Smoothie Time - Mocha Smoothie

I start every day off with a delicious, nutrient dense smoothie, and while I change up the contents frequently, this is one of my tried and true favorites.  Definitely Tim's favorite.  Just what your body (and your taste buds) need to kick off a busy, demanding day, all coming together with the help of a blender.  I love my Ninja Foodie blender.

People are always asking me what's in my morning smoothie.  It's my breakfast staple since I have a long work day and commute time doesn't typically allow for "real breakfast."  I combine most of the components in my blender carafe the night before and leave in the fridge.  The next morning I add spinach and frozen berries and blitz away.  My husband Tim's favorite is this mocha version that contains cold brew coffee and raw cacao.  The vegan protein and fiber content keep you full for quite some time.  I look forward to having this every morning.

TIM'S FAVORITE - MOCHA SMOOTHIE MADE WITH COLD BREW AND RAW CACAO

ALL THE ESSENTIALS READY TO GO

All the things I use in my smoothie currently have a purpose.

The coconut milk contains essential (MUFAs) Mono unsaturated fatty acids. The raw cacao lends beautiful chocolatey flavor plus antioxidants.   The spiralina is loaded with protein, iron, fiber and antioxidants. Then we have cinnamon for blood sugar regulation and turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric and cinnamon together are a magic concoction. Just absolutely delicious.


The fruits I use are lower sugar berries like cherries, blueberries or strawberries.  Steer away from higher sugar fruit like bananas for this particular nutrient dense smoothie.  I save the bananas for "nice cream."

Of course greens like kale and spinach pack in more nutrition, but you don't even know they're there.

I love my Ninja Foodi blender.  It makes the creamiest smoothies in 45 seconds flat.  A worthy investment that gets daily use.

​Fun smoothie glasses make for a festive morning routine.

Mocha Smoothie

Makes 2 generous smoothie portions.

(I've included handy shopping links to all the essentials)

1 cup un sweetened milk such as almond or coconut milk
½ cup cold brew coffee, such as Califia
1 scoop protein powder (I have vegan vanilla on hand regularly)
1 heaping tablespoon raw cacao or cocoa powder
2 handfuls of organic baby spinach or kale
1 c (approx.) frozen strawberries, cherries or blueberries (I use a blend of all)
½ teaspoon turmeric (optional)
1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Honey or agave to sweeten if desired, but try to use very little if at all (I like local, raw honey if I feel the need for something sweeter in my smoothie)
½ cup ice (optional)
​
Other trendy optional add-ins
Spirulina - a sea algae loaded with protein, fiber & iron
Beet Powder - all the nutrition of beets in a powder that doesn't taste earthy
Collagen Peptides - for healthy skin, hair, nails & joints

Basically you combine everything in a good blender (love my Ninja Foodi Blender) carafe and blitz away.  The length of time depends on your particular blender.  Pour in 2 glasses and enjoy.  Your body thanks you.
The ice is optional here.  I like the consistency it provides in the smoothie.  My husband prefers it without the ice for a smoother texture as opposed to the bit of “crunch” from the ice.


To prepare the night before, add liquids, raw cacao and protein powder and any other spices or things you may want in your smoothie to your blender carafe, leaving out the berries and spinach.  Put it in the fridge for the evening,  The next morning add your greens and frozen berries and ice and blend until a nice smooth consistency. 
​Quick and easy and you’re out the door!