If you are trying to get healthy this year, I highly recommend smoothies as a part of your daily routine. They are a great, easy way to stay healthy and satisfied. Anyone who reads this blog knows I am big on smoothies and my kiddos and I regularly start our day with a smoothie. Not only are they fun, but the ingredient and flavor combinations are endless. Check out my “Guide to Building a Better Smoothie” to get my approach to ensure a nutritious and great tasting smoothie every time.
I typically only post a smoothie recipe, when I whip something up and get that “wow, this is new and delicious” surprise. This is one of those “wow” recipes. Again, here are my rules:
- Keep it vegan (no dairy)
- No grains
- Only naturally occurring sweeteners (fruit, dates, honey, maple syrup)
- Make sure there are healthy proteins and fats
- Add plenty of greens
Coco-Choco-Banana Smoothie
This recipe uses 3 complimentary flavors – coconut (coconut milk and unsweetened shredded coconut), chocolate (raw cacao or unsweetened baking cocoa) and banana (frozen is best). Who doesn’t like this combo?
I like to use coconut milk from BPA-free cans (my brand of choice). Coconut milk sold in cartons, either on the shelf or in the refrigerated section of the grocery store, is full of additives, food stabilizers and preservatives. Additional shredded coconut just ups the coconut flavor.
Chocolate is also a nutrition powerhouse, but I’m talking about raw, unsweetened chocolate, also called “cacao”. Raw cacao is sold as “nibs” or raw cacao powder. You can also use unsweetened baking cocoa, which almost everyone has on-hand.
Finally, frozen bananas are awesome. I buy bananas every time I hit the grocery store. What we aren’t able to use in time, goes straight into the freezer. They are great in smoothies, but also nice to have if you are feeling like banana bread, but your bananas just aren’t ripe enough.
This smoothie tastes like dessert, so enjoy!
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 Tbsp raw cacao nibs/powder or unsweetened baking cocoa
- 1 Tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 Tbsp raw chia/flax/hemp/sesame seeds
- 1 medjool date (remove pit)
- 1 large handful of baby spinach (organic is best)
- ½ cup full fat coconut milk)
- 1 cup coconut water
- Combine all ingredients in a blender.
- Blend until smooth and enjoy!
