The productivity edit #2 | Nov 17th, 24

The (easy) smoothie that puts my brain into flow

I am really big on protein in the morning, because it’s good for blood sugar and focus — two areas I actively manage. Protein intake influences brain health by supplying amino acids necessary for neurotransmitter production, like dopamine and serotonin, which regulate mood and focus. High-protein diets have been linked to improved cognitive performance and reduced cognitive decline long-term as well. And protein is good for ADHD too.

So I make a killer protein smoothie every morning that I’ve optimized to perfection.

And if you’re a Costco member, consider the image above a shopping list (as I said, optimized). This post is not sponsored by Costco — I don’t even know how to link Costco products. But you’ll thank me for this. I’d even argue that the cost of the high-quality ingredients offset the membership price.

The smoothie is packed with protein — up to 50 grams. I switch up the fruits and veggies based on what is in the fridge, but the mango is my go-to choice. Sometimes I grab frozen pineapple from Costco too and throw it in.

The tools:

Nutribullet. I am a fan of mine for smoothie because it’s easy to clean, and I can drink directly from the smoothie cup. I also got a few thick glass straws to drink my smoothie — though that’s just my personal preference.

The ingredients:

Ideally, you don’t use any of these links and get everything in-store at Costco, the price spikes online. The only product that isn’t available in store is the marine collagen which you should get from Costco online.

But the ingredients are

• Ginger (I get a big box from Costco, blend with water and freeze in 3 of these trays)

• Spinach (I freeze the bag as soon as it starts to go bad)

• Hemp hearts

• Protein (I prefer pea protein because I hate the taste of whey, but that’s just me)

• Frozen mango (honestly, get their pineapple too)

• Frozen bananas (get fresh, let them ripen, cut, freeze)

• Marine collagen

• Chia

• Throw water or coconut water or pineapple peel water in

• Other things I add (not pictured above) fresh turmeric (ground in water and frozen, like the ginger — you don’t taste it), a bit of pepper to activate the turmeric, pumpkin seeds, lions mane, black sesame seeds

Frozen ginger hack

Why does it work?

This smoothie is a productivity powerhouse because it fuels the brain and body for sustained focus, energy, and mental clarity. This next section was fully pulled from GPT, FYI. So — a guest author, I guess. But GPT is an awesome resource to put together nutritional info, understand % of daily nutrients, and advantages of what you eat.

1. Stable energy levels (no crashes/brain fog)

• Protein (26g), healthy fats (avocado, chia, hemp hearts, black sesame, pumpkin seeds), and fiber help slow down digestion and prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes.

• Banana and mango provide natural carbohydrates for quick energy, but because they are paired with fats and protein, they release energy steadily instead of causing a sugar crash.

2. Enhanced Focus & Cognitive Function

• Lion’s mane mushroom is known to support memory, concentration, and nerve regeneration, helping you stay sharp throughout the day.

• Black sesame and pumpkin seeds provide zinc, magnesium, and omega-3s, which are essential for brain function, learning, and reducing mental fatigue.

• Spinach and avocado contain folate and vitamin K, which are linked to better cognitive performance and memory retention.

3. Reduced Mental Fatigue & Stress

• Magnesium-rich ingredients (pumpkin seeds, spinach, avocado, black sesame) help reduce stress, anxiety, and brain fog, keeping you in a calm but alert state.

• Protein and collagen help with neurotransmitter production, which keeps your mood stable and prevents burnout.

• Ginger and turmeric reduce inflammation, which is often linked to brain fog and sluggishness.

4. Better Gut Health = Better Brain Function

• Your gut is connected to your brain, and a healthy gut improves mood, cognition, and focus.

• Prebiotic fiber (chia, black sesame, pumpkin seeds, spinach) supports gut bacteria, leading to better mental clarity.

• Ginger and turmeric help with digestion, reducing bloating and sluggishness after eating.

5. Faster Recovery & Resilience

• Protein, collagen, and omega-3s help repair your body, reducing muscle fatigue and post-exercise tiredness.

• Antioxidants (turmeric, ginger, black sesame, mango, spinach) help your body fight oxidative stress, which can make you feel sluggish.

6. Dopamine & Motivation Boosting Nutrients

• Tyrosine from protein and seeds is a precursor to dopamine, the neurotransmitter that keeps you motivated and engaged.

• B vitamins (from spinach and seeds) help convert food into usable brain energy, preventing mental sluggishness.

TL;DR:

• No energy crashes = consistent output

• Clear thinking = better decision-making

• Less stress = higher focus and resilience

• Faster recovery = sustained momentum throughout the week

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