Healthy Smoothies With Cocoa Powder

Healthy smoothies with cocoa powder …

…what is your opinion of them?

Does your opinion of whether or not something is healthy influence the way it tastes?

For me…

…I still remember my first green smoothie.

As you know, they look like thick liquid lettuce.

Right away, our brain prepares us for what it’ll taste like.

I said to myself…

self…

“This is going to be awful.”

And that first sip really was.

However, the second wasn’t as bad.

To my surprise, the third was great!

By and large, when we expect something to be super healthy, we’re less likely to assume we will enjoy it.

Part of my mission is to show you that we can change our subconscious perceptions.

Today, we’re focusing on something healthy and delicious…

healthy smoothies with cocoa powder.

While I still enjoy a green smoothie, it’s nice to have something that tastes like a forbidden treat.

Here’s how you solve this…

Would you like the satisfaction of a chocolate milkshake with none of the guilt?

You would!

Then look no further!

I’ll explain…

But you must keep reading.

Healthy Chocolate Smoothie with Cocoa Powder – The Amazing Benefits

Repeat after me…

…Chocolate isn’t unhealthy, candy is.

These days, there are some healthier, raw candies including real chocolate hitting the market.

Still, most of what we see as “chocolate” includes tons of sugar and dairy fat.

“uh, what?”

Sadly, this pollutes chocolate’s reputation.

But wait, it gets better…

Actually, cocoa powder and high-cocoa content chocolate (typically dark chocolate) are rich in flavonoids.

Flavonoids often act as antioxidants, protecting our cells from free radical damage.

Honestly, you know the scoop on antioxidants.

After all, it’s a key reason we choose a healthier diet full of fruits and vegetables.

As a product, chocolate isn’t technically either one of those. However, it does come from a nut or bean inside the fruit of a plant.

And being a plant-based food, cocoa has tons of nutritional value.

Namely, the flavonoids epicatechin and catechin.

Unfortunately, you won’t find as many of these in candies or sweetened cocoa powder that are diluted and processed.

But when you choose unsweetened cocoa powder and high cocoa content chocolates with no additives, you can get these benefits:

arrow-rightCocoa can give you a healthier heart. A review of dozens of studies by a Harvard scientist suggests that cocoa can reduce high blood pressure and inflammation. Prevention isn’t certain here, but the effects on those currently managing heart conditions look good.
arrow-rightCocoa is real brain food. In fact, it can improve memory and cognitive function in older folks. Additionally, others indicate it improves blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Interestingly, many Nobel laureates live in areas where populations eat the most chocolate.
arrow-rightCocoa helps lower blood sugar. Of course, it sounds bizarre until you remember that we’re not talking about the sugary stuff. However, cocoa can help increase your insulin sensitivity, so blood glucose doesn’t get too high. The antioxidant effect is also good for preventing diabetic complications.
arrow-rightCocoa helps you maintain a healthy weight. Cocoa can actually work on your DNA. If you’re genetically susceptible to obesity, it can influence your metabolism to inhibit so much fat gain.
arrow-rightCocoa makes us happier. To be sure, you’ve heard that chocolate is good for your mood, and this is probably true. Notably, it can help us release more serotonin, which always leads to a better sense of well-being.
arrow-rightCocoa makes our skin healthier. Ingesting cocoa regularly can protect skin from dryness and make skin smoother. Also, it may reduce UV damage in the long term.

Chocolate Smoothie Recipe with Cocoa Powder What Makes it Healthy?

If you put cocoa in a smoothie, isn’t it basically a dessert, like a milkshake?

Not remotely!

Just like any other smoothie, you can have a healthy chocolate smoothie with cocoa powder for breakfast!

However, you have to follow the rules for healthy smoothies.

Limit or avoid added sugar. Typically, the fruit in a smoothie is sweet enough to offset the bitterness of cocoa. On occasion, you may find that a drizzle of honey is necessary. Aside from that, you add no sugar.
Limit or avoid dairy fat. Low or nonfat Greek yogurt can add creaminess and protein to any smoothie. But dairy milk, ice cream, and more are off limits. Instead, get fat from plants – avocados, nuts, and nut butter.
Don’t forget the fruits and veggies! Smoothies are wonderful specifically because we can get a lot of nutrition at once. If you add the right veggies in the right amounts, you’ll never taste them.
Pack in extra superfoods wherever possible. Finally, with any given smoothie, there’s room for those flax seeds, that spoonful of chia, or pumpkin seeds. In the end, these provide omega fatty acids and minerals that boost the nutritional composition of our smoothies.

9 Healthy Smoothies with Cocoa Powder

So, are you ready to whip up some healthy smoothies with cocoa powder?

First, you have to pick the right cocoa.

To do this, just make sure your cocoa has no sugar and is the pure stuff – Shop now at Amazon.com.

Also, make sure you have plenty of frozen bananas on hand. Buy a bunch, let them get really ripe, and then chop them up and store in the freezer.

All of these recipes with banana call for them to be frozen, so your smoothies are cold and frosty.

Invariably, cocoa powder doesn’t taste so hot on its own, but we’re about to change that.

Now, onto the recipes!

1. Sesame Surprise Smoothie

Instead of the usual nut butter, this smoothie calls for tahini – Shop now at Amazon.com.

Tahini is made from sesame seeds, a great source of minerals.

It’s the key ingredient in hummus, and it helps make this smoothie satisfying and creamy.

To make this smoothie, you’ll need:

1 banana
2 handfuls of tender baby spinach
4 whole strawberries
1 tablespoon tahini
1 tablespoon of ground organic flaxseed – Shop now at Amazon.com
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 cup of cold almond milk, plus more for thinner consistency

To begin, add your spinach, banana, and almond milk to the blender.

Pulse this until the greens have a good head start on breaking down.

Next, add the rest, and blend until smooth. Pour in more almond milk if it’s too thick.

2. Chocolate Chai Smoothie

Sometimes, mornings are just too short for breakfast, and the tea of your choosing.

To fix this, I recommend making the chocolate chai smoothie.

It’ll put something on your stomach and give you a little lift all at once.

As soon as you wake up, put together:

1 banana
3 tablespoons nonfat Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup of strongly-brewed organic chai tea – Shop now at Amazon.com, refrigerated
1 cup almond milk

Throw all of this in at the same time and blend until smooth.

If you like, add a few ice cubes if it isn’t cold enough.

It’s much lower in sugar and fat than a frappe.

Still, sometimes I like to garnish mine with coconut whipped cream.

3. Chocolate Strawberry Smoothie Bowl

Ever had a bowl of ice cream for breakfast?

This smoothie bowl is as good as, with the flavor of a chocolate covered strawberry.

Still, all of its sweetness comes from fruit, and the toppings are the superfood boost we’re looking for.

This smoothie bowl contains:

1 banana
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
½ cup of coconut milk
4 fresh strawberries
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon organic hemp hearts – Shop now at Amazon.com

First, blend your banana, frozen strawberries, coconut milk, and cocoa powder.

Because we use less milk here, it’ll be thicker than a regular smoothie.

Next, blend until smooth and transfer to a cereal bowl.

Use the back of a spoon to smooth out the top.

Finally, slice your fresh strawberries, and arrange these down the center of your smoothie.

On either side, sprinkle your hemp hearts and chia seeds.

4. Chocolate Covered Spinach Smoothie

“Cover” is the operative word here.

In fact, this is the perfect smoothie for those who choke down their greens.

You – and more to the point, your kids – won’t be able to detect any of the green stuff here.

This is due in part to the addition of vanilla, but the natural sweetness of fruit is still the star.

To make this, you’ll need:

1 banana
2 cups spinach
½ cup frozen berries – blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries
¼ cup nonfat Greek yogurt
1.5 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup organic coconut milk – Shop now at Amazon.com

Blend the milk, banana, and spinach first.

Then, add the berries, yogurt, cocoa powder, and vanilla.

Lastly, pour a tall glass and congratulate yourself on getting approximately half of your daily fruits and vegetables at once.

5. Chocolate PB Oats Breakfast Smoothie

A double batch of this smoothie is just what you and your partner need to get through the morning commute.

You can even freeze them in advance, and let it thaw a little while you’re getting ready.

Instead of regular peanut butter, we use low-fat, all-natural peanut butter powder here.

It does contain just a little sugar – typically 2 grams per serving only.

Now get a move on and make sure you have:

2 bananas
3-4 tablespoons PB powder
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
¼ cup instant oats
1 ½ cups almond milk
1 tablespoon flax/chia blend – Shop now at Amazon.com

Simply combine all of these and blend until smooth.

For consistency, you may want to add more milk or some ice.

If making the night before, pour into a freezer-safe mason jar.

When you wake up, give it an hour or two to thaw, and shake well before drinking.

6. Double Chocolate Date Smoothie

Every now and then, we want something sweeter, more chocolatey than the average.

This is the perfect stand in for candies and dessert, after dinner or between lunch and dinner.

However, with mineral-rich dates and fatty-acid-providing hemp, you won’t experience an ounce of guilt.

To begin, start with:

1 banana
3 Medjool dates – Shop now at Amazon.com, pits removed
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons hemp hearts
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup almond milk
A few ice cubes

If your blender isn’t all that powerful, dates can be a little tough to break down.

Therefore, blend these with a few tablespoons of the milk first.

Then, add the rest of the ingredients and blend.

For garnish, I recommend that coconut whipped cream, as well as some cacao nibs.

Note: if you need a more powerful blender… check this one out – Shop now at Amazon.com.

7. The Choco-Nut Smoothie

Here, you can get the flavor of your old favorite chocolate-coated coconut candy.

The difference is, it’s lower in sugar, higher in antioxidants, and actually gives you energy.

Again, the addition of dates sweetens it up a bit with its caramel consistency.

To make this smoothie, you’ll need:

1 ½ bananas
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 Medjool dates, pits removed
3 tablespoons raw organic coconut flakes – Shop now at Amazon.com (or the meat straight from a coconut, if available)
1 teaspoon virgin coconut oil
1 cup coconut milk

As usual, blend the toughest fibers first: the dates and the coconut meat.

Add in the remaining, and blend until well incorporated.

It’s gluten free, vegan, and perfect before or after a workout.

Here, the extra half a banana makes the consistency a bit thicker and creamier.

Because coconut oil can sometimes separate, drink it right after blending.

8. The Sweet P Smoothie

“P” is for “potato”.

That’s right, sweet potato gives this smoothie vitamin A and C, among others.

It’s the perfect vegetable to defer to when you’re tired of the usual greens.

Although, do note that you likely want to cook and process your sweet potato well in advance.

To make it, pull together:

1 banana
½ cup sweet potato mash, or cubes
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
Sweetener of your choosing: 2 Medjool dates, 1 tablespoon raw honey, or 1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 cup almond milk
A few ice cubes

Add all ingredients together and blend.

Personally, I’m always surprised by the versatility of sweet potatoes.

After you make this, I’m willing to wager you’ll begin adding sweet potato to smoothies more often.

9. Chocolate Mousse Smoothie

Often, when you’re trying to eat healthy, you may make the mistake of skimping on fat and protein.

If you’re feeling tired, are always hungry, and have noticed your skin getting drier, this is the cure.

Personally, it’s my favorite chocolate healthy smoothies with cocoa powder.

You’ll need:

1 banana
½ of a ripe avocado
½ a cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 tablespoon flax/chia blend
1 cup coconut milk

Blend together until smooth.

With this recipe, you get your fat from the avocado, and the protein from the Greek yogurt.

It isn’t very sweet, but frankly, the creamy texture and chocolate flavor make up for it!

Okay… my final word on…