To me, there is nothing better than the early hours – the time of day when the sun has just risen, the morning workout classes are just finishing and all of us have the chance to start a brand new day. It’s become a defining time of the day for me, really, because I find that these are my power hours – 6am to noon – when I’m in my element, getting in my best workouts, drinking my Matcha lattes, journaling, meditating and completing unfinished projects.

In order to feel the power during these hours, though, I have to keep myself energized. I rely on vegetables, fresh fruits, healthy fats and protein to carry me through the day, and there are a few favorite spots of mine in Kansas City that help me do so. These hot spots have the best juices, the creamiest Matcha and golden lattes, and power bites and snacks to keep my fire fueled. I call these spaces “Kansas City’s Best Morning Power Hour Spots.” Check it out.

Ruby Jean’s Juicery

Located at 3000 Troost Avenue, you can find a variety of juices, smoothies, plant-based snacks and a passionate staff at Ruby Jean’s. Not much of a juice drinker because of the sugar content? Ruby Jean’s Veg Out, Jala-Vera and CTRL+ALT+DEL are lower in sugar because they juice vegetables with lemon and ginger rather than more fruits. It’s veggies in a glass – who doesn’t want that? Who doesn’t need that? Also, their plant-based protein rounds…yes. You’ll leave feeling rejuvenated!

Enjoy Pure Food + Drink

Enjoy Pure Food + Drink is tucked into Mission Farms at 10573 Mission Road. Owned by a vegan, the space is dedicated to providing busy people with organic, pure, clean food and drink. You can find locals dropping in for bulletproof coffee, egg scrambles and smoothie bowls. You haven’t eaten anything prettier or more colorful until you try the Gorgeous smoothie bowl – a blend of dragonfruit, pineapple, banana, dates, coconut milk and hemp seeds. Ask for some coconut flakes and ground almonds to top it!

Unbakery & Juicery

Part of my foodie soul lives within this plant-powered space. Unbakery & Juicery offers vegan and grain-free snacks, raw desserts, protein-rich salad bowls and coconut yogurt parfaits. Not to forget, their cleansing juices and Matcha lattes are a go-to for early bird customers. Ask for an almond milk Matcha latte with a touch of honey, or try their golden mylk latte. Leave with a salad bowl + raw dessert and you’re set for the afternoon. Located at 634 East 63rd Street.

Mud Pie Vegan Bakery & Coffeehouse

The House Made Chai or Almond Green Tea Lattes, though… located at 1615 West 39th Street, Mud Pie offers vegan bakery items that vary daily. It’s a perfect environment for studying, meeting up for a mellow coffee date or treating yourself to some goodies. Ask about their vegan cakes, too. You can have one made for a special event or simply to keep in your fridge, because, you know, we all like having cake in the fridge.

The Filling Station

“We keep you alive with a fresh pressed juice bar, tasty breakfast and lunches, and of course, the best coffee around.” Located in Midtown at 2980 McGee Trafficway, Filling Station’s brunch and juices will fuel you through your power hours. Grab your laptop and post up near the floor-to-ceiling windows, or stop in for a veggie-based juice mid-morning. And if you’re hungover, the Tummy Tonic might pull you out of your fog.

Succotash

Looking for a fresh juice from a nice bartender? Stop by Succotash and enjoy one of their fresh-pressed juices while chatting it up with the friendly staff. If you need to GSD, bring your computer along. Cool space, cool vibes and a variety of scrambles and sides to keep you energized. Oh, and if you feel like ordering pancakes – do it, because, well, they’re giant and really good.

Kansas City has so many spaces and local businesses that are making this city healthier and happier, and I’m so glad. Not much of a 6am ‘seize-the-day’ kind of person? Doesn’t matter. Whenever your power hours are, whether morning or afternoon, make the most of them and fuel your mind and body with ingredients and practices that promote wellness and vibrancy. Do your thing, drink your juices and don’t forget to #supportlocal.