Chocolate Thick Shake

If you're looking for a way to get some extra greens into your diet, this may be the smoothie for you. I've blended up my fair share of green smoothies and, until now, was still hunting for one that didn't have spinach humming loudly in the background. Well, I think I have finally found it.

Not only does this smoothie pack the nutritional punch of baby spinach and avocado (Vitamix A, C and K among other good-for-you elements) but it's also high in protein. So, next time you hit the trails on your bike, smash an early morning run or try out some circuit training, this smoothie will help you recover fast. Plus, who doesn't love a chocolate thick shake? The sweetness of the honey and banana combined with the creaminess of the avocado and protein powder mean this good-for-you smoothie could easily pass for the old thick shakes we knew and loved as kids.

Add a dash of melted coconut oil, a sprinkle of oats or some peanut butter to make this smoothie your own. Or make it vegan by swapping rice malt syrup for honey and ensuring your protein powder is pea-based instead of whey-based. I use SheSupps and its vegan, beautifully packaged and delicious.

Ingredients

1 cup (250mL) unsweetened almond milk

1 frozen banana (200g), coarsely chopped

1/2 avocado (100g), coarsely chopped

1/2 cup firmly packed baby spinach

1 tbsp cacao powder

2 tbsp chocolate protein powder

3 tsp honey

Method

Blend all ingredients in a high-powered blender until completely smooth. Serve immediately over ice with a dusting of cacao powder and a sprinkle of whatever's lying around the cupboard. In my case, shredded coconut but ideally some crunch like cacao pops.

Serves 2

Note: Substitute the chocolate protein powder for vanilla protein powder or greek yoghurt if that's what you have on hand.

Recipe adapted from Women's Weekly Juices and Smoothies.