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NUTS FOR NUTELLA SMOOTHIE

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Ok, this one is for all you Nutella lovers out there.  Seriously — we're talking #healthyfoodporn at its FINEST.  This smoothie is thick, creamy, and decadent with that wonderful rich hazelnut & chocolate flavour.  But it is also low-carb, free of refined sugar, and packed with veggies & fibre, protein, and healthy fats!

Here I have also added a couple natural adaptogens, maca powder and reishi powder (optional).  Herbal adaptogens are believed to boost energy and mental clarity while improving the body's ability to deal with stress. 

Why Maca Powder?

Native to Peru, maca has a slightly earthy, butterscotch taste and is rich in vitamins and minerals.  Touted as the "Incan superfood", it has been used for millennia to increase stamina and endurance.  Consumption may help to relieve anxiety while also boosting energy, concentration, and even libido and sexual function in both men and women.  

And What is Reishi?

Reishi powder is made from dried reishi mushrooms.  These medicinal mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years and are believed to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and tumor inhibiting effects.  Studies suggest that reishi mushrooms may help to strengthen the immune system, lower cholesterol, and improve liver function, concentration, sleep, and energy levels.  More research is needed to assess the potential role of these and other herbal adaptogens in the prevention and treatment of diseases such as cancer.

Crazy for Cacao

Cacao is the purest form of chocolate we can consume.  It is free of all the unhealthy sugar and other additives found in most processed chocolate.

Cacao is loaded with minerals such as magnesium and iron, as well as health-promoting flavonoids.  These powerful antioxidants are believed to help reduce the risk of hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

Furthermore, cacao both contains and triggers the release of natural feel-good chemicals in our bodies such as serotonin and phenylethylamine (PEA).  PEA is the same neurotransmitter that is released when we fall in love!!

Nuts for Nutella Recipe

For 2 servings, blend together until smooth:

  • 1 1/2 or more cups unsweetened almond or hazelnut milk, adjusted to desired consistency

  • 1 frozen banana (omit for low-carb)

  • 1 to 2 cups steamed-then-frozen cauliflower (use more if omitting banana)

  • 2 Tbsp Further Food collagen (non-vegan) or Nuzest Clean Lean Smooth Vanilla, Rich Chocolate, or Just Natural protein powder

  • 2 to 4 Tbsp hazelnut butter, adjusted to taste

  • 2 Tbsp Giddy Yo cacao powder

  • 1 Tbsp chia seeds

  • 2 tsp maca powder (optional)

  • 1 tsp reishi powder (optional)

  • optional Lakanto sugar-free monk fruit sweetener, pure stevia, or other sweetener, adjusted to taste

  • optional toppings: chopped peanuts or hazelnuts, nut butter melted with a touch of coconut oil, Giddy Yo raw cacao nibs, or toppings of choice