This menopause smoothie ticks all the boxes. It tastes of chocolate and it’s packed full of fibre, protein and healthy fats as well as magnesium and calcium. And it contains only naturally occurring sugar!
It’s a healthy breakfast option to start the day with or make half quantities and drink as a mid afternoon snack. It will help keep you going until evening meal time and prevent dipping into the biscuit tin: )
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Cacao for your heart
Raw cacao powder is used in this recipe. It gives you the taste of chocolate without the added sugar and it contains higher levels of antioxidants called flavanols and polyphenols. Flavanols support heart health, which is particularly important for women in peri and post menopause. Flavanols have been shown to be beneficial for cardiovascular health by helping to lower blood pressure, maintain the elasticity of blood vessels and reduce inflammation.
- Unlike beans that are made into cocoa, which are heated to high temperatures when they are roasted, raw cacao powder is made from cold pressed beans. This means many more of the nutrients and beneficial plant chemicals are retained intact. Cacao powder is a rich source of fibre and protein and contains iron, magnesium and potassium.
- My preferred cacao powder is Green Origins organic cacao powder which is screened for contaminants. For a 15% discount off the retail price each time you order, quote code pc15 at the end of your order!
- Other uses for cacao powder – Sprinkle onto porridge, make into a hot chocolate drink (mix the powder to a paste first with water to avoid lumps) or in natural yoghurt or you can make a delicious gluten and dairy free dessert by blending cacao powder with a splash of water, some coconut cream and a few drops of pure stevia if extra sweetness is needed Leave it to set in the fridge for 15 minutes.
- One small caveat, you may find you react to cacao if you are sensitive to stimulants.
CACAO CASHEW SMOOTHIE (serves 1)
- 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
- 1 tablespoon cashew nut butter
- 2 tablespoons milled flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds
- 200mls Alpro plain unsweetened or other plant yoghurts e.g. coconut
- Half a very small banana
Blend until smooth for minimum time possible. If you prefer a thinner consistency you can dilute with your milk of choice.
NUTRITION DATA
- 400 calories
- 15g protein
- 16g fibre
- 190 mg magnesium
- 28g fat (7g saturated fat)
- 15g carbs
- 8g sugar (naturally occurring)