Chocolate Super Foods Green Smoothie

I have been concocting the perfect "chocolate" green smoothie for awhile.  I wanted it to be chock full of super foods, as well as have that delicious chocolate taste. It is packed with SUPER FOODS (foods that are extremely healthy and contain an abundance and variety of vitamins, minerals, and other health boosting elements) and is perfect for February, the month of chocolate...but without the sugar, dairy and unhealthy fat commonly associated with chocolate! Here are the SUPER FOODS in my chocolate green smoothie!

Kale-abundant in phytochemicals, substances associated with the prevention of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension; helps oxidize cholesterol; boosts DNA repair in cells; contains 45 different flavonoids which provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. (Costco sells a huge 1.5 lb bag of organic baby kale and this is what I use!)

Flaxseed-some call it the most powerful plant food on the planet; linked to decreasing depression and anxiety; promotes cardiovascular health; 70 times higher in the cancer-preventing compound lignans (chemical compounds that act as antioxidants) than any other food; full of heart healthy omega-3 essential fatty acids; packed with soluble and insoluble fiber; aids in reducing inflammation problems (including asthma, allergies, and arthritis.) Using sprouted ground flaxseed makes it easier to digest, double the fiber, full of live enzymes, and higher in vitamin and mineral content.

Raw Cacao-contains more antioxidant flavonoids than any other food; promotes cardiovascular health; protects from environmental and metabolic toxins; raises neurotransmitters in our brains to create a more positive mood; full of essential minerals.

Raw Maca-stress fighting adaptogen used to increase energy, endurance and stamina; nourishes and supports the endocrine system; enhances libido, stimulates fertility, and regulates hormone; reduces chronic fatigue; provides an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Raw Almonds-packed with heart-healthy fats and fiber; aids in lowering bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol; full of vitamin E and oils that may reduce the signs of aging; plays a role in weight loss without hunger; decreases risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease.

Chocolate Power Foods Green Smoothie

1 1/2 cups water

3-4 cups (tightly packed) organic baby kale

1 T sprouted ground flax seed

2 T raw cacao powder
1/2 T raw maca powder
1/4 cup raw almonds
1/4 cup dates
2 frozen bananas

1 cup ice (optional for thicker smoothie)

Place everything in Vitamix and blend until smooth. You can soak your almonds overnight for even more nutritional value.

Variations: use half spinach and half kale and 5 strawberries in place of one of the bananas.