Cacao that’s been harvested in its raw form is extremely bitter in comparison to what’s in the store since it’s unadulterated and contains no chemical-laden fillers or dairy. Bananas are loaded with fiber and potassium both of which support the gastrointestinal system and regulate the blood pressure.
I’m partial to using some coconut milk as the base of most smoothies because of the medium chain fats. Its mineral content, more specifically magnesium, is responsible for regulating the heart’s rhythm and nervous system, plus it tastes darn great, too. If you’re not a fan of coconut milk, please feel free to substitute with an alternative nut milk instead.
Almond butter is a good source of healthy fats and chia seeds are fibrous and expand upon digestion, convincing the brain to signal a fuller feeling.
This smoothie is so easy to whip up and ideal for any time during the day and most dietary requirements.
Chocolate Banana Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients
1 cup of coconut milk (or a nut milk of your choice)
2 large bananas (preferably frozen)
1 tbsp of chia seeds
1 tbsp of cacao seeds
1 tbsp of almond butter
Directions
- Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend on high speed until the consistency is smoothie.
- Pour the contents into a bowl and garnish with your favorite topping.
- Serve accordingly.
As you can see from the picture, I garnished my smoothie bowl lightly with a few pieces of fruit, almonds and shredded coconut, but you can add as little or as much as you like. It’s an effective method to incorporate additional goodness to your already nutritional smoothie.
Charlene Harris is the founder of the website “That Girl Cooks Healthy,” where she empowers individuals to reclaim good health by cooking food that’s wheat and dairy free with an element of her Caribbean culture. For more great recipes, visit www.thatgirlcookshealthy.com and Facebook.