10 Oct SMOOTHIE SATURDAY − COCO CHOCO INDULGENCE
We could kiss Christine Joos, our resident smoothie-guru, sometimes. This creamy coco choco smoothie is one of those that makes you question whether it really is as healthy as it claims to be − it tastes so bloody good. Just what you need to satisfy sweet tooth cravings on a nippy autumn afternoon. *Puts down flat white and proceeds directly to the blender*
At this time of the year, when the days start getting shorter and greyish drizzly weather starts to prevail, I have to be honest, a part of me looks forward to stocking up on warm woolly jumpers so I can just batten down the hatches. It also gives me cravings for comfort food like you wouldn’t believe − anything chocolatey, creamy, crispy and sweet. You know the drill.
And, while it’s totally fine to give in to the above cravings 20% of the time, for the other 80, I want to show you a smoothie that is pure innocent indulgence. It’s satisfying, sweet and creamy and gives you long lasting energy plus lots of feel good vibes.
We know that chocolate (provided here in the form of raw cacao nibs) and bananas seriously lift the mood (it’s scientifically proven :)), while hemp seeds deliver the perfect balanced ratio of omega 3 to 6 fatty acids, which among other benefits helps keep your heart healthy.
Oranges provide you with lots of Vitamin C – great to strengthen your immune system as the first of the autumn viruses do the rounds, plus the taste of coconut transports you to a tropical island, far far away.
- 2 oranges, peeled
- 2 bananas, peeled
- 8 tbsp coconut yoghurt (there are dairy free options, like Coyo or Provamel)
- 2 tbsp cacao nibs
- 2 tbsp hemp seeds
- honey or your fave sweetener
Optional toppings:
- some coconut chips
- dried banana
- and cacao nibs to sprinkle
Blitz all ingredients in the blender until smooth, add honey (or your desired sweetener) to taste. The quantities above will make 2 medium smoothies or 1 mega-smoothie as a meal.
Transfer into glass and top with coconut chips, dried banana and nibs as you wish.
Christine Joos, aka @london_yogini, is a designer, smoothie alchemist, yoga teacher and mum who lives in North London. She’s a passionate yogini who believes in the transformative power of nutrition. As well as posting her wellbeing inspo here, you can also find her flexing her creative muscles for brands like ASOS, Virgin and Adidas.