Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie

One of my favorite candies is a gooey chocolate covered cherry.  I know even though they technically have fruit in them they are not healthy to eat.  All that sugar, yikes!  So, as usual, I decided to create my healthy smoothie version of this coveted treat.  I absolutely love the beautiful, deep dark purple color of this smoothie, a cool effect from the burgundy cherries and the chocolate.

Cherries have a wide variety of health perks, especially the dark tart cherries that I used in this smoothie.  Cherries have a high level of antioxidants, which fight against inflammation in the body.  They also help prevent the two big bad “C” words, cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Need a better memory, then eat more cherries.  That is if you can remember that they help with memory.  Another benefit to cherries, they help lower blood sugar, especially people with have diabetes.  So, if you are in the mood for a tasty treat without the guilt, then whip up this smoothie.  It will keep you full with almost 10 grams of fiber, plus lots of protein and healthy carbs for energy.

Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or cow, coconut, rice, flax, cashew or soy instead.)
• 2 scoops or ½ cup Chocolate Shaklee Life Energizing Shake mix (or for vegan option use Cocoa Energizing Soy Protein)
• ¾ cup cherries (frozen or fresh, if fresh pitted, not maraschino sugared cherries)
• 1 tbsp dark chocolate chips (I used Enjoy Life to make these dairy free, and are a vegan option)
• 4-5 ice cubes

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.  Makes one serving.  Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 2 cups

1 Serving per Recipe

Amount Per Serving
Calories 341
Total Fat 12g
	Trans Fat 0g
Total Carbohydrate 43g
	Dietary Fiber 10g
Protein 18.5g

Gluten Free! Dairy Free and Vegan, if you use vegan chocolate chips like Enjoy Life.  Vegan, if you use Energizing Soy Protein!

*Nutrition Facts will vary if you use different milk or protein mix.

**I always suggest using organic ingredients whenever possible.

 

Health benefits are from http://www.medicaldaily.com/cherry-health-benefits-6-reasons-why-you-should-eat-more-cherries-246713