If you love chocolate like me, you will love this smoothie. It offers a perfect breakfast option to start the day! It has a good balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats to fuel your morning activities. Chia seeds provide high amounts of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, and avocados are a good source of monounsaturated fats which are important for energy production and good health.
Chia contains lots of fibre for a happy and healthy gut flora, and also mucilage which soothes and protects the mucous membranes of the digestive tract. Both chia and raw cacao provide a lot of antioxidants to protect the body from free radicals. So, enjoy all these amazing benefits in a glass full of delicious goodness. This smoothie can also offer you a very quick and easy lunch option to take to work. Just add some ice and pour it in an insulated thermos to take with you. This smoothie can be made lunch box friendly by using a nut free milk .
Banana & cacao smoothie
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- ½ frozen banana or ½ cup frozen blueberries*
- ¼ of an avocado
- 1 1/3 cup almond milk (or milk of preference)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (equivalent 10 grams)
- 1 tablespoon raw cacao
- 2 pitted dates#
Instructions
- Put the dates in a small bowl and add half a cup of hot water to soften them. Set aside.
- Add chia seeds to 1/3 cup of almond milk and stir for a couple of minutes until the seeds absorb the liquid. Set aside or let soak overnight.
- Add banana, avocado, remaining cup of almond milk, raw cocoa, soaked chia seeds, the softened dates (discard the water) to the blender.
- Blend for a couple of minutes to a smooth consistency.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Notes
# Aldi sells rehydrated dates in the dry fruit section. Brand Sweet Vine (yellow packaging).
