Nothing quite beats the duo of chocolate and raspberry. This is one of my all-time favorite smoothies. This Vegan Chocolate Smoothie with Raspberries is Sugar-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan and Paleo-Friendly. I mean when you blend lots of fruits, veggies and superfood together…it can’t get more nourishing than that!
Don’t be alarmed, but I love sneaking veggies in my smoothie. It is the best way to increase your veggie intake for the day. My favorites are cauliflower, zucchini and squash. These three vegetables are preferable because they don’t have a very strong taste on their own.
To prep the veggies, I wash them thoroughly, then steam them for 10 – 15 minutes ( see more meal prep ideas on my story highlights). Voila! I have them waiting in the freezer when I’m ready to make a smoothie in the morning. The reason I steam them before freezing them is because our bodies digest cooked veggies better. Cooking them makes the minerals and nutrients become more bioavailable for absorption.
Benefits of Cacao
There is a reason we all LOVE chocolate. (Sorry, I just made that assumption…but who doesn’t?!) Not only is it mood-boosting, but it is actually an amazing superfood. The reason chocolate gets a bad rap is because it often comes with added sugar, dairy and other unhealthy stuff. But Cacao itself has lots of benefits.
Cacao is rich in polyphenols, which can reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol levels. It may exert some positive effects on mood and symptoms of depression by reducing stress levels and improving calmness (Read more Cacao Benefit Here). It is also great brain food and has shown benefits for stabilizing blood sugar and weight control. I love adding Cacao powder to my coffee, smoothie and snacks.
Don’t forget to PIN this recipe and share with your friends. I hope you’ll love this smoothie bowl as much as I do!
xx
Vegan Chocolate Raspberry Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup Cauliflower (Steamed then Frozen)
- 1 cup fresh papaya and raspberry
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 cup nut milk
- 1 tbsp cacao powder
Instructions
- Blend everything together
- Add toppings of your choice: I like granola, coconut flakes, cacao nibs, berries
Notes
- If you soak chia seeds in the nut milk first for 5-10 min (it turns into chia pudding), then blend everything else in, the smoothie will turn out creamier.
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