vegan chocolate smoothie

So, my first recipe post on this blog was for my original chocolate protein shake. I have since learned that whey protein is full of dairy, and dairy is not great for me. (It is also not great for a lot of people, although they may not even know it.)

Since I have been on this journey of healing, I have drastically changed my diet. Turns out all the dairy I was consuming was completely depleting my immune system. So, no more dairy for me.

But I couldn't give up my favorite way to start the day! I know, super cheesy, but I really am obsessed with these.

I had to switch from whey protein powder to rice protein powder. It took trying a couple of brands that were not so great, and then my doctor actually told me about this brand that is not only the best-tasting rice protein powder I have tried, it is the most full of vitamins and nutrients.

you can order it here!

So here's the new recipe!

Basics:

• 1 cup ice
• 1 handful spinach
• 1 handful kale
• 1 handful rainbow chard
• 3/4 cup blueberries
• choose one of the following: 1/2 apple, 1/2 pear, or 1/2 banana
• 2 T. shredded coconut
• 1 2/3 scoops chocolate rice protein powder
• 1 t. cinnamon
• 1 t. vanilla
• 1/2 cup coconut water
• 1/2 cup coconut milk (I use So Delicious sugarfree vanilla)

Optional Add-Ins:

• carrots
• cucumber
• mint
• 1 T. ground flaxseeds or chia seeds
• 1 T. ground coffee beans (my fave, especially with bananas)
• 2 T. almond butter

I make my smoothies in a Vitamix. I like them really thick so I have to eat them with a spoon. The plastic piece that helps push down and blend the the ingredients in the Vitamix comes in handy.

If you have kids, these smoothies are a great way to "hide" veggies! Your kids will never even know. All they will taste is the chocolate! (And the same goes for adults who don't like/don't eat enough veggies!)

Tip: I keep a few glasses in my freezer, and pour my smoothie into a chilled glass to keep it extra cold!

The glasses I use are actually mason jars, which I love because you can always screw on a top and take a smoothie to go!

Hope you enjoy these as much as I do!