Raspberry Banana Coconut Smoothie with Chocolate Garnish
Indulge in a healthy raspberry, banana, and coconut smoothie with decadent chocolate on the rim. This smoothie has the perfect combination of sweetness to celebrate no one other than you! Relax and take time for yourself so you can be balanced and energized to give love to others.
This weekend, you can have a long relaxing morning and nibble on some chocolate for breakfast! Dip the chocolate in the velvety fruit smoothie, and take time to reflect on happy moments. Tiny chocolate bites are recommended. Dip…nibble…and repeat.
Don’t choose just any chocolate. Go for the dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao. The less the chocolate is processed, the more of its beneficial flavonoids it will hold. It is not a myth that chocolate can greatly improve your mood. Theobromine is a stimulant found in chocolate that improves brain function and acts has a mood enhancer.
It doesn’t stop there. Chocolate also contains phenethylamine which triggers the release of endorphins. A neurochemical called anandamide also gives you the feeling of elation. Anandamide actually comes from the Sankrit word “ananda,” which means peaceful bliss.
Looking for even more mood enhancing nutrients? Try a little bit of flax seed or chia seeds that supply omega-3’s for a mood lift. Chia seeds will also give you added protein, calcium, and magnesium. What a swirling mix of sweetness, velvety texture, energy, and peaceful bliss this smoothie can give you. Start you day off with a simple, tasty, treat that will nurture your soul and by the time the night falls; you may share your euphoric bliss with that special someone. And maybe you will even share a bit of your dark chocolate with your valentine.
If you want to try a fruity detox smoothie here is one with grapefruit and other cleansing fruit, herbs, and spices.
Ingredients
1 banana
½ cup raspberries
¼ cup to 1/3 cup unsweetened dried coconut
1 tablespoon chia seeds or flax seed
Optional – dash of yogurt or milk of your choice for extra creaminess
