Chocolate Breakfast Milkshake

Yes, you read that right. A chocolate shake...for breakfast. 

See, us crazy vegans know how to indulge. And indulge, we do. Now, maybe double chocolate french toast doused in maple syrup and powdered sugar is a bit much for breakfast every day, but this chocolate shake is 100% guilt free and can be consumed by das boot full. Because every ingredient is not only totally healthy, but exactly what you need to start the day. Including the euphoria of drinking a milkshake for breakfast. 

See? I promised it was just breakfast food. And the dark arts to summon the dessert gods. 

I also need to apologize ahead of time for posting two smoothie recipes back to back; between battling strep throat and then traveling cross country, a girl's gotta work with the time she is given. I assume many of you have this whole "life" issue that comes up from time to time as well, however, and this goes to show that even with minimal time and energy, cruelty-free, easy, and healthy meals are steal 100% possible!

This, by the way, was actually my teenage brother's idea if you can believe it. His original recipe was created as ice cream in order to incorporate important nutrients and a lasting burst of energy for an after school snack before his sports. I've since adapted his incredibly tasty idea into a decadent morning meal, and it has rapidly become a staple in my life.

All you need is a half an avocado, two frozen bananas, a handful of frozen blueberries,a little cacao powder and maca powder, and a cup of almond milk. These are things that are in stock for me all the time anyway. So when there is no time to spend cooking up potatoes, or a bowl of soggy oatmeal would only intensify a drab and moody morning, you can magically have a tasty treat that more than qualifies as a meal in literally 5 minutes. 

Here is why:

Cacao powder is derived from cocoa beans as we all know (which do, in fact grow on trees, so in my mind this qualifies cocoa as plants, meaning chocolate is basically salad...no?). When eating chocolate raw- as in unprocessed and without the added sugars and fats- it can actually be an incredibly healthy part of your diet. It contains several essential minerals, is an antioxidant, contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B9 and E, as well as protein and fiber. It is great for digestion, lowering blood pressure, heart health, toxic cleansing, and mental health. It is also a wonderful natural substitute for caffeine- without the crash of coffee. I could go on and on about chocolate's health benefits because, who doesn't want to qualify dessert as a health food, but for more read up http://www.builtlean.com/2012/04/12/raw-chocolate/ and eat up!

Blueberries are one of those fruits we need to incorporate into our lives daily. These amazing little berries are mostly famous for their antioxidant properties. This means they are anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, help in weight loss and improve skin health far more than Hollywood's latest cream fad. Your brain, heart, and eyes will all benefit from this fountain-of-youth-level superfood. By eating two cups of fresh blueberries a day, the chances of getting cancer (namely ovarian) and Alzheimer's disease are dramatically reduced. Plus they are delicious.

Avocado also provides the body with essential fats- especially for those on low carb and grain-free diets. Healthy fats are actually necessary when maintaining or losing weight and controlling cholesterol, and because avocados are high in healthy fats but low in fructose, it is a definite asset in a balanced diet. In fact, by eating this magical fruit, your body is able to absorb nutrients from other foods as well- by 400%! The avocado itself also provides close to 20 nutrients, including fiber, potassium, and folic acid, as well as vitamins A, C, E, and K and B vitamins. Avocados are another incredible source of energy, making them a great addition to a morning meal. But because they also strengthen hair, skin, and are anti-aging (both when consumed and directly applied!), avocados should simply be staple. 

Almond milk has been gaining popularity at a rapid pace recently, and there is no question why (read about how strange/gross/unhealthy drinking dairy milk is here: http://www.nomeatathlete.com/milk//). While I still use coconut and rice milk in certain things, almond milk is my go-to. Almond milk is rich in vitamins, including A, D and E. In fact, one serving will give you half of your required daily intake. It is therefore high in nutrients, acts as an antioxident, promotes growth, bone and teeth health, and immunity. It is high in calcium, as well as phosphorus and magnesium. Consuming almonds and almond milk regulate blood pressure and lower cholesterol. It is perfect to add to morning shakes and smoothies especially, as a good source of protein and energy. Because it is a low-calorie food with no saturated fats, like avocado almond milk actually helps you to maintain and lose weight. 

Bananas, as most of us know, are high in potassium and fiber. For this reason, eating bananas increase overall cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure, preventing heart disease, reducing the risk of stroke, and promoting bone health. Bananas are also a natural antacid and decrease heartburn as well as protect against ulcers by strengthening the lining of the stomach. They contain vitamins B6 and C, as well as magnesium, making them one of the world's most healthiest foods. Bananas are great to eat right before and after a workout as an energy kick, to sooth muscle cramps, and to maintain blood sugar levels. The iron in bananas help with anemia, as well as overall blood health and to combat diabetes. They also strengthen and improve bones, eyesight, brain function, digestion, and are high in antioxidants. Oh, and they improve mood and help with depression. So why aren't you eating this every day?!

Maca powder in this recipe is, again, technically optional. The taste is unaffected with or without it. But once you read the health benefits of this miraculous superfood on my last post, Green Tea Power Smoothie, you'll understand why it won't be an optional ingredient for very long. 

Throw all the ingredients in the blender and blend it up until you have....

...A fricken milkshake. 

Now your naughty little day can begin.


Chocolate Breakfast Shake
Time: 5 minutes
Makes 1 giant shake

Ingredients:
2 frozen bananas
1/2 avocado
1/2-1 c. frozen blueberries
1 c. almond milk (sweetened or unsweetened)
2 tsp. Maca powder (optional)
1 tbsp. Cacao Powder

Blend until smooth.