Whenever you crave for chocolate with peanut butter here is a recipe for you: make this delicious Chocolate Cherry Meal Replacement Shake.
This is a dark shake because of the chocolate protein powder and dark cherries. The almond milk adds creaminess to your shake.
Don’t be fooled by the color of this blend. This meal replacement shake is high in antioxidants and it’s delicious. It’s high in fiber and makes the shake a filling meal.
Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Meal Replacement Shake
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop Garden of Life Raw Organic Shake and Meal Replacement Powder
- 1 Tbs. unsweetened almond butter
- 1 handful spinach
- 1 medium banana
- 1 cup frozen dark cherries
- 1 Tbs. chia seeds
- 1 tsp virgin coconut oil
- 1 tsp raw honey, if desired
- Ice cubes, optional
Direction:
- 1. In a blender, puree all the ingredients until smooth.
- 2. Serve immediately.
- 3. Enjoy!
Tip: Ice cubes can thicken your shake. Adding cold water will thin your sip.
Cacao’s Nutritional Benefits: A Perfect Meal Replacement Shake Ingredient
You might be surprised to learn that cacao, the main ingredient in chocolate, offer a host of health benefits. In fact, cacao is so nutritious that it makes an excellent ingredient for meal replacement shakes.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons why cacao is good for you and how it can help you reach your fitness goals.
1. Cacao is rich in antioxidants
Antioxidants are important nutrients that help protect your cells from damage. They can also help improve your cardiovascular health and reduce your risk of certain chronic diseases.
Cacao is especially high in a type of antioxidant known as flavonoids, which have been linked to numerous health benefits.
2. Cacao can help boost your mood
Another benefit of cacao’s antioxidants is that they can help improve your mood.
For example, one study found that people who consumed high-flavanol cacao had improved blood flow to the brain and felt more alert and positive.
If you’re looking for a natural way to improve your mood, adding some cacao to your diet may be worth a try.
3. Cacao can help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
If you’re trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, cacao can be beneficial because it’s relatively low in calories and fat.
In addition, the flavonoids in cacao may help decrease food intake by reducing appetite and increasing feeling of fullness.
For example, one study found that participants who consumed high-flavanol cocoa felt fuller after eating than those who consumed low-flavanol cocoa.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that most commercially available chocolate products are high in sugar and calories, so they should be consumed in moderation if weight loss is your goal.
A Final Thought
Cacao powder is a nutrient-rich superfood that offers numerous health benefits. When added to a meal replacement shake, it can help boost your mood, promote weight loss or maintenance, and improve your overall health.
If you’re looking for an easy way to get more cacao into your diet, try adding it to your next blend and have a nutritious meal!
