chocolate-cherry protein smoothie

In an effort to NOT turn the stove on AND to try and get more creative with smoothies---my latest experiment gone successful is the chocolate-cherry smoothie.
Healthy too.
Loving the abundance of fresh cherries at whole foods this year, and wanting to use them in a ice cold drink during the heatwave--I came up with cherry smoothie, but then thought why not add cocoa powder to it?
Dark cocoa powder is actually good for you.
I kept this healthy by not adding any sugar, using protein powder, banana, and lowfat milk (or almond milk).

You could easily swap out protein powder and use greek yogurt.
Adding toasted coconut sounds good too.
Endless combinations really.
Just make sure to add ice.

chocolate-cherry protein smoothie
print recipe

1/2 - 3/4 cup of chopped fresh cherries (minus the pits)
1 scoop of your favorite protein powder (I used plain or vanilla flavored)
1 TB dark chocolate unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 banana (or whole)
1/2 cup (or more) of cold milk (or almond milk)
about 1/2 cup of crushed ice

Blend all in a blender until smooth.
This make one smoothie.
Just double up ingredients for 2 or more servings.

chocolate-banana vivanno (copycat)

For the longest time (since last summer) I vowed to save money and figure out how to make those Starbuck chocolate-banana vivanno's at home. Little did I know that making them at home not only saves you a ton of money but that you pretty much come 99% close to the exact same drink.
Ripe banana, whey protein, cocoa powder, milk and ice. I also added in a bit of greek yogurt to thicken it up when I didn't have ice cubes on hand.
Tastes exactly the same as Starbucks.
So why not share with you all.
It's been my go-to morning drink all week.
I just love them. I've added coconut to it just for a little extra something something.




Nice and easy.

chocolate-banana Vivanno (copycat)
inspired from Starbucks
print recipe

1 banana
¼ cup plain greek yogurt
½- ¾ cup lowfat milk
1 scoop whey powder
½ - 1 TB cocoa powder (the amount all depends on your level of chocolate taste; I used double dutch ½ TB)
handful of coconut, optional but wonderful
½ cup ice (or more?)

Blend all in a blender until smooth. Top with additional coconut and serve.
Makes one giant smoothie.