Candice Kumai has figured out how to make healthy chocolate shakes even more amazing

What do you do when you find yourself daydreaming about creamy milkshakes…but are committed to cutting down on your sugar intake? (*Asking for a friend.*) If you’re wellness guru Candice Kumai, you create your own healthy options. Here, the chef and Well+Good Council member shares three cocoa-packed recipes she’s cuckoo for.

Chocolate’s my absolute favorite addition to any smoothie or post-workout shake. All you’ll need is just a few base ingredients like dark cocoa powder, frozen bananas, and your favorite plant protein powder.

Whenever possible, always add greens—they’ll immediately boost nutrient content. And I’ve even created a super-wellness version with turmeric for a brain boost.

Scroll down to see my 3 fave chocolate shake recipes.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake

Yields 3 servings

Ingredients1 frozen banana1 cup unsweetened almond milk2 cups baby spinach1/2 Bartlett pear, core removed2 Tbsp natural peanut butter2 Tbsp unsweetened dark cocoa powder1 handful baby spinach (optional)1 cup ice

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

Golden Turmeric Chocolate Shake

Yields 2–3 servings

Ingredients1 frozen banana2 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk1 handful ice cubes (optional)2 Tbsp coconut manna (coconut butter)2 Tbsp golden milk powder3 Tbsp cocoa powder1 handful baby spinach (optional)1/4 tsp cinnamon

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

Chocolate Mint Shake

Yields 2–3 servings

Ingredients1 frozen banana2 1/2 cups unsweetened almond/coconut milk1/4 tsp peppermint extract2 Tbsp unsweetened dark cocoa powder2 Tbsp unrefined, organic coconut oil1 Tbsp of maple syrup (optional)

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

2. Top off with fresh mint or chocolate shavings if desired! Serve immediately.

Besides having serious wellness cred, Candice Kumai is a classically trained chef, regular contributor on E! News and The Dr. Oz Show, and has served as a judge on Iron Chef America and Beat Bobby Flay. She’s currently writing her sixth book on Japanese wellness, Kintsugi Wellness, which drops spring 2018. 

What should Candice write about next? Send your questions and suggestions to [email protected].