
I’m not quite sure how it happened. But somewhere along the lines of the last 2 years of self-employment, after years of a late-to-bed-late-to-rise musician schedule, I have now officially become a morning show person.
Still working on the morning person thing. My body seems bent on the whole nightowl thing. But the blogging world and Twittersphere are up early, so about a year ago I turned on a morning show for the first time in about a decade to help wake me up. And now I basically can’t go a morning without tuning in to at least say a quick hello to Josh, Lara, Robin, George and the gang.
Oh yeah, it’s GMA all the way at my place. Yes, yes, I know that 90% of it is fluff news. But apparently their advertising has worked because they are now totally a “part of my morning”. And I kind of wish Lara Spencer would be my best friend. :)
Anyway, the other main part of my morning nowadays is smoothie-making. I shared last week about how I’m back on the smoothie kick, so I have a backlog of recipes photographed that I need to share with you. And this chocolate chia smoothie is one of ’em. You could arguably call it a “shake”, since it tastes so darn decadent and delicious. But don’t let that chocolate fool you. This is basically a healthy green smoothie hiding behind a bit of naturally-sweetened cocoa.
And it’s super easy to make. Here’s the skinny…
Chocolate Chia Smoothie Recipe | 1-Minute Video

Basically, this is your classic chocolate green smoothie with a bunch of extra chia seeds added into the mix. I had some fresh spinach on hand, so added that in for my greens. Then I just added in a banana, some milk (I used almond milk), unsweetened cocoa powder, a hint of vanilla and lots of chia seeds.

Oh, and I forgot to add ice before I snapped this photo. Be sure to throw in about a cup full of cubes. (Or if you’re using a frozen banana, you may not need them.)
Then just pulse in a blender until it’s nice and smooth! If you feel like it needs a little sweetening, you can add in some honey or your choice of sweetener. But I loved it just as-is.

Such a rich and delicious treat, made all the more so knowing that it’s actually good for you. I’d call it a perfect way to start the day. (And I kind of think Lara would love it, don’t you??)

Chocolate Chia Smoothie

Ingredients
- 1 banana, peeled
- 1 cup tightly-packed fresh spinach
- 1 cup ice
- 1 cup milk (I used almond milk)
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (I used dark cocoa powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, store-bought or homemade
- (optional: 1 tablespoon honey, if needed to sweeten)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender and pulse until smooth. Serve immediately, sprinkled with extra chia seeds if desired.
Notes
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I really, really hate it when people post recipes that are – healthy or whatever and do not put the nutritional information with them. How much protein? how many calories? how many carbs?
Recipe builder shows this as 189 cal 5 gr protein 27 carbs per serving.
Ugh, yes! I’m always looking for new smoothie recipes! Can’t wait to try this one ;)
Well one can’t help be hooked by chocolate. Then to see spinach and feel self righteous about healthy. And lastly that it take ONLY 3 minutes to make. Be still my heart! Be careful with that morning or any kind of day time TV stuff. Laughing—–
I, too, fight my night owl tendencies. So hard! Glad that you have successfully broken the cycle!
This smoothie looks worth getting up earlier for! I can’t wait to try this out! My current smoothie is growing stale.
totally with you there, at least while on mat leave! I’ll miss morning shows :)
I can’t wait to try this recipe! It looks great!
Definitely going to try this recipe. I loooove, love, love those straws! Where did you get them?
Looks like a great way to start the day!
In the interest of saving money, can I substitute ground flax seed for half of the chia?
Hi Ellen,
You definitely could. It may change the flavor/texture a bit, but flax seed is great for you!
~Ali
What kind of blender do you use? Definitely adding this smoothie to my list of must-makes!