This delicious malty drink will satisfy your chocolate cravings and give you more “get up and go” with the superpower addition of earthy maca root powder. Found in powdered form in many health food stores, maca has a nutty and caramel-like flavour profile which works very nicely with cocoa and is lovely when added to oatmeal, granola, muesli, nut milks, chia pudding, cookies, brownies, granola bars, or raw power ball recipes.
Native to the Andes, maca is a cruciferous vegetable root known for enhancing fertility, libido, and vitality. It is rich in powerful antioxidants and has been used for centuries to enhance energy, mood, memory, and focus. Even better, recent scientific studies have borne out these benefits! Although it has some similar features to coffee and chocolate, this is a caffeine-free root that gives energy without a subsequent crash. While many of us may crave more stimulants like coffee or chocolate around our menstrual cycles, these foods contain methylxanthines which some women find cause breast tenderness, making maca a great alternative for that extra boost without the side- or after-effects!
In this recipe, hemp milk provides a potent and complete plant protein and the nut butter ups good fat and protein another notch! The banana provides a natural sweetness and is a good source of potassium, which is a vital mineral and electrolyte that helps us to maintain a healthy balance of water in our cells and mitigates the effects of too much sodium (salty potato chip cravings anyone?!). Ginger root is a great anti-inflammatory spice and cocoa offers some feel-good theobromine, muscle-relaxing magnesium, and just enough of that distinctive flavour to satisfy our chocolate cravings!
Cocoa-Maca-Nut Smoothie
For more awesomely energy-boosting, protein-rich goodness check out Grain-Free Amaranth Almond Crackers and Feel-Good Fig Squares.
Ingredients
- ½ c hemp milk (more as needed for desired consistency)
- 1 banana, peeled
- 1 Tbsp maca powder
- ½ Tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 Tbsp nut butter of choice
- ½-inch piece of ginger root
- 6–8 ice cubes
- ½ tsp vanilla, optional
Instructions
Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy!
