2 Dietitian-Approved Chocolate Smoothie Recipes

Whether you’re dashing out the door for work or squeezing in that 30-minute workout, sometimes the last thing on your mind is food, let alone something tasty and nutritious.

Unfortunately, that’s one of the reasons Americans lack key vitamins and minerals in their daily diets. According the 2010 US Dietary Guidelines, Americans regularly under-consume calcium, vitamin D, and potassium, all of which can impact your overall health ¹. The good news is, incorporating low fat or fat free chocolate milk into your diet is a convenient way to get a high quality protein and improve your overall nutrient intake.

Did I mention there was chocolate?

If you want a quick fix that keeps you full all morning long, or a post workout refuel, just add low fat or chocolate milk to your smoothies. What’s the secret? Chocolate milk has the perfect balance of carbohydrates to protein. Together, they keep you full throughout the day, but they’re also great for post workout muscle recovery, rehydration and electrolyte replacement. Plus – chocolate! (Learn more about the benefits of chocolate milk.)

Below are two quick and simple chocolate milk smoothies for you and your family.

Early Morning Buzz

This smoothie is a real pick-me-up in the morning when time is short and there’s a lot to do. With fresh fruit and vegetables, fat free chocolate milk, and a coffee kick, you will be fueled for any challenge.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup fat free chocolate milk (cold)
• 1 Cup baby spinach (washed)
• 1 Cup frozen strawberries (If using fresh strawberries, add in ½ cup ice)
• 2 Tablespoons black coffee

Directions:

1. Combine ingredients in a blender.
2. Start on low speed and increase your blender speed after 10 seconds.
3. Poor into a glass or your favorite on-the-go mug and enjoy.

Double Chocolate Delight

This nutrient-rich smoothie is great as a post-workout fuel. The potassium from the chocolate milk and the banana will help replace your lost electrolytes and help with muscle recovery.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup low fat or fat free chocolate milk (cold)
• 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder
• ½ Cup ice
• 1 Banana (If using a frozen banana, leave out the ice)
• 1 Tablespoon peanut butter (I like creamy peanut butter for this recipe, but use what you like)

Directions:

1. Combine ingredients in a blender.
2. Start on low speed and increase your blender speed after 10 seconds.
3. Poor into a glass or your favorite on-the-go mug and enjoy.

References:

1. http://www.nutriwatch.org/05Guidelines/dga_advisory_2010.pdf