Best Ever Chocolate Banana Milkshake

Perfect on a hot summer day, like today! It's so warm here in Southern California and I needed something easy, cool and healthy after my time at the gym. This was perfect...it's dairy free, refined sugar free and super good for your mind, body and soul! Add in the scoop of protein powder for an extra dose of nutrition. This is a perfect shake to include to your diet on a regular basis ensuring your meeting your protein requirements...especially great for those just starting a plant based diet or those who are always on the go.

Best Ever Chocolate Banana Milkshake

Ingredients

• 1 frozen banana
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tablespoon raw cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon or so of cinnamon
• 1 scoop protein powder, optional (use plain, vanilla or chocolate)

Place everything in blender, blend until combined. Serves one.

Notes:

Currently I'm using Garden of Life Protein powders. I like that their original powder is not sweetened with stevia or any other sweetener as I prefer to sweeten mine with fruits of choice. A few other plant based protein powders that I do recommend, but do not have unsweetened choices, are Vega One, Sun Warrior and any hemp protein powders (pref. organic), To find out about more protein powder options with reviews, check out this post, Vegan Protein Powders For Smoothies: My Big Guide, from Kathy of Lunchboxbunch.com.

Tip...always freeze your older bananas instead of throwing them away so you will have them on hand for smoothies or raw banana ice creams like my Almond Chunky Monkey Ice Cream or Chocolate Banana Ice Cream...they are sweet and super healthy at this stage.

Cheers to good health!

'Sweet Tang' Smoothie

Sweet pineapple, tangy plum and chia seeds make for a smoothie that will give you plenty of extended energy that tastes great any time of day. It's a 'Sweet Tang' Smoothie.

 Chia seeds are not just for the 'chia pet' that I remember growing up with, in fact, they are a 'superfood'. They contain omega-3 oil (a great source for vegans), its protein is complete to raise your energy levels and they expand with liquids to keep you feeling fuller longer. It contains a lot of nutrition in a little package. A serving (two Tbsp) of chia seeds has 60 calories, 5 grams of fiber, 3 grams of protein and 4 grams of healthy fat. They have no flavor and are so little you really can't tell they're there. They are a staple in my kitchen these days. Great To sprinkle on salads, fruit dishes, add to smoothies, cereal...all kinds of places to sneak these in!

'Sweet Tang' Smoothie

Ingredients

• 6 plums
• 1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 1 cup coconut water
• 2 tablespoon chia seeds

Directions

1. Wash and remove seeds from plums. 
2. Place all ingredients in blender and blend to desired smoothness. 

* Makes approximately 24 oz., a glass and a half, which was a serving for me.

* To make this a 'Fiber Blast Smoothie' add an extra serving of chia seeds. You can also replace the coconut water with other water if like.

Enjoy !

ENLIGHTEN SMOOTHIE BOWL

The smoothie bowl of all smoothie bowls...topped with lots of color, texture and flavors!

Not too much to say about this one, except that it's delicious! The smoothie bowl is a great way to add fresh fruits and superfoods to your diet. Adding a hearty smoothie bowl to your daily or almost daily meal routine, you will find just how much your body can transform itself with simple, clean food. I have used fruits only here and will hopefully have some that include greens in the future. Since fruits don't have much protein, I encourage you to add a scoop of vegan protein powder or a serving of natural nut butter to the mix. Adding 2 tablespoons of almond butter will give you an added 8 grams of protein. Protein powders will vary but most will give you quite a bit more than a serving of nut butter. And for those who avoid fruits because of sugars, I want to remind you that although fruit does have sugar, natural sugar, they also contain vitamins, anti-oxidants and trace elements the body needs, unlike refined sugar. It's nature's candy and should be enjoyed without reservation, unless advised otherwise by a medical professional. The sugars you should be wary of are refined sugars in packaged goods, including packaged sugars. Give up the sugary packaged foods, instead grab some fresh and/or frozen fruit, add a few superfoods, whip up an enlighten smoothie bowl and feel the difference! 

Start with your smoothie base. It can be whatever fruit combo you like or have on hand. I used 1 1/2 cups of a frozen berry blend and fresh bananas. I also added two tablespoons of peanut butter for added protein (you can add a dollop as a topping if you prefer). You could also add a scoop of protein powder instead (you may need to add a little extra water if you do).

Almonds, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), currants or raisins, raspberries, blueberries, chia seeds, hemp hearts, goji berries, kiwi, strawberries, coconut flakes, cocoa nibs, granola, nut butter and banana...these are a few ideas for toppings. Add whatever toppings you like. Go simple or all out making the perfect bowl to suit your taste!

ENLIGHTEN SMOOTHIE BOWL

smoothie mix

• 1 1/2 cups berry mix or frozen fruit mix of choice
• 1 1/2 fresh banana (use the other half sliced on top)
• 2 tablespoons almond or natural peanut butter or 1 scoop vegan protein powder, optional 
• 1/2 cup water
• 3 - 4 ice cubes

some optional toppings

• granola
• coconut
• cacao nibs
• natural nut butters (almond, peanut, etc.)
• banana
• blueberries
• strawberries
• grapes
• kiwi
• goji berries
• hemp hearts 
• chia seeds
• pomegranate seeds
• almonds
• pumpkin seeds

In blender, place berry mix, banana, nut butter, water and ice cubes. Blend until thick and creamy. Pour into serving dish and top with whatever toppings you like.

Serves one.

Notes:

If using frozen bananas, omit the ice cubes and add 1/4 cup of water.

Add extra water as needed once blended. If using protein powder you may find you need a little extra.

Adding nuts and seeds as part of your toppings will add extra protein.

And then the next day...another bowl of vibrant goodness! I shared this one on Instagram. 

I'd love to see your masterpieces! 

#thesimpleveganista 

Enjoy!