One of my favourite ways to refuel post-workout is to enjoy a nice creamy and very satisfying smoothie. It is the quickest way for me to refuel as soon as I get back home. I usually blend something up right as I enter my kitchen, guided by what my senses crave at that particular moment. Lately, the chocolate flavour has been on my mind. Not any type of chocolate, though. I love satisfying my cravings for chocolate by using pure unrefined raw cacao powder for its rich taste and wonderful health benefits. I am sure you will love this: Chocolate Green Smoothie just as much as I do!Since the traditional chocolate milk (toted as a healthy post-workout drink) is out of the question for me because it is often loaded with sugars, preservatives and added flavourings, I strongly suggest you stay away from it as well. Just whip up your own chocolate “milk” instead. It is way more beneficial for your health and just as (if not MORE) delicious ;).

This recipe right here will make you feel amazing post-workout, without leaving you bloated, and did I mention it tastes just as delicious as the regular chocolate milk? :p.

So without further ado, here is the recipe for this:

Chocolate Green Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of kale, chopped & de-stemmed (or any leafy green of your choice)
• 1 to 1.5 cup of almond milk (or other milk of your choice)
• 1 Tsp of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (don’t worry you won’t taste it *)
• 1 Tbsp of chia seeds (great source of protein & omega-3 fatty acids, which are anti-inflammatory)
• 1 heaping Tbsp of raw cacao powder (great source of magnesium & antioxidants)
• 1 Tbsp of cinnamon (anti-inflammatory as well and blood sugar regulating properties)
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 Tbsp of nut butter (I love almond butter in this case)
• Optional: 1 pear or apple to add more fibers (plus a great source of carbohydrates to replenish the glycogen storage in your muscles)

* I always add one of these to my green smoothies to make sure I can absorb the non-heme iron present in the leafy green of choice. Adding some vitamin C food source ensures that your body is able to assimilate the non-heme iron present in the kale or other leafy green you have chosen.

Instructions:

Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend away for 3-5 minutes or until you have achieved a nice and smooth consistency. Add your favourite toppings and that’s all there is to it! Personally, I am loving walnuts, sugar-free dark chocolate, yogurt and coconut flakes at the moment.

Note: in case you are wondering, if you ever don’t have any leafy greens on hand or do not wish to add them to your smoothie for a different variation, the recipe is the same. Just add more of another fruit or even half an avocado.

That’s it. Enjoy!

– Sarah.