Chocolate-Covered Blueberries Smoothie

Right now the wild Maine blueberries are in season and abundant in the local stores and Farmer's Markets. On my low carb/high healthy fat/moderate protein diet (LCHF) I don't eat a lot of fruit, but these tiny sapphire jewels are carb-worthy in my opinion, so I indulge in a couple of pints every summer while they're fresh. I am picky about my berries though and only buy organic. This morning I made a smoothie with one of my favorite flavor combinations. This smoothie is packed with antioxidants from both the raw cacao and the berries, not to mention the fiber and other goodness from the freshly-picked kale from my garden! The deep, dark purple color is both pleasing to the eye and lets me know that this is a nutrient-dense, healthy way to start my day. Cheers!

Chocolate-Covered Blueberries Smoothie

Makes 1 adult-size serving (or 2 child-size servings)

1/2 cup plain unsweetened kefir or yogurt

1/4 cup organic blueberries, fresh or frozen

1 cup coconut milk or almond milk

2 tablespoons unsweetened raw cacao or cocoa powder

1 tablespoon cacao nibs (optional, but adds an additional depth of chocolate flavor)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon stevia powder to taste (I used Sweet Leaf brand)

2-3 kale leaves, roughly chopped (or substitute 1/2 cup any leafy green)

1/2 tablespoon collagen hydrolysate (or your favorite protein powder)

1 pinch of sea or pink Himalayan salt

1 tablespoon coconut or flax oil (healthy fat keeps you fuller for longer)

4-5 ice cubes

Water, if needed, to achieve desired consistency

Place all of the ingredients in your blender and blend on high speed until smooth.

Nutritional Information per entire recipe: 282 calories, 20 g carbohydrate, 12 g dietary fiber, 13 g protein. Net carbs per serving: 8 grams

Recipe and photo by Kathy Sheehan, copyright 2017

All rights reserved. Please do not duplicate without the author's permission.