Chocolate Raspberry Smoothie for the New Year

Eating lighter doesn’t have to be miserable. In fact, there are plenty of ways you can have your cake and it too! Of course, I don’t mean literally, but eating better doesn’t mean you have to give up every single thing you love like chocolate and ice cream. My recent favorite chocolate treat that manages to match my resolutions goal, yet still satisfy my cravings, is this raw cacao smoothie. It is filled with chocolate raspberry flavor, a snap to make, and perfect for everyday sipping.

I’ve never been a big drink-as-a-meal kind of person mostly because I like the texture and flavor of food too much. Frankly, I had never met a beverage that could give me the same satisfaction as a meal until I made this. I fill it with lots of protein and vitamins so that it is extra filling, and the flavor is rich, creamy, and glorious.

While making something with raw cocao may sound intimidating I can assure you it is not. All you need is raw cocao powder, which should be easy to find at your local store. Then you add some frozen Cascadian Farm Organic Raspberries, a frozen banana, almond milk and butter, flavors, protein, and whiz it together in a blender! It really couldn’t be simpler.

(Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Cascadian Farm. The photographs and opinions are wholly my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make The Naptime Chef possible.)

To make sure it is nice and smooth, give it a good long time to blend. If you want it thinner add a little more almond milk. To thicken it up reduce the almond milk to ½ cup and add more if needed. I like to top the smoothie with coconut chips and frozen raspberries for a pretty garnish, they also lend the smoothie extra texture when I get to the bottom and eat it with a spoon. This protein-packed drink is the best kind of resolution — one you can keep!