Secretly Healthy Chocolate Ice Cream Smoothie

You want to know a secret? Packing protein into your meals cuts cravings and obliterates hunger. Plus protein helps build strong muscles, which boosts metabolism.

So add clean protein to everything! A sneaky way to add protein to smoothies is to…wait for it… add black beans.  Sounds gross, I know, but ain’t nuthin’ gross about this tasty concoction! The beans not only add protein, but also create a smooth, thick creamy texture you are sure to love.

And as always, throw in some greens to make it a well-balanced meal!

Portions are approximate, so less water if you prefer a thicker smoothie.

In blender combine:

3/4  cup milk (I use hemp but almond, coconut, rice, soy or cow’s milk work too)

1/2 cup filtered water

1/3 cup black beans (preferable cooked, but fine uncooked, from a can, rinsed and strained)

2 Tbsp cacao (coco powder)

1 Tbsp maple syrup (honey or sweetener of your choice would work too)

1 banana, frozen (you could use a raw banana + 3 cubes ice instead if you don’t store peeled frozen bananas in your freezer)

3 dashes cinnamon

Optional handful of spinach

Optional crushed almonds or banana slice garnish