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My husband has a war on bananas. It’s that high glycemic index that he won’t tolerate, but for me, I think the benefits (potassium, fiber, folate) far outweigh those few extra grams of sugar. So while he travels this week, we eat bananas. Without judgement.
This fabulous little smoothie also comes with the benefits of cacao nibs, with their deep dark chocolate taste, it’s one of nature’s most powerful superfoods. Unprocessed in its whole-food form, cacao delivers an abundance of antioxidants and nutrients that positively impact brain and cardiovascular health. Cacao also enhances the effectiveness of other minerals and nutrients in the body. They are nature’s chocolate chips.
If you’re weary of the fat and calories that come with almonds, 10-15% of an almond's calories are not absorbed by the body, because the fat is too difficult to access and break down. So more bonus points for almonds. They’re also high in antioxidants, hiding in that thin brown skin, so don’t bother with those naked blanched almonds. They’re not nearly as good for you.
This is a flexible recipe that can easily be adapted with other things you might have around. Any of these extras would be a good match:
- hemp seeds
- avocado
- swap oatmeal for oat bran
- replace the almond butter with another nut butter
- frozen berries
- coconut milk
- vegan protein powder
- Sun Potion’s TOCOS Powder
If you’re solo in your smoothie pursuits this week, freeze the second serving in an ice cube tray and store those little smoothie cubes a freezer bag. Smoothies are quick and easy meal prep recipes for the week.
PrintCacao Almond Spinach Smoothie
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Ingredients
Instructions
Add all ingredients to a blender and blend on high until smooth and creamy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 272
- Sugar: 8.2 g
- Sodium: 134.8 mg
- Fat: 16.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 29.1 g
- Protein: 8.8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Mike
Always love smoothie thanks for sharing caco recipe
Okeydoctors.Com
This really DID taste like a chocolate shake. I was surprised how closely it resembled the real thing. Bravo! One more thing, Besides the spinach what other veggies are good to add for protein without compromising the yummy flavor?
Katie Koteen
Maybe avocado? All of the other high protein veggies definitely have a taste!
Meztli Mijes
Delicious!
Kristin
oh man, i can't imagine not liking bananas! i eat one every day!
Katie Koteen
I know, right?! They're so great at making things creamy too. Oh well!