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
Did you make this?Let me know how it turned out in the comments below!This post contains affiliate links.
This smoothie is delicious! I have it every morning. I have 3 toddlers, and they all liked it too. Had to put it in an opaque cup so that they couldn’t see that it was green the first time :-) Now they know it’s yummy!
this looks sooo good! I will definitely try it!
I am also really into chia seeds. when I put them in my oatmeal or shake I let them soak in water or almond milk for about 15 min so they have the chance to triple their size.
Just made this recipe this morning. It is amazing! What brand of dark cocoa powder did you use?
Awesome! I used Hershey’s brand.
Just made this as a late night study treat and it is delicious!! Great for an energy boost.
I will try this Smoothie, But how many calories is this and will it be a healthy substitute for a meal?
Please advise.
*** I’m trying to lose 15 to 20 Pds. I do yoga and pilates 3xs a Week.
OMG! This smoothie is incredible! I have made it for dessert for the past four nights. I am obsessed.
This smoothie looks so good! I’m a nightowl too, but an exciting breakfast always helps coax me out of bed. Can’t wait to try this one. Thanks!
This looks like a great smoothie to have as a dessert with lunch! Nothing like a pick-me-up in the middle of the day- I can’t wait to make this~
What a great way to start your day!
I’m holding out on smoothies-for-breakfast until Midwest summer kicks in, but I’ll def be thinking about this one until then!