An energy boosting and protein packed smoothie, this Chocolate Maca Protein Smoothie is vegan and chock full of muscle building protein!
You know how sometimes you find an ingredient and you think there is no way you can possibly love it more, but then you find a way to do so?
That is exactly what this Chocolate Maca Protein Smoothie did for me with maca.
Now I’m not typically one to jump at the newest food with the “superfood” label, but maca has intrigued me from the start. It was one of those “it must be too good to be true” foods for me, so I waited a bit on buying some before the so called dust settled. I wanted to see where maca stood after the studies, consumers, foodies, ect got their hands on the super powder, so I sat back with my hands under my tushy to keep from hitting the “Buy Now” button.
So to destract me from purchasing all the maca powder I could get my hands on, I used my fingers instead to do some research. Here’s what I found:
Maca contains:
- Over 20 amino acids, including 8 essential amino acids [amino acids are the building blocks of protein]
- 20 fatty acids such as the vital lauric and linolenic fatty acids
- Vitamins C, E, and B-1 and B-2
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Iron
- Zinc
and more! What I found to be interesting about maca is that it is considered to be an “adoptogen”, which is a term given to any plant, herb or other substance that helps the body naturally adapt to stressors. This characteristic makes maca great for hormone balance as well as makes a terrific all natural energy booster!
So what else is in this chocolate maca protein smoothie?
Well of course there’s chocolate, which is found in the form of raw cacao powder as well as cacao nibs which means the antioxidant levels of this smoothie is off the charts. It also means it is rich and chocolaty, which is also a plus.
The protein comes from vegan protein powder, which can of course be substituted out for any kind of protein powder that you prefer. I’m on a reduced dairy kick right now [I go through phases] which means my favorite plant protein Life’s Basic is back on my shelves.
So how exactly did this smoothie help me to fall even more in love with maca? Well, besides being my new favorite way to replenish my muscles post-workout, this smoothie has also become my new favorite coffee substitute.
GASP! Did she just say coffee substitute? Why yes, yes I did.
Let me explain. Every morning after my workout I race home to do two things: 1. eat and 2. drink coffee. While showering should really be #1 on that list [I stink something fierce after my HIIT workout class], my need for coffee is mostly a need to keep my post-workout energy drive up so that I can get started on my work for the day.
This smoothie however is so full of protein and energy-promoting nutrients that my need for coffee becomes pretty much insignificant. Now let’s not get carried away here – I still have my afternoon cup of joe when the craving hits. I’m not writing off coffee completely here people. Sheesh, it’s like you guys don’t even know me…
So whether you are looking for some muscle-building protein or you simply want a delicious chocolate pick-me-up, this chocolate maca protein smoothie fits the bill. Give it a try and let me know how you like it!
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 scoop vegan protein powder
- 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
- 1 teaspoon maca powder
- 1 tablespoon raw cacao nibs
- 1/2 banana, frozen
- Place all ingredients into a high-speed blender.
- Blend on high until smooth.
- Top with more cacao nibs.
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How do you feel about maca?
I'm Kat, and welcome to my blog! I'm a certified health coach, soon to be personal trainer, and out of control recipe creator. I'm also a gluten-free newbie, so all of the recipes here are gluten-free unless otherwise noted! Here you can be sure to find daily babbles, healthy living tips, exercise demos and of course, delicious tasting recipes! 
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This needs more chocolate. Just saying 😀
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Healthy Lifestyle Changes and SmartyPants Vitamins Giveaway!
Holy YUM!!! Sign me up, haha. I loooove chocolate smoothies, especially when they contain lots of protein! Thanks for sharing!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables recently posted…Life Lately: March
Yaaasss I am loving maca in my smoothies – its even been making me a smoothie fan! (so not normally the case). Its amazing how quickly you feel the energy increase – yet its nothing jittery like coffee can do. Its truly a magic ingredient. I love the idea of adding in cacao nibs for some crrrrunch.
Cora recently posted…Exercises for Breathe and Chakra Release PART ONE: Introduction
I bought a bunch of Maca powder and can’t get past the taste of it. I’m excited to try this recipe and see if the chocolate flavors help because I absolutely love the energy boost my morning maca has been giving me.
Diana recently posted…Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Guide (BBG) Full Review
I haven’t had maca in FAR too long, but it’s literally what I plan to buy at the store today. I have had to actually avoid coffee for a bit lately and if this can help with that, I’m all about that life!
Brittany recently posted…The Time Has Come the Walrus Said
I’ve never had maca in my smoothies, this looks so delicious!! I might buy some maca powder next time I hit up the store to try this out:)
Stephanie Leduc recently posted…Top 5 Differences Between my Hometown and Oklahoma! (Vacation Recap)
I’ve heard so many good things about maca but I’ve yet to try it. It’s actually huge in Japan apparently – they use it everywhere. There’s even a Japanese-themed tour you can do in London completely based on maca things, like coffee, snacks and meals. Random!!
Anna @AnnaTheApple recently posted…Locked in a Room, ribs for days, a bloody long run and Mother’s Day