If fruit smoothies aren't your thing—whether you're trying to lower your sugar intake or you're simply not into eating berries and bananas—don't give up on the blended drink altogether.
There are loads of good-for-you smoothie combinations that hold the fruit while still tasting totally delicious, and this fiber-packed chocolate smoothie recipe is proof. (Plus, it has chocolate—and fruit has nothing on chocolate.)
Before we dive into the actual recipe, it's helpful to know which ingredients to look for the next time you're craving a frozen snack that delivers solid health benefits, too—starting with superfoods. "Superfoods are nutrient-packed foods that supply a mega-dose of beneficial vitamins, minerals, and/or health-promoting compounds," says Brittany Michels, MS, RDN.
One superfood to keep an eye out for? Maca, an adaptogenic herb and tuberous root that has been linked to supporting mood, energy, and stress. And, this root is the star ingredient of our fruit-free smoothie and of Sprout Living Epic Protein: Chocolate Maca, which you can find at The Vitamin Shoppe®.
Epic Protein contains 20 grams of organic, plant-based protein (and comes in seven other flavors like Vanilla Lucuma and Complete Coffee), as well as more superfood ingredients including cacao, lucuma, Jerusalem artichoke root, and more.
"Jerusalem artichoke root is a prebiotic fiber (inulin) source, meaning it provides a type of fiber that feeds our good gut bacteria," Michels says. "Cacao is antioxidant-rich, supports healthy energy levels naturally, and provides an array of minerals, including magnesium, iron, manganese, copper, potassium, zinc, and selenium."
On top of the superfood ingredients in the protein blend, this recipe also packs in cauliflower (a solid source of fiber), nut butter (for extra protein and healthy fats), and sweet potato, which is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and you guessed it, some more fiber, according to Michels.
Michels notes that the standard American diet is typically very low in fiber, and inadequate fiber intake may influence satiety, gut health, and digestive regularity, as well as blood sugar and cholesterol management, she says. To give yourself a boost in fiber, it helps to have an easy-to-whip-up recipe on hand. Got your blender ready?
Keep scrolling to find the step-by-step instructions for this superfood-filled chocolate smoothie recipe.
Ingredients
2 scoops Epic Protein: Chocolate Maca
½ cup frozen steamed sweet potato
1 cup frozen riced cauliflower
1 Tbsp nut butter
½ tsp cinnamon
1 date
1 handful of ice
1 ¼ cup nut milk
Directions
1. Blend
2. Enjoy!
