Chocolate Strawberry Smoothie | Paleo + Gluten Free + Vegan

Looking for a gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free, perfectly balanced smoothie that doesn't taste like cardboard and is still good for you? Such a thing DOES EXIST!

First, it's important to note that you always want to make sure you have a balanced smoothie. You're never going to find me promoting a sugar bomb of like 17 fruits blended with some milk and call it healthy. No. Sugar is sugar. And even fruit needs to be balanced with fiber, fat, and protein in order to  keep blood sugars stable. Cus stable blood sugar = stable moods. And stable moods = a less crazy you. And a less crazy you = win.

Here's exactly how I made mine. And no, I don't get any money or kudos or high fives for posting these links - it's purely for your information.

Chocolate Strawberry Smoothie

• 1 cup dairy free milk  - almond, cashew, or canned coconut milk for a creamier texture
• 1 heaping cup of frozen organic strawberries {these are a dirty dozen item, so buy organic}
• 1 TB of vegan chocolate protein powder or grass fed gelatin  
• 1 TB of chia seeds 
• 1 1/2 TB of raw cacao powder  {powerful antioxidant - not to be confused with processed cocoa. I use Bulletproof Chocolate Powder}
• 1 TB cashew butter {I use cashew butter in this, as it has a mild flavor, unlike peanut or almond butter which will alter the taste}
• 1/2-1 tsp vanilla 
• 1 TB cacao nibs 
• 1-2 tsp of maple/brown rice syrup to taste (low fodmap) / honey (scd) / xylitol (candida) / or could also add some banana chunks/dates for sweetness - whichever you tolerate best

Blend together and there you have a perfectly balanced, filling, delish smoothie. For this size jar I made a double batch. Top with nuts, cacao nibs, coconut flakes, nuts or whatever your little heart wants.

Nutritional benefits: {cacao} contains the highest source of antioxidants on the planet and is basically unsweetened, unprocessed chocolate. You can find this in powder form as cacao powder or little chunks called cacao nibs // {strawberries} are a low glycemic fruit full of fiber, vitamin C, and rank among the top 10 fruits for antioxidant content! However, they are a dirty dozen item so buy organic! // {cashew butter} is a super healthy fat (oleic acid) which helps to lower LDL cholesterol and high in magnesium which aids in over 300 body processes, including energy production // {chia seeds} one of the best sources of fiber in the world, a quality plant based protein, high in omega-3 fatty acids // {gelatin} pure source of collagen - aiding in skin and joint rejuvenation, high in protein, and assists in digestion and healing of the stomach lining.

Notes about coconut milk: Trader Joe's or Aroy-D coconut milk is cheap, additive free, but not BPA free; Native Forest is organic and BPA free but has guar gum;  Natural Value has zero additives and is BPA free  // however, my favorite texture and flavor is the Trader Joes 

Wondering who's the mysterious wordy genius behind these posts? Follow this little rabbit trail to read more About Me! The use of the term genius is open to interpretation.