A day that starts with chocolate is a good day.

Lately this has been the motto around our house. We’ve been enjoying everything from chocolate banana coconut oatmeal (you may have seen my post on instagram), chocolate waffles, and even healthy nutty chocolate brownie-cookies (recipe coming soon!). Chocolate for breakfast never disappoints. I planned to share a super delicious summer kale salad recipe today, but I made this smoothie again this morning and decided I just had to share it with it you asap.

This Chocolate Hemp Protein Smoothie is rich, creamy, and oh-so-chocolate-y. It’s packed with plant-based protein, healthy fats, and super foods that will energize your morning. This smoothie isn’t just for breakfast. I’ve been loving it as an after-run re-fueling snack. I would even make this for dessert… it’s that dreamy.

I added a tablespoon of Rich Vitality Superfood Protein Blend to my smoothie this morning, which contains organic cacao, goji berry powder, barley grass powder, maca root powder, brown rice protein, and hemp protein powder. This is a great smoothie boosting powder if you’re in the market for something new. It’s vegan, all organic, and loaded with antioxidants, protein, and amino acids. (I don’t work for Rich Vitality Superfoods, nor do I get any sort of compensation from them. I just happen to like their product!)

You don’t need a special powder to make this shake; I’ve made it plenty of times without any and it is still loaded with protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to fuel you through your day. I love using hulled hemp seeds for a natural, whole-food, and plant-based protein boost in my smoothies. They add a rich creaminess and nutty flavor that I find quite tasty. If you’re new to using hemp seeds, then either this or my Happy Hemp Strawberry Smoothie are two great ways to give them a try.

Ready to start your day with some serious feel-good vibes? Then definitely give this creamy, dreamy chocolate protein shake a try!

Chocolate Hemp Protein Smoothie

Makes one serving with 10 grams of protein

• 1 cup filtered water
• 2 Tbsp of raw, shelled hemp seeds (I like these)
• 1 Tbsp raw cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 heaping tablespoon Rich Vitality Superfood Blend (OR other chocolate plant-based protein powder OR use an extra tablespoon cacao powder + 1 extra tbsp hemp seeds)
• 1-2 medjool dates or preferred sweetener of choice (i.e. maple syrup, coconut nectar)
• 1/4 large avocado (or about 2 tbsp)
• optional: maca root powder for extra energy, I like to add a teaspoon
• 1  1/2 frozen bananas
• ice cubes

Directions:

Blend all ingredients except frozen bananas and ice cubes, until completely smooth. Add frozen bananas (I like to slice mine before freezing) and blend again. Add a few ice cubes if desired and blend. Enjoy!

Wishing you all a lovely day filled with boundless energy!!