food does not need to be complicated—and that’s exactly what her daily routine confirms. We asked her what she eats and drinks every morning for guaranteed energy all day long. (Spoiler: There’s shockingly no coffee involved.)

But First, Matcha

After being woken up by her adopted mini goldendoodle, Otis (awww), Kunin heads to the kitchen. “I typically start my morning with matcha and add coconut butter, collagen, and Clean Market’s house milk, which is a blend of almond and coconut milk,” she says.

Not Your Typical Breakfast

Then she’ll have a few nut and fruit balls—ideally homemade—and a cup of bone broth, which you can purchase frozen at markets like Whole Foods. Or if you like meal planning, she recommends whipping up your own large batch on Sunday to last you the whole week. 

Lest you think she starts every day with only fruit balls and broth, don’t worry: When she’s being more active (read: needs more energy), she’ll also add in eggs and an avocado. “This satisfies my appetite for a while and keeps my energy level up,” she says. 

A Brainy Boost 

It wouldn’t be a wellness day without a supplement or two. Kunin takes a B Active capsule every morning, which contains the entire spectrum of B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, and B12) to support brain, adrenal, and stress-related functions.

DIY It

Feeling inspired? Start your morning like the wellness pro with a creamy, super-powered matcha. Here are the three products currently in our shopping cart:  

The Matcha, Cap Beauty ($36)

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This ceremonial-grade matcha is certified organic and sourced straight from Shizuoka, the matcha region of Japan. Plus, the bright and vibrant powdered green tea tastes deliciously fresh.

The Coconut Butter, Cap Beauty ($28)

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This coconut butter is unlike any other. It’s creamy and rich, and when it’s mixed with matcha, it makes for a decadent morning mixture that just might convince you to ditch your cappuccino habit. 

Collagen Peptides, Vital Proteins ($25)

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Grass-fed and sustainably produced, this collagen is the gold standard of pasture-raised bovine. You get 20 grams of collagen and 18 grams of protein in a single scoop (yes, really), so when added to your matcha, it makes for an energizing morning boost. 

See more ways to kick your mornings off right: Marie Kondo’s Morning Routine Is Literally a Breath of Fresh Air Effortless Morning Secrets We’re Stealing From the French This Simple Tweak in Your Morning Routine Makes You More Productive