Healthy Chocolate Milk

Yum…did you grow up on chocolate milk as a kid?  Or as an adult, is it still one of your favorite beverages?

I have this tasty healthier version a few times a week as a mid-mid afternoon snack before my afternoon yoga session or evening running class.  It’s creamy, delicious, and energizing since I also add a bit of my favorite protein shake mix.  

I was asked during our last 7 day healthy cleanse what I missed the most while only eating fruits and veggies for an entire week.  My top three items were my protein smoothies, bullet proof coffee and this amazing Matcha Tea Latte. 

However, I am currently addicted to Shalane’s homemade Chocolate Milk from her new book, RUN FAST COOK FAST EAT SLOW.

Thanks to Shalane and her great college friend Elyse, I have a new favorite afternoon pick me up.  I love this dairy free version of homemade chocolate milk since it’s made with coconut water.  I can’t get enough of plain old coconut water, but when combined with anti-inflammatory spices like cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and my all time favorite, raw cocoa powder, this drink is EPIC!  

Chocolate milk is a favorite post work-out recovery drink for many endurance athletes.  The only problem is, most store-bought chocolate milk is loaded with sugar and made with ultapasteurized and homogenized dairy.  Bummer!

It’s so refreshing and because it’s sweetened with dates (or if you prefer, molasses) it’s not overly sweet.  I know you’ll be hooked too once you try this.  I often times add half a frozen banana for extra creaminess. 

HEALTHY CHOCOLATE MILK

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Cups Coconut Water
• 2 tablespoons almond butter 
• 3 to 4 dates or 1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened raw cocoa powder 
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger or 1 inch piece fresh
• 1 Teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric or 1 inch piece fresh
• 1 cup ice
• Energizing Life Shake Chocolate optional 

DIRECTIONS:

1.  In a blender, combine the coconut water, nut butter, dates or molasses, cocoa powder, giner, turmeric, and ice.  Blend on high for several minutes until smooth.  
2. Add protein powder if using and blend again.
3. Store in a glass jar in the fridge for yup to 3 days.
4. NOTE:  If you prefer a creamier, smoothie-type consistency like me, add 1/2 frozen banana.

Did you grow up on Chocolate Milk?

What’s your favorite afternoon snack?

I am loving this cookbook…do you have?