Chocolate Peppermint Chocolate Chip Smoothie

So when I wake up in the morning I have absolutely no appetite but I'm really thirsty. I work out in the morning so I know that I need to have a little something to get my metabolism going. Enter: Protein Smoothie! I try to keep it light around 100-150 calories so that I can eat breakfast when I come home. So I will compare the dairy and non-dairy versions of the shake so you can choose which one you want to make. I'm warning you that the dairy one is almost double in calories!!

There are a few essentials that I use (that you can get at health food stores or a whole foods) but can easily be swapped out for regular versions that you find at a grocery store.

• Cacao nibs can be replaced with regular chocolate chips
• Stevia can be replaced with 1 tsp regular sugar or some other calorie free sweetener of choice
• Amazing Grass Chocolate Green Superfood can be replaced by any chocolate protein powder that you have, or even 1 Tbsp cocoa powder
• Xanthan gum is something that I don't know how I lived without. Add a tiny amount to thicken up any smoothie or liquid without having to add cream. It's kind of like super concentrated cornstarch, but makes pudding like consistency when added.

Chocolate Peppermint Chocolate Chip Smoothie (dairy version)

1 c. fat free skim milk

6 ice cubes

1 scoop (8 grams) Amazing Grass Chocolate Green Superfood

1 tsp chocolate chips

1 tsp sugar (or non-calorie sweetener of choice)

2-3 drops of peppermint extract

1/8 tsp xanthan gum (optional)

Blend milk and ice together for 30 seconds. Next add the remaining ingredients and blend for another 30-60 seconds until smooth.

If you use sugar, this smoothie comes out to 165 calories. If you use a non-calorie sweetener it comes out to 145 calories.

Chocolate Peppermint Chocolate Chip Smoothie (non-dairy version)

1 c. unsweetened vanilla almond milk

6 ice cubes

1 scoop (8 grams) Amazing Grass Chocolate Green Superfood

1 tsp cacao nibs

6 drops of alcohol-free liquid stevia

2-3 drops of peppermint extract

1/8 tsp xanthan gum (optional)

Blend milk and ice together for 30 seconds. Next add the remaining ingredients and blend for another 30-60 seconds until smooth.

This smoothie comes out to be 90 calories!! The huge difference in calories really is the milk. Skim milk comes in at 90 calories while unsweetened almond milk comes in at only 40!!

Other variations can be to add frozen fruit, such as cherries, and eliminate the peppermint extract. Think about it - Chocolate Cherry Chocolate Chip Smoothie. Mmmmm. The possibilities are really endless with what you can add - just make sure that it's small amounts!!

A few fun facts about some of the ingredients that I used in my smoothie:

Benefits of Raw Cacao Nibs

• Organic Raw Cacao Nibs are a nutritious raw superfood.
• The nibs are peeled, crushed cacao beans.
• They have more antioxidant flavonoids than any food, including blueberries, red wine and green tea.
• They are an incredibly rich source of magnesium and other essential minerals like calcium, zinc, iron, copper, sulfur and potassium.
• The antioxidants in cacao may have these benefits:
• Decrease blood pressure
• Improve circulation
• Promote cardiovascular functions and help fight heart disease
• Improve function of endothelial cells that line the circulatory system
• Provide protection from free radicals, which may trigger cancer, heart disease and stroke
• Improve digestion

Benefits of Amazing Grass Green Chocolate SuperFood

A full spectrum of alkalizing green superfoods, antioxidant rich fruits, and support herbs unite with organic Acai, Maca and Cacao to provide a powerful dose of whole food nutrition with a delicious dark chocolate taste. Complete with pre & probiotics and digestive enzymes to ensure rapid nutrient absorption and healthy digestion.

Benefits of Peppermint Extract

• Modern research has shown repeatedly that peppermint oil relieves the many symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome like indigestion, dyspepsia, and colonic muscle spasms. The menthol contained in it helps relax the smooth muscles that surround the intestines.
• However, peppermint's healing properties extend far beyond the digestive tract. In animal studies, phytonutrient, found in peppermint, has been shown to slow and even halt the growth of pancreatic, mammary, and liver tumors. In animal studies, peppermint has been shown to prevent colon, skin, and lung cancers.
• Peppermint is known to ease the symptoms of asthma. The herb encourages cells to produce substances called prostacyclins which keep airways open for easy breathing. Peppermint extracts have also been shown to help relieve the nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis (colds related to allergy).

Benefits of Almond Milk

• Lactose Free: Lactose is the sugar found in cow's milk. Many people are lactose intolerant, and consumption of milk causes abdominal discomfort, bloating and diarrhea. As almond milk is extracted from almonds, a nut, hence it's plant derived and lactose free, and can be easily substituted everywhere where one might use cow's milk which makes this one of the most important almond milk benefits. Read more on lactose intolerance symptoms.
• Homemade and Pure: As one can easily extract the milk at home without much effort, and also store it without using preservatives and additives, it would be right to say that consuming almond milk means to consume health, 100 percent! It has already been proved that to increase milk production, cow's are being injected with antibiotics and growth hormones, leading to allergic reactions and toxic side effects, some as bad as certain types of cancers.
• Nutrition Packed: Almonds are protein rich, and full of vitamin E, magnesium, selenium, manganese, zinc, potassium, fiber, iron, phosphorus and calcium. Full of heart healthy flavonoids, almond milk helps lower LDL cholesterol and protect the heart. High levels of vitamin E, ensure powerful antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants inhibit the growth of free radicals that are known to cause cancer. Almond milk contains many vital nutrients, hence unlike other milks, they don't need to be fortified with vitamins and minerals. Low in calories and no cholesterol and saturated fats makes this nut milk beverage very healthy and good for those trying to lose weight. Power packed with nutrients, almond milk health benefits will keep you stay fit and fine.

Benefits of Stevia

Make sure you get an alcohol free stevia extract because the ones with sugar alcohol (erythritol) are highly processed and do not have these benefits!

• Hypoglycemia:

  Scientific research has indicated that stevia regulates blood sugar levels, bringing them into normal balance.
• Weight Management:

  Stevia has no carbohydrates (carbs) and contains no calories, making it an ideal sweetener for weight loss or weight management. Stevia also helps users consume less calories by reducing overall hunger and cravings for sweet and fatty foods.
• Cardiovascular:

  Studies have shown that stevia acts as a cardiovascular tonic, helping to lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.
• Bacteria:

  Stevia inhibits the reproduction and growth of many pathogenic (harmful) bacteria and infectious organisms such as those that are responsible for the common cold, influenza (flu) and periodontal (tooth & gum) diseases.
• Skin Care:

  When appplied as a facial mask, Stevia Concentrated Liquid smooths out wrinkles, heals acne, treats seborrhea, deermatitis, and eczema. It also acts to help protect your skin from environmental damage and visible signs of premature aging.
• Digestion:

  When consumed in tea, stevia has shown to be effective as a digestive stimulant improving digestive and gastrointestinal function while soothing stomach upset.
• Addiction:

  Including stevia regularly in your diet helps reduce your body’s desire for tobacco and alcohol. When you use stevia, your body interprets the sweetness as that of forbidden goodies like high sugar foods. When you try to give up addictions such as tobacco and alcohol, often the body will begin to crave other items such as sweets. By using stevia to fulfill your sweet cravings, your body is more readily able to give up alcohol and tobacco.

Fun facts from: http://www.goodcausewellness.com, http://www.buzzle.com, http://www.replacesugar.com, http://www.amazinggrass.com