Choco-Maca Smoothie

Paleo, Vegan, Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Raw

​Who doesn't love a good smoothie?! There is so much opportunity to jam pack your smoothies with heathy ingredients that will supercharge your day. BUT there is also a lot of opportunity for that smoothie to turn into a sugar-packed milkshake. Even when loaded with fruit, the glycemic load of your smoothie can skyrocket in no time. The trick? Load it up with healthy fats, protein and fibre. 

You may be thinking what the heck is Maca and why should I be using it? Maca is a Peruvian root that is actually part of the cruciferous vegetable family (think broccoli, cabbage, kale etc.). It is a powerhouse for hormone balancing including improved fertility for men and women. Not to mention that it's a libido booster and it improves sexual function (wink wink). It's also beneficial for improving energy, stress, focus, and the immune system. Lastly, it's an adaptogen meaning that it will adapt to the needs of your body. 

You also may notice that I use cacao rather than cocoa.  While these are both chocolate, they have very different nutritional profiles. Cacao is a much healthier choice. Why? It is extremely high in antioxidants, rich in magnesium, potassium, iron and calcium. It has been known to lower blood pressured and to improve memory! While many recipes call for cocoa, you can easily substitute cacao for some added nutritional value! 

Why hemp protein? When it comes to protein powders I am extremely picky and hemp protein is one of the few that I highly recommend. Hemp is a complete protein (one of the few plant based proteins that is) meaning that it contains all 9 essential amino acids. It is also an extremely bioavailable protein which means that the body can easily break down, absorb and use the protein. And is rich in omega 3 fatty acids and fibre.

​Ingredients
•  1 cup cashew milk (recipe here)
•  1 cup spinach
•  1/4 cup hemp protein 
•  1/2 cup frozen cherries
•  1 tbsp chia seeds
•  1 tbsp cacao powder
•  1 tsp maca powder
•  1 banana
 
Method
Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend on high until fully combined and smooth. Pour, and enjoy!