Mint Chocolate Chip Green Smoothie

Vegan, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Low Carb, Anti-Inflammatory

A few weeks ago, my husband I went to Santa Rosa, CA for some appointments with my Lyme doctor and to have some special treatments and therapies to continue to help me battle this difficult disease. During our stay there, we were able to meet up with my favorite cousin, Mike, his wife Cynthia, and their two beautiful daughters at the Petaluma Creamery. P.S. - For any of you who live in this area and love real dairy products, this place had some amazing ice cream and cheeses! Seriously - a must try!

As you can imagine, going to a creamery is torturous for someone who doesn't eat dairy! Cheese and ice cream used to be some of my favorite foods before going dairy free 3 years ago. Usually I have no problem avoiding dairy and don't really crave it much anymore. That day, I went there with the intention to NOT eat ice cream, but I DID!! 

When my husband walked out with my all time favorite ice cream, MINT CHIP, I just knew I had to have a bite...actually 3 big bites. It was my first time eating ice cream in 3 years and the cheat was worth it!!

It was so creamy and delicious that since then, I've been craving my old favorite. So this week I took that inspiration down a healthier route to create an amazing new green smoothie recipe. 

A deep chocolate flavor with a bright mint after-tone cover up any sign of "the greens" at all, making this recipe a perfect way to get 1 cup of greens in for the day! Kids and adults alike will love this dessert-like smoothie. Plus the fresh mint is packed with nutrients and antioxidants that promote a healthy digestion, improve energy and mood, alleviate allergy and cold symptoms, and reduce sugar cravings. This food's medicine is right up my alley and tastes like a dessert, what more can you ask for?!

Mint Chocolate Chip Green Smoothie (PRINT RECIPE)
Serves 2

Ingredients:
2 cups romaine or other light greens
½ cup packed fresh mint leaves
2 scoops chocolate protein powder**
2 tablespoons organic cocoa powder or raw cacoa nibs
1 ½ cups unsweetened coconut milk
1-2 large handfuls of ice (depending on how cold and icy you like it)

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients into blender. Tear the mint leaves slightly as you put them in – it will help release the oils and mint flavor. 
2. Blend on high until well combined.
3. Pour into glasses and garnish with a mint leaf and cacoa nibs if desired.
4. Enjoy!
   
   

Let me know what you think friends. Hope you enjoy this as much as I do!
~Billie

Also, if you like this recipe, you may be interested in these other blogs:

**How to Choose a Healthy Protein Powder
Health Benefits of Mint
Cocoa vs. Cacao - What's the Difference?
Kick Your Cravings Chocolate Shake
Perfect Green Smoothie