Chocolate Cherry Protein Smoothie

I grew up in a small town. I didn't have any fruit trees, but I did (and still do!) have a grandmother with acres of cherry trees. To this day, I can still remember the bowls of fresh cherries sitting poolside or on the porch on hot summer days.

Cherries are rich in potassium, iron, manganese, and copper. Cherries are also packed with melatonin, which means they calm the nerves. All around good things when it comes to cherries.

Now combine the powerhouse that is a cherry with chocolate and you've got a win-win situation. Chocolate and cherries were made for each other. The sweet tartness of cherries blended together with the delectability that is chocolate. Damn! Blend them into a smoothie that does wonders for your post-workout body and you can secretly call it a milkshake.

Go on. I won't tell :)

Recipe
Serves 1 main meal or 2 small meals

Ingredients:

• 12 oz soy milk
• 2 scoops chocolate protein powder (avoid ones with added sugar)
• 2 cups of cherries, pits removed, frozen or fresh
• 2 cups of spinach
• 1 tbsp of almond
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
• 1 tbsp  cocoa powder

Directions:

1. Blend.
   
2. Drink

Nutrition information:
630 calories
64 g protein
13 g fat
47 g carbs
9 g fiber

Note:
**Substitute the soy milk for water to reduce calories by ~100
**Split into four smoothies for small meals throughout the week
​**Swap almonds for pumpkin seeds