Chocolate Banana Smoothie

It is no secret that I love smoothies. They are quick, affordable and an incredibly easy way to consume a lot of nutrients with minimal effort. This smoothie tastes like chocolate ice cream.  The best part is it totally satisfies the chocolate craving and you can have it for breakfast! Win!

Chocolate Banana Smoothie

• ½-1cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 1-2 Frozen Bananas (you can use fresh, just add a cup of ice)
• 2 tbsp natural almond butter (or other nut butter of choice)
• 2 tbsp cocoa or cacao powder
• 1 tsp coconut oil (optional)
• ½ cup leafy greens (optional)

(If you have nut allergies in your home, unsweetened vanilla coconut milk and sunbutter can replace almond milk and almond butter.)

Why it’s healthy:

Almonds are an excellent source of biotin, vitamin E, manganese, copper, B2 and fiber. Biotin is essential for our metabolism to work its best. It processes everything we consume and when our biotin levels are optimal, our metabolism goes from sluggish to functioning properly. The fats in almonds actual lower blood fat and prevents weight gain. On top of this, 2 tablespoons has 7g of protein.

Bananas are a wonderful food that have gotten a bad rap lately. A 9 inch banana (you know those really, really big ones) are only 135 calories. They are low on the glycemic index, a great source of B6, manganese, fiber, biotin and potassium. And definitely less calories than a snack bag of chips or even a granola bar.

Cacao Powder is raw chocolate. Cocoa is a highly processed, nutrient depleted food. I still use it when I can’t find cacao powder but I really don’t like to. It’s much more bitter in flavor. Cacao powder is slightly sweet, nutrient rich, low calorie superfood. It is rich in anti-oxidants, magnesium, chromium and vitamin C.

I hope you enjoy this absolutely delicious smoothie as much as we do!