Chocolate Green Goddess Smoothie. {vegan} {gluten free}

This is the smoothie I make for myself every day.  I’m a chocolate lover and this is my go-to reward protein smoothie after a killer run or workout.  I workout 6 days a week and I prefer to consume a protein smoothie right after working out to speed up recovery.  Not overloading your stomach with food helps speed up recovery so the body can focus on muscle recovery versus digesting food in the stomach.   I’ve tweaked this recipe so many times and I’m finally feel that is ready to share.  I now, also make this for my oldest before swim practice every morning.  I think the balance of the cacao powder drowns out the spinach factor and she never even pays attention to it.  I love that I’m getting at least two servings of veggies in her before 8 am and she works her muscles hard in the pool.  It’s not overly sweet but just the perfect balance.

I realize there are about a million green smoothie recipes out there.  This is just one of my favorite takes on it and it’s vegan and totally gluten free.  Oh yeah, and protein packed!  It may not be the most glamorous but it sure ranks up there in flavor.

Ingredients:

1 cup of unsweetened almond milk (I use vanilla flavored)
6 ice cubes
2 giants handfuls of baby organic spinach leaves
1 tablespoon of cacao powder
1 tablespoon (or two) of hemp protein powder
1 bananan
2 teaspoons of mini Enjoy Life vegan chocolate chips
1 teaspoon cacao nibs
1 Medjool date, pitted
1 tablespoon of almond butter (I use Justin’s maple)

Directions:

Add all ingredients to your Vitamix or blender and blend on the smoothie setting.  Pour immediately into a large glass.  Recipe makes one serving.  Enjoy!

 

 

On the fitness front…

It has really been a long week as the beginning of summer typically is for me.  4 swim meets down so far with one more to go tomorrow, 4 days and 25 miles run with an added 18 mile bike ride… I’m wiped out.  My body is sore, I’m tired and I’m glad tomorrow is a rest day.  On a positive note, I happily run in my new “old” Mizuno Wave Rider 16’s today and it was like heaven!  (see pic below)  Now 25 miles to go next week and June’s 100 mile goal will be met!  ~oxo

 

— Knead to Cook