Mint Cacao Smoothie
4 colors
THE WHY BEHIND THIS RECIPE
This mint cacao smoothie that takes better than mint chocolate chip ice cream (also known as peppermint bon bon if you are from the midwest 🙋🏼♀️). This can double as breakfast or a sweet treat!
This smoothie was inspired by a trip I took to Nosara, Costa Rica (one of the blue zones!!) where I learned more about the incredibly healing and heart-opening power of cacao.
Quick aside on the difference between cacao and cocoa: Cacao is the raw, unprocessed beans from the cocoa tree while cocoa refers to the processed form of cacao, which has been roasted, ground, etc.
Both cacao and cocoa have a somewhat bitter (but I think delicious!!) taste and are rich in nutrients, including antioxidants, iron, flavonoids, and minerals. Cacao and cocoa powder both have a ton of metabolic benefits and almost no sugar so it is not likely to spike your blood sugar! I’ve tested this on my CGM and can confirm, no spike.
Serving size: 1
WHAT YOU NEED
1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or another nut milk)
1/2 banana
1/2 large avocado
2 large handfuls of spinach
a handful of fresh mint
pro tip: freeze mint in ice cubes so it lasts longer and then just throw in 2 ice cubes
1 tbsp cacao nibs
1 tbsp chia or basil seeds
1 scoop vanilla protein powder (I love BeWell by Kelly Chocho Protein for smoothies)
Sprinkle with cacao nibs and fresh mint on top
HOW TO DO IT
Throw everything in a blender and enjoy!
SWAPS, TIPS & TRICKS
Freeze your mint: Put mint + water in an ice cube tray and freeze so you always have some on hand to throw into a smoothie!
For a more chocolate mint taste, you can try using chocolate protein powder.
Nutritional Info
Per serving, makes about 1 serving
Calories: 400
Total Fat: 22g
Carbs: 30g
Fiber: 16g
Net Carbs: 14g
Protein: 20g
Sugars: 8g
