Cherry Chocolate Smoothie

This smoothie was inspired by Dr. Uma Naidoo, a pioneer in the field of nutritional psychiatry. She paired cherries and cocoa to produce a tasty smoothie that is good for promoting mental health. Cherries contain tryptophan, an amino acid that plays an important role in serotonin production. I tweaked her recipe to make it my own.

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cherry smoothie, chocolate, smoothie

Prep Time: 1

Total Time: 3

Servings:

Calories: 311kcal

Author: Dr. Stephanie Gray ~www.drstephanieskitchen.ca

Equipment

1 High speed blender
1 smoothie cup

Ingredients

1 cup frozen cherries
1 scoop protein powder I used LeanFit vanilla protein powder.
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1 cup raw spinach
1 tbsp monk fruit sweetener or maple syrup
1.5 cup unsweetened almond or hemp seed milk sub: water or your preferred milk

Instructions

Place all ingredients in a high speed blender. Cover and process on high until ingredients are smooth.
Pour into a smoothie cup. Enjoy right away!

Notes

Substitutions:

Use half a banana instead of monk fruit or maple syrup.

Substitute an unripe (for less sugar) or ripe banana for protein powder.

Optional add-ins:

Ice cubes

Add 1 TBSP MCT oil for good brain fats.

Add 1 tsp ashwagandha for calming effect. Ashwagandha is a natural adaptogenic herb known to calm the brain. Adoptogenic herbs are known to help the body cope with stress. Taking ashwagandha is considered generally safe. However, do not use if you are on thyroid medication, pregnant or nursing.

Add 1 tsp cinnamon (to promote blood sugar balance).

Nutrition