This is my absolute favorite afternoon snack. I love it after I’ve been working away at the computer all day, and I’m so close to being done, but I can’t stand another minute of sitting.
So I go to the kitchen to make this treat! Then I take it outside to enjoy in the sunshine and maybe go for a walk to relax.
It’s a “Nourishing Dessert” – which is just my way of saying “a dessert that helps you Take Back Your Health.”
The blue-green algae, coconut fat and the chocolate are the three main health-enhancing ingredients in this recipe.
Health benefits of Chlorella (a form of algae): Chlorella is a complete protein, contains a high percentage of iron, and acts as a powerful detoxifier, according to Dr. Mercola. Chlorella is the first superfood I ever tried and I could feel the physical and mental difference a few hours after eating it for the first time. There was slight increase in my energy and I was in a much more hopeful and positive mindset.
Health benefits of Coconut Oil: The fat found in coconut is a medium chain fatty acid. Medium chain fatty acids are immediately converted into energy by your liver, instead of being stored. These fatty acids support a strong metabolism and are anti-microbial. Coconut oil has countless other health benefits, but these are my favorites.
Health benefits of Chocolate, or Cacao: Cacao is high in magnesium and other trace minerals. It is also high in polyphenols, which is a class of antioxidants that have been shown to be cardioprotective in the way that they prevent the oxidation of cholesterol and they prevent the clumping of blood platelets. Cacao also contains many other compounds including phenethylamine and theobromine. These compounds, among many other benefits, will increase the levels of of serotonin and endorphins in the brain, which elevate mood.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of coconut milk (or other milk)
- 2 T of almond butter or sunflower seed butter
- 1 handful of cashews, sunflower seeds or pecans
- 10 mint leaves (optional)
- ½ tsp. peppermint mint extract or 5 drops peppermint essential oil
- ¼ tsp. blue-green algae/chlorella/spirulina (for green color and nutritional value)
- 1 Tbs. of cacao nibs or chocolate chips
- 1 cup of ice, more as needed
- Sweetener of choice:
2 Tbs. of raw local honey, plus stevia to taste OR
4 pitted dates, plus stevia to taste OR
2 dropperfuls liquid stevia extract OR
3-4 packets stevia powder
- This recipe works best in a high-power blender. Blend all of the ingredients except for the ice and cacao nibs together on high power for about 30 seconds. Add the ice and cacao nibs and blend on high power until it reaches a milkshake consistency. Add more ice or a touch of water to reach desired consistency.
“High Power Blender” – My favorites are:
TriBest – DynaBlend Horsepower Plus High Power Blender DB-850G
Vitamix Standard Blender, Black (Certified Refurbished)
(affiliate links)
Are you a visual learner? Do you want to watch Robin Shirley, TBYH Founder make recipes like this in her kitchen? Come join us and Take Back Your Health™ IN THE KITCHEN!
