Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie, Perfect Valentine’s Treat, & Warm Winter Running Gear

If you’re a fan of chocolate covered strawberries, then this is the smoothie recipe for you. Naturally sweet and ready for you to indulge.

It’s been a LOOOONG time since I have had a decadent chocolate covered strawberry. It’s also kind of rare to get a package in the mail addressed to both my husband and I. It’s more common they arrive with either my name on it (from my favorite running and yoga shop) or his, but when it’s to both of us, I am curious.

OMG was I ecstatic to find these beauties inside from my friends over at New Era. What a treat and I didn’t waste anytime creating the best tasting chocolate smoothie ever! If you’re a chocolate lover, this is a great smoothie for you. Sweet strawberries and cocoa powder come together for a tasty breakfast or snack.

I boosted this smoothie with my favorite Rich Chocolate Plant Protein Powder. I highly recommend using this one since it’s vegan, gluten free, very low in sugar, and has 20 gram of protein in each serving with simple + pure ingredients.

While I’m not a fan of processed sugar, I am a fan of natural sugars contained in fruit. Fruit is so good for us because it contains lots of fiber and other valuable nutrients. I have a great formula for a delicious healthy smoothie with just the right amount of fruit without going over board. Keep reading….?.

Doesn’t this look AMAZING ? !

I prefer using green tipped bananas in my smoothies because they are was less sweet and most importantly, low glycemic, and a resistant carb (meaning they won’t dramatically affect your blood sugar). If you like your smoothies a tad sweeter, I have found a tiny splash of pure vanilla does wonders!

RAW CACAO HEALTH BENEFITS

Raw Cacao powder is another superstar in this chocolate strawberry smoothie. This is definitley not first time I have used raw Cacao in my smoothies, and trust me, it won’t be the last! This time last year I even used it to make this delicious sourdough bread?.

Did you know cacao has more antioxidants than blueberries – 40x more to be exact? Since I started incorporating more plant foods in my diet I was also excited to learn that Cacao is also one of the best plant-based sources of protein pound for pound. It’s also high in calcium and magnesium, which are both GREAT for runners, and everyone to be honest! Plus it’s anti-inflammatory and we all know how important is it to consume anti-inflammatory foods, right.

***Still doing my thing..Dress Warm and Go!***

Please tell me I am not the only one who reaches for a piece of chocolate when they are sad or when they need a pick me up? I feel better almost immediately! Guess what…it’s not in your head! Cacao is a source of neurotransmitters serotonin, tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylethylamine which help elevate our mood by combatting depression, a sense of wellbeing, and happiness. The minerals in cacao (and the caffeine too!) can give you a boost of energy and help prevent fatigue, thanks especially to magnesium.

When I heard the weather forecast for the week and beyond, I was a bit bummed. I love running outside but when the windchill is 20 below and there are wind gusts up to 40 mph, it’s just not quite as fun. I have to admit, once you get warmed up, and yes you do warm up even in this frigid weather if you wear proper winter running gear, it’s honestly not too bad.

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A post shared by Karen 🥑 🏃‍♀️Fitness & Nutrition Coach for 40+ Women (@avocadorunners)

No such thing as bad running weather when you have warm winter running gear!

One of my favorite treats after a long run and or strength workout is chocolate in my smoothies and this smoothie definitely made me feel better! So may I highly suggest you also fall in love with Cacao and make this smoothie for your Valentine!

Are you ready to blend up this Chocolate Strawberry Smoothie for breakfast or a tasty snack? Thought so!