This is a sponsored post sharing my chocolate cherry smoothie recipe brought to you by 3cConsulting. The opinions are completely my own based on my personal experience with the product.
I have a confession to make. In the last few weeks, I’ve lost three pairs of jeans. Granted, jeans wear out over time. I accept this. Three pairs though in such a short time And it wasn’t thigh rub. It wasn’t the knees giving out. It’s time for me to accept that my jeans gave out because I pushed them out.
I haven’t been to the gym since July. I eat what I feel like eating, and I rarely eat breakfast. While I haven’t gained so much weight that other people notice, I notice. More importantly, I know I need to make changes.
At the start of the year, so many people put grand resolutions out there, but I know myself. I’m fully aware that I don’t do well with massive change and instead need to start small and feel accomplished with baby steps as I work my way towards the larger changes.
One of the first things I started doing was ensuring I actually eat and that my food is fuel. I start my mornings with Bulletproof Coffee and its MCT oils that help me focus. I get more done and I’m less stressed, which means I don’t “forget” to make something for my meals or for my family, leading to poor choices. Seriously – go check out how I discovered that not only do I like coffee but how Bulletproof Coffee helps me get done what I need to do.
There’s a whole Bulletproof Diet, but I’m not ready for that. I recognize that. I love the theory behind it and the Bulletproof Cookbook has the most amazing recipes. Right now, I’m up for making one here or there, but I’m not ready to commit all the way.
Fortunately, Bulletproof gets it. They’ve introduced all sorts of new food products that follow the Bulletproof Method to give me a leg up. My personal favorite right now (hello, it’s winter in Chicago) is the Bulletproof Hot Chocolate. It’s a hot chocolate that tastes fantastic in warm coconut milk but has no inflammation-causing sugar. I’ve been making a Mexican hot chocolate that is to die for.
Right now, I’m focusing on my meals though, and I learned a few years ago when I first got my weight and fitness under control that I do best with a smoothie at the start of my day. There are so many fantastic recipes, but this chocolate cherry smoothie using the Bulletproof Hot Chocolate rocks my socks.
How to Make a Chocolate Cherry Smoothie
When I make smoothies, I prefer to make them vegan using coconut milk. I enjoy the taste of them more that way. My smoothies need no added sugar or sweetener as frozen fruit by itself is perfect. I always add a little protein powder to help me meet my protein needs for the day. Outside that, this chocolate cherry smoothie gets the addition of Bulletproof Hot Chocolate. This is by far one of my favorite flavor combinations (chocolate covered cherries anyone?), and it works beautifully in a smoothie.
It takes me just a couple minutes to whip up this smoothie after I’ve enjoyed my Bulletproof Coffee and am ready for a bit more. Add the coconut milk to the base of your blender, then add the frozen cherries. Protein powder follows, then the Bulletproof Hot Chocolate. If your blender doesn’t have a cup that flips, reverse the order.
Blend until smooth, then pour into a cup and serve immediately. The frozen fruit means it’s thick without being too thick (add a touch more coconut milk and blend again if you prefer it thinner), and you add no filler ingredients. There’s no sugar, no ice, and that makes me happy. The chocolate flavor is there without overtaking the cherries, and I could drink these for breakfast and lunch. In fact, I often do.
Bulletproof Has More Snack Options
That said, I do like my variety. And raise your hand if you don’t sometimes have that craving – especially midafternoon – where you want a little something sweet. My downfall is snacking on fruit with Nutella because it’s way too easy to want “just a little” more Nutella and suddenly I realize how much I’ve eaten and wow that’s not what I intended to eat and I feel awful.
The Bulletproof snacks, however, are perfectly portion controlled and follow the Bulletproof principles. I don’t need a snack every day – especially not on days when I start with my Bulletproof Coffee and enjoy this chocolate cherry smoothie. If you see something you like, order it! Try it out. Some products may be out of stock, but check back again. That just proves I’m not alone in loving these collagen protein snacks.
Because some days, I do want a snack, and the Bulletproof Brownie Bite? It’s fabulous. These collagen protein bites have 5 grams of protein and just 100 calories. The texture isn’t quite like a brownie, but the taste mimics is nicely. One of these and my cravings disappear! And yes, they contain added Bulletproof® Brain Octane® and XCT® oil to ensure I have no midday crash.
Interestingly, as much as I love quality chocolate, my cravings often go towards citrus. That’s where the Bulletproof Lemon Cookie comes in. These bars have 12 grams of protein that keep me going until dinner time – sometimes a little past (apologies to my family for not wanting to eat the second they walk in the door). It has a hint of sweetness and a fabulous lemon flavor once my chocolate cherry smoothie breakfast wears off.
The days I just flat out need some chocolate, however? Bulletproof has me covered there, too. Their chocolate fuel bars come in three flavors – original, Himalayan salt (my favorite), and upgraded coffee (yum). This is the quality chocolate I crave. They’re sugar free and sweetened with xylitol, but you’d never guess how guilt free these bites of deliciousness are. I break off a few pieces and slowly let them melt in my mouth, and voila I’m set!
These are the tools I need to start my steps along the path I should have been walking all along. I know I veered, and as far as I got, I’m almost afraid to head to the gym again. I know I can do it though, and this week just might be my week to finally make it there, proving to myself that one baby step begets the next.
What are your baby steps? Is there room for a chocolate cherry smoothie?
Chocolate Cherry Smoothie
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup rice milk
- 1/2 cup frozen cherries
- 1 scoop protein powder
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to blender. If using a cup blender that flips upside down, add in the order listed.3/4 cup rice milk, 1/2 cup frozen cherries, 1 scoop protein powder, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- If using a traditional blender, add protein powder, then cocoa powder. Follow with cherries then rice or coconut milk.
- Blend until smooth.
- If too thick, add a touch more coconut milk then blend again. Serve immediately.
Notes
- The frozen fruit means it’s thick without being too thick (add a touch more coconut milk and blend again if you prefer it thinner), and you add no filler ingredients.
- For more tips and tricks, be sure to read the full article above.
Nutrition
This site uses an online source to provide nutrition estimates as a courtesy. If you need exact values, please calculate yourself.
Looks delicious — and easy. I love the easy of it. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Erica! Easy is always a plus. 🙂
This looks so amazing. I am a big fan of frozen fruit in lieu of ice. Will be adding this to the smoothie roster.
Thanks, Aneta! I always do the puppy dog face when I see smoothies that add sugar or honey. The frozen fruit is plenty in my book at least! I hope you enjoy making and eating this one 🙂
This looks so yummy – I love the idea of chocolate and cherry! x
Izzy |http://www.pinchofdelight.com
Thanks, Izzy! It’s one of my favorite combos for sure! And this smoothie? *swoon*