Decadent Chocolate Recovery Smoothie

Say hello to my new favourite smoothie.

I've been trying some different combinations out for new smoothie ideas, mainly due to boredom from my same-old. It's delicious but I'm in need of mixing things up for my taste buds sake. Things have also been getting a bit more intense on the workout front. I like to do my cardio 'sans' gym because I prefer to take it outside in the fresh air, especially since it's been warming up. During the week I head to the gym in the evening and lift weights. It's great! It's been six years straight that I've been going since started back up after a few years off due to school and life. My trainer puts together my routines and lately their a little more intense. I definitley feel stronger, but my body is often very stiff and sore.

Truth is, this smoothie is decadent tasting but totally vamped with health benefits. It's exactly what I'm looking for after a hard workout of throwing weights around for an hour. Bye bye inflamed muscles. I've also tried this with coconut milk for a real treat. The coconut milk will help replace any electrolytes lost from sweating, so it's a win win situation. For anyone who is allergic to nut milks feel free to replace the almond/coconut milk with regular milk or your own preference.

Into the blender goes:

• Frozen Banana and strawberries: to top up gycogen stores in your muscles and for thickness.
• Nutmeg: for it's anit-inflammatory properties and it's flavour!
• Cacao Powder: a rich source of antioxidants
• Chocolate Protein Powder: to aid in the recovery of muscle and the building of new muscle.
• Pure Vanilla: for taste of course.
• Almond or Coconut Milk: to help replenish those lost electrolytes.

This smoothie is so simple but so good! Thick, rich, decadent, and guiltless.

Decadence + Recovery = Satisfaction.

Decadent Chocolate Recovery Smoothie

by Jennifer Trennum

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Keywords: blender beverage breakfast lunch smoothie gluten-free grain-free protein soy-free nutmeg strawberries protein powder North Coast Naturals

6062065

Ingredients (Serves 1)

• 1 medium-sized banana (about 7-8" long), frozen
• 2 -3 strawberries, fresh or frozen
• 1 cup unsweetended almond milk or coconut milk
• 1/2 scoop North Coast Naturals Chocolate 100% Iso-Protein
• 2 tablespoon raw cacao powder, or unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Note: You can use your preferred choice of milk if allergic to nuts/almonds.

Instructions

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend on high until smooth. Enjoy!

Powered by Recipage

The hardest part is remembering to freeze bananas the night before.

Bottoms up!

Immune Boosting Smoothie

Hi everyone! I hope you all had a great Christmas and New Years!

Can you believe 2013 has already flown by? I certainly can't.

I took a break from posting on the blog last week to enjoy Christmas with family, but now I'm back in the full swing of things.

If you're anything like me, you'll probably be looking to start 2014 off on the right track with some powerful nutrition, tons of veggies, and healty recipes to cleanse your body. With all the indulgence over the holidays... and strecthy clothes ;) ... we can forget how good simple clean nutrition can make us feel. So here's a simple smoothie that will help start the process and boost your immunity.

This smoothie starts off with a base of frozen banana's. The perfect solution to making any healthy smoothie thick, creamy, and smooth. The potassium in banana's is an essential nutrient for maintaining normal blood pressure. It's been said that when you feel dizzy, eat a banana. They're also high in vitamin B6, C, and fiber.

Next we add to the blender:

Fresh squeezed orange juice (Not concentrate. The real thing - with pulp)
Lemon juice
Raw honey
Fresh ginger
Matcha green tea

I love this smoothie. It's creamy. It's delicious. It's easy. A great way to start your morning or to give you a boost mid afternoon.

Although I didn't add it, I made protein powder optional. My main goal when creating this smoothie though was to make a drink that was full with nutrition and wellness.

Hello pathway to health:

Fiber
Antioxidants
Potassium
Vitamin C
Vitamin B6
Iron

Bottoms up!

Immune Boosting Smoothie Gluten-Free, Vegan Option | Serves: 2

Print or email this recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 bananas, peeled and frozen
• 1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1-2 tbsp raw honey (optional - sub maple syrup for vegan)
• 1/2 tsp finely grated fresh ginger
• 1 tsp matcha green tea powder
• scoop of protein powder; your favourite kind (optional) -vega sport is my favourite

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend on high until smooth.
2. Serve immediately.

Notes: Nutritional info is calculated without protein powder. For a thinner smoothie add 1/4-1/2 cup more juice or water.

Nutrition Information: 

Serving Size: 1 smoothie (half the recipe) Calories: 199 Fat: 0.7g Saturated Fat: 0g Sodium: 2mg Carbohydrates: 49 Sugar: 33g Fiber: 5g Protein: 2g