Curbing Cravings: Banana Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie

As this blog develops over time you will quickly learn that I have a serious sweet tooth.  Chocolate, Vanilla, Butterscotch, Lemon, Raspberry, Coconut, I don’t discriminate - I love all desserts.  They don’t all love me, but I don’t care, I will gobble them up and force them to love me, it’s just how I roll.  Luckily, I also care just enough about my own health that I understand the meaning of “everything in moderation” and can stick to it as a general rule of thumb.  

This recipe is for those days when i need a sweet treat, but I’ve already had several sweet treats. You know what I’m talking about.  Maybe I went berserk on the dessert buffet of my dreams the day before, or maybe i had french toast with caramelized bananas and pure maple syrup for breakfast. Either way, my body knows.

This smoothie is not the same as eating celery sticks, or a bunch of sunflower sprouts, which is maybe what I should be eating after any of the above mentioned delights, but let’s be real, that is not me. So while this smoothie won’t net you negative calories, it’s not bad, and it’s a whole lot more delicious than either of those things. Trust.

You should also take note that this recipe incredibly adaptable.  Play around with it, use what you have on hand, it can easily be made with these ingredients or more, or less. Heck, it can even be made vegan with equally delicious results (you’re welcome, sister). Just make sure you make it. You will not be sorry, that is a promise.

Note: When I’m really feeling like I need a little extra "health" I like to pack in about a cup of fresh, washed, baby spinach - it will turn your drink green, but you can’t taste the spinach and it’s a great way to pack in a little extra veg!

Banana Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie

1 fresh or frozen banana
¼ cup greek yogurt (okay to omit if you are making this vegan, but adds an tasty creamy texture if you’re not!)
1 tsp cocoa powder (more or less depending on how chocolately you like it)
1 heaping Tbsp peanut butter (almond butter is also delicious in this!)
½ cup milk (cow, soy, almond, either way they all work and they all taste great - add more or less depending on desired consistency)
1 - 2 tsp honey or maple syrup (recommended if using natural peanut butter or almond butter - not needed if you are using regular peanut butter)

Directions

1. Put everything in a blender or magic bullet, blend until smooth and enjoy!