Recipe of the week: Healthy Chocolate Smoothie
Think healthy chocolate is an oxymoron? This guilt-free, nutrient-packed smoothie recipe from our resident foodie is a chocoholic's dream
Recipe for Healthy Chocolate Smoothie: banana, cashews and cacao
Give into your chocolate cravings and load up on nutrients with this remarkably simple cacao smoothie recipe from Stephanie Achar, Culture Whisper's resident foodie. All you need is a blender to transform cashews, bananas and raw cacao into a rich, creamy treat.
HEALTHY CHOCOLATE SMOOTHIE
I love this recipe both for its taste and the benefits it offers my family. My kids think it is a chocolate milkshake but it's actually packed with healthy fats, plant protein, vitamins, minerals and fibres. You can prepare it ahead and serve it for breakfast or as an afternoon snack for your kids.
Raw cacao is the healthier and unrefined version to cocoa, and it is rich with magnesium and antioxidants. Cashews contains healthy fats, and magnesium essential for both bone and heart health. Bananas are rich in vitamin B6 and potassium for a healthy immune and nervous system.
INGREDIENTS
Serves 1
A large handful of cashews (soaked for 2-3 hrs)
1/2 banana not too ripe
A tsp of raw cacao
A glass of water
Optional:
A handful of raw spinach to boost the iron content. Great for kids who are not good with their green vegetable intake.
If you like it sweeter, you can add one medjool date
METHOD
Put the cashews in a bowl, cover with water and leave to soak for 2-3 hours.
Drain off the water and place the cashews in a blender with the cacao powder, 1/2 a banana and a glass of water. Pour the water progressively so you can adjust the texture according to your taste.
Blitz until completely smooth. Enjoy!
Vegetarian; vegan; free from gluten, dairy and refined sugar
Stéphanie Achar: Simple and Healthy
Stéphanie Achar is a qualified nutritional therapist and health coach based in South West London. She is collaborating with Culture Whisper to create a series of seasonal, wholesome and nutritionally balanced recipes.
Find more recipes or book a free nutrition consultation with Stéphanie on her website, www.simpleandhealthy.com
HEALTHY CHOCOLATE SMOOTHIE
I love this recipe both for its taste and the benefits it offers my family. My kids think it is a chocolate milkshake but it's actually packed with healthy fats, plant protein, vitamins, minerals and fibres. You can prepare it ahead and serve it for breakfast or as an afternoon snack for your kids.
Raw cacao is the healthier and unrefined version to cocoa, and it is rich with magnesium and antioxidants. Cashews contains healthy fats, and magnesium essential for both bone and heart health. Bananas are rich in vitamin B6 and potassium for a healthy immune and nervous system.
INGREDIENTS
Serves 1
A large handful of cashews (soaked for 2-3 hrs)
1/2 banana not too ripe
A tsp of raw cacao
A glass of water
Optional:
A handful of raw spinach to boost the iron content. Great for kids who are not good with their green vegetable intake.
If you like it sweeter, you can add one medjool date
METHOD
Put the cashews in a bowl, cover with water and leave to soak for 2-3 hours.
Drain off the water and place the cashews in a blender with the cacao powder, 1/2 a banana and a glass of water. Pour the water progressively so you can adjust the texture according to your taste.
Blitz until completely smooth. Enjoy!
Vegetarian; vegan; free from gluten, dairy and refined sugar
Stéphanie Achar: Simple and Healthy
Stéphanie Achar is a qualified nutritional therapist and health coach based in South West London. She is collaborating with Culture Whisper to create a series of seasonal, wholesome and nutritionally balanced recipes.
Find more recipes or book a free nutrition consultation with Stéphanie on her website, www.simpleandhealthy.com
TRY CULTURE WHISPER
Receive free tickets & insider tips to unlock the best of London — direct to your inbox