Creamy Cacao Smoothie

Sometimes I just wake up in the morning craving chocolate. Yup. What's so wrong with that?! Well, nothing when its in the form of this Creamy Cacao Smoothie!

This smoothie could pass for a chocolate shake, but is actually so healthy it can be enjoyed as a nutritious breakfast, a mid-morning or afternoon snack, or even as a filling dessert.

Any time you choose to have it, it is sure to satisfy those chocolatey cravings!

So getting back to the healthy stuff. This smoothie is packed full of nutrients, with ingredients high in antioxidants, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The main ingredient giving this Creamy Cacao smoothie its nutritious punch is cacao powder. I've spoken about cacao before in my Raw Walnut Brownie Bites recipe.

Cacao powder is unrefined chocolate in its purest form, meaning it still contains all of the vital nutrients that are lost in the process of making cocoa powder or chocolate. Cacao is one of the highest sources of antioxidants and is the highest whole-food source of magnesium. It is also rich in other minerals such as iron, calcium, and potassium, and contains 3 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber for every 2 tablespoons. Which is exactly the amount that is in this smoothie! Perfect.

The thing I love about smoothies, is how easy they are to make. Throw a bunch of ingredients in a blender and end up with a meal that is delicious, filling, and packed with nutrients!

Creamy Cacao Smoothie

(Makes 1 Serving)

Ingredients:
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 frozen organic banana
2 Tbs almond butter
2 dates, pitted
2 Tbs raw cacao powder
2 Tbs unsweetened coconut, shredded or flakes
2 Tbs ground flaxseed
1 Tbs hemp seeds
a dash of cinnamon
a couple ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients into the blender and blend until completely smooth and creamy. I like to add almond milk first, then banana, and so on.

2. Top with some raw cacao nibs and extra coconut flakes (optional).

3. Enjoy the smoothie right away or it can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Makes 1 serving.