Did you want a treat on this Monday? Me too. This may be my favorite dessert-tasting smoothie and it’s the best kind of nutritious food - the kind that tastes like a treat. Make it once and I guarantee you’ll make it again. I love this as an afternoon treat when I’m craving something chocolate - it’s that good. You’re welcome.
Ingredients:
Large handful baby spinach
Small handful kale
1-1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk (I use vanilla-flavored)
1/2 cup frozen sweet cherries
1/4 -1/2 frozen banana
2 Tbsp raw cacao powder (could sub cocoa powder *)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 scoop collagen (could sub 1 Tbsp chia seeds or flax seeds)
Directions:
Place greens and almond milk in blender and blend until greens are incorporated. Add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
NOTE: Regular cocoa powder is less rich and little more bitter than the chocolate taste that cacao powder provides, so if you use cocoa powder, you may want to add a Tbsp (or 2) of maple syrup for sweetness.
How good is this treat for you? Check it out.
Dark, leafy greens (spinach & kale) - great sources of fiber and brain-boosting vitamins A, K, C and folate. Regular consumption of leafy green veggies has even be shown to keep your brain younger and help fend off brain affecting diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Sweet cherries - good source of beta carotene, vitamin C, and antioxidants anthocyanins and quercetin, which work together to prevent cancer and promote longevity.
Banana - a great source of vitamin B6 which has been shown to help improve cognitive function and decrease mood-related symptoms of PMS and hormonal swings.
Raw cacao powder - a powerful source of chromium, a mineral that has been shown to reduce sugar cravings and improve insulin function in the body. Additionally, since the raw form of cacao is actually a bean, it makes raw cacao powder great source of fiber, protein, iron, vitamin C and magnesium.
Collagen - a good source of the amino acid glycine which has been shown to improve sleep and help calm the brain to increase focus and concentration.
