Chocolate Maca Smoothie

This delicious vegan maca smoothie tastes like a chocolate malt! Maca is used to balance hormones and enhance fertility, strength, and endurance.

If you’ve been around this blog, you probably know that I really love my smoothies. After my last post where I shared 4 Superfood Smoothies, I realized I hadn’t shared one of my most favorite smoothies! This maca root smoothie is rich, creamy, chocolatey, and tastes like a chocolate malt. It has been my go-to post workout smoothie lately. On hot summer days it’s given me that extra energy boost to get through the afternoon slump.  It’s a pretty fantastic when your nourishing snack tastes like a dessert reminiscent of a Wendy’s frosty.

What is Maca?

Maca is a root that’s grown in South America and has been used for its medicinal benefits for thousands of years. Not only is maca very nutrient dense, with protein, fiber, magnesium, and a higher calcium level than milk, maca is considered an adaptogen. Maca benefits can include increased fertility in men and women, hormone balance, PMS relief, energy, mood, and memory boost. (1)

Like any supplement, it’s best to start with a small amount until you know how your body reacts. 1 tablespoon is a standard daily dose, but starting with 1/2 teaspoon is a good idea. Some of the health benefits are largely anecdotal and shouldn’t be used in place of physician care. Some people, including those on hormone-altering medications, or pregnant or breastfeeding moms should avoid maca. Read more about maca here.

Maca root is usually found ground into a powder. You can find it near the supplements in most health food stores, or on Amazon (link below). It has a slightly sweet, malt like flavor and goes well with other naturally sweet foods like oatmeal and smoothies. I’ve even blended it into iced coffee and it’s been utterly delicious.

This chocolate maca smoothie recipe calls for a scoop of vanilla protein powder. Since I’m not always great about eating after my workouts I like to give my muscles a protein boost, and I also like the sweetness it ads to this smoothie. I’m currently using Garden of Life brand, also found in health food stores or on Amazon here (affiliate). If you would like to make a protein powder-free version of this smoothie, substitute 3 pitted dates and 1/4 cup almond butter.

Here are the brands of protein, maca, and cacao that I use (Amazon affiliate links):

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Yield: 1 smoothie

Chocolate Maca Smoothie

Prep Time 2 minutes

Total Time 2 minutes

This maca smoothie tastes like a chocolate malt but is so much healthier.

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Ingredients

• 2/3 cup almond milk
• 1 banana
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 1 tablespoon Maca powder
• 1/2 tablespoon cacao powder
• 5 ice cubes

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. Enjoy!

Notes

Always consult your physician before starting a new supplement. Maca shouldn't be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Nutrition will vary depending on exact ingredients.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 300Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 5mgCarbohydrates: 49gFiber: 6gProtein: 35g

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