Looking for a sweet treat minus the sugar? Say bye bye to sugar cravings with our delicious, Spring-Sugar-Cleanse-approved recipe from Holistic Nutritionist, Alaya Wyndham.
chocolate cherry smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 can organic full fat coconut milk
- 3/4 cup organic frozen cherries
- 1 handful baby kale (or greens of choice)
- 2 scoops collagen peptides (or 1 serving clean protein powder of your choice)
- 1 TBSP raw cacao powder
- 1 tsp ground flax seed
- 1 tsp ground chia seed
- 1 cup of ice
Instructions:
Blend in high power blender on smoothie setting or for 60 seconds on high. Serves 2.
here’s a breakdown of the delectable health benefits of this simple and nourishing snack!
Coconut milk – Full of healthy fats, including MCT’s, which are used efficiently by the body and the brain as fuel and can help aid in fat loss — bonus! It’s also mineral-rich and a great source of electrolytes. The minerals in coconut milk have been shown to improve circulation and blood flow, making coconut milk a heart-healthy choice. Not to mention its nourishing to the digestive tract, which will improve digestion and relieve or prevent constipation.
Cherries – With a unique set of antioxidants, cherries are free radical fighters, and they’re also highly anti-inflammatory, having been shown to improve conditions as severe as fibromyalgia, arthritis and painful sports-related injuries. Cherries are full of vitamins and minerals, and research has shown that they help in the prevention of Alzheimer’s. Not to mention, cherries are rich in melatonin, which has a calming effect on the nervous system and will help improve mood, relieve tension headaches, and even help establish healthy sleep patterns.
Kale – This superfood is one of the most nutrient-dense on the planet! It’s chock full of antioxidants, which help fight free radicals (think aging + disease) as well as vitamins and minerals that we could all use more of. In combination, all of these nutrients help with lowering cholesterol, healthy blood clotting, immune system strengthening, collagen production, healthy vision, weight maintenance, as well as helping to prevent major disease patterns such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Kale will also aid in your body’s natural detoxification process at the cellular level. It’s high in fiber, and will thusly aid in digestion.
Collagen peptides – A natural, clean source of protein – think protein powder substitute – that both nourishes and promotes production of collagen in the body. Collagen is a building block of the human body, and supplementing with collagen improves bone and joint health, as well as healthy cartilage, tendons and ligaments. Collagen promotes healthy skin and hair, as well as a healthy digestive tract. While many protein powders can be hard to digest, collagen peptides actually help improve digestion and gut health, because the digestive tract is made up of the same amino acids abundant in collagen. I recommend Vital Proteins, which makes super clean and high quality collagen from both bovine and marine sources.
Raw cacao powder – Packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, this super delicious super food supports artery health, may help lower blood pressure and high cholesterol, as well is aid in treating diseases of the heart, liver, bladder, and kidney. Because raw cacao is full of B vitamins, it’s an excellent supplementation to take if you need to chill out a bit. B vitamin deficiency is linked with anxiety and insomnia. Not to mention, it can improve energy, stamina, concentration and libido. Yes, please! I love Aduna Super Cacao.
Chia seeds – A popular superfood, and it’s no wonder! These little seeds boast high fiber (11 grams per ounce) as well as high protein, and healthy omega 3 fatty acids. They also contain other essential fatty acids, along with loads of vitamins and minerals. Research has shown that chia seeds are beneficial to heart health, digestion (think bowel regulation, blood sugar balancing and fullness) strong bones and teeth, muscle health and skin. They naturally help fight diabetes and both breast and cervical cancer, and they are research proven to enhance your workouts by providing energy. They also act as an excellent metabolism booster, and aid in fat loss.
Flax seeds – Another seedy wonder, these little gems are super high in omega 3s, fiber and protein, while remaining low in carbohydrates. They are also full of vitamins and minerals. Because flax seeds have a high amount of both soluble and insoluble fiber, they help promote colon cleansing, keep you feeling full and aid in fat loss, as well as help promote better nutrient absorption in the stomach, as they act to slow down digestion. They can help curb sugar cravings, improve skin health, eliminate candida, and support healthy hormones. Research has shown that due to their hormone balancing properties, they act preventatively against cancers of the female reproductive system, as well as support a healthier menopause.
*This smoothie is Whole30 and Spring-Sugar Cleanse friendly.
Schedule your complimentary initial consult with Alaya to learn more about food as medicine.