Dark Chocolate Berry Cherry Smoothie Bowl
Dark Chocolate Berry Cherry Smoothie Bowl
I created this bowl for Valentine’s Day because everywhere I turned I saw sweets and treats. I am especially a sucker for chocolate. I love getting those chocolate dipped strawberries, and red velvet anything is definitely my weakness. I wanted to satisfy my chocolate craving, but also send the love through my body in a feel-good way. This would be great after a workout for a big dose of self-love. I believe that self-love starts on the inside. It is the foundation of all of our relationships.
I should start by saying I am not paid to post about any of the products I use, I just love them and want to share the love with you. I am obsessed with the Vital Proteins Dark Chocolate & Coconut water whey protein powder for two reasons, the benefits are amazing and it taste delicious. I usually have it in smoothies after a workout because it improves athletic performance and recovery. It is packed with probiotics to keep your gut healthy, your gut needs love too! Additionally, the coconut water promotes hydration. On top of all of that, it includes no artificial sweeteners or additional sugars. I added in a scoop of this to my smoothies along with one scoop of Vital Proteins Beauty Glow collagen powder. Whether you’re going on a special date or a galentine’s day soirée with your ladies, everyone deserves to have that healthy glow. Shine bright! It contains your dose of vitamin C and biotin to promote the production of collagen for hair, skin, and nails. The Vitamin C helps you get the maximum benefits of the cacao.
NOTE: I also use organic raw cacao powder in the recipe (see below). If you are vegan you can just use the raw cacao powder and it will be just as delicious.
You can purchase the Dark Chocolate and Coconut Water protein powder here and the Beauty Glow protein powder here.
I always add in fairly traded raw organic cacao powder for its amazing benefits and intense chocolate flavor, without the guilt. It is important to get the good stuff because a lot of its benefits are lost when it is processed or roasted. Cacao contains the largest plant-based form of iron. That’s another reason why I added in the vital proteins beauty glow because the vitamin C will help you get the maximum benefits of the cacao. Ladies, this is a great source of iron especially around that “time of the month”. Cacao also contains over 40 times the antioxidants of blueberries. Crazy right? Moral of the story, you can be healthy and still have your chocolate! Who said you can’t have your cake and eat it too?
Click here for the organic raw cacao powder I use.
Finally my last secret weapon is maca powder, indigenous to Peru. Maca increases energy, endurance, fights anxiety, and drumroll please… increases libido, if you’re planning on getting it on tonight. Perfect ingredient to add to your smoothie bowl on Valentine’s Day if you ask me, or really every day. Get yourself in the mood! There are lots of other benefits, but these are the ones that stand out to me. I personally use it because it gives me a more focused and increased energy. Teaching up to three Soulcycle classes a day at 6 days a week, I need all the help I can get. It is a great addition to your smoothies if you are trying to cut back on coffee and caffeine.
Click here for the Maca powder I love.
Smoothie Bowl Recipe
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon of organic fairly traded raw cacao powder (Use two tablespoons if you don’t have the Vital Proteins Dark Chocolate collagen powder or if you are vegan.)
1 scoop Vital Proteins Dark Chocolate Collagen powder
1 scoop Vital Proteins Collagen Beauty Glow powder
1 teaspoon maca powder
½ of a frozen banana
3 frozen cherries
3 frozen strawberries
3 frozen raspberries
¼ cup raw spinach
½ - 1cup of milk (Start with less for a creamier consistency. You can always add more if it is too thick.)
Directions:
1. Blend all of the ingredients until you have a creamy texture. It should look like a thick chocolate milkshake (you’re welcome). Pour it into a bowl and top with your favorite toppings.
Optional Toppings:
1 Sliced strawberry
fresh raspberries
1 teaspoon of cacao nibs
hemp seeds
Unsweetened coconut flakes
Sliced raw almonds