So picture this – it’s snack time and your kid is asking for sweets. You don’t feel like arguing, but you’re thinking – how can I secretly get him to eat something healthier? Well this smoothie is a perfect way to sneak cucumber, zucchini, flax, hemp and chia seeds in without him ever knowing! I call that veggie stealth and I’m starting to become a master of the art. Especially with an 8 year old running around these days.
For occasions such as these, it’s great to have ripe bananas already frozen. I like to freeze bananas every week so that I’m always prepared. I let several bananas turn really ripe, peel and slice them. Then I throw the slices in a large container that I keep in the freezer. When I need some frozen bananas for a recipe, I break off chunks for however much is needed. Being prepared makes my life so much easier! And then I’m always ready for the impromptu smoothie or banana ice cream.
For this smoothie, I used a combination of melted chocolate chips and raw cacao powder. Lately I’ve been using chocolate chips sweetened with stevia as this is a sugar-free option. If you don’t have the chocolate chips, you could probably triple the amount of cacao powder and maple syrup. I just don’t have the exact ratio as I haven’t made it that way – if you try it, though, let me know!
Now for the sneaky ingredients: cucumber, zucchini, hemp seeds, flax seeds and chia seeds. Once blended up, your kid will be none the wiser to your secret veggie ingredients! I love sneaking chia and flax seeds into smoothies. Flax seeds have important omega-3s and chia seeds are a complete protein. Hemp seeds are also a good source of protein and also contain omega-3s as well as other essential vitamins.
Zucchini is a great veggie to add to smoothies because it’s flavor is so mild that it is easily masked by other flavors, but it will add lots of volume to the smoothie without adding many calories. It is full of fiber and will make the smoothie more filling. On top of all that, zucchini is incredibly good for you. It is known to contain many antioxidants and phytonutrients such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, manganese, zeaxanthin, and lutein and is also anti-inflammatory, supports the thyroid and adrenals, and can improve leaky gut (source) So pile it in!
So there you have it, a deliciously, chocolatey, peanut-buttery treat that also has a great nutrient profile! Can’t beat that 🙂
I hope you enjoy this recipe and let me know what you think in the comments!
xx
Dr. Romay
Makes 2 servings
This creamy and chocolatey smoothie secretly contains veggies – but you would never know it! And kids will love it, too.
Author: Leah Romay
High Speed Blender
Dr. Leah Romay is a dentist passionate about health and wellness and believes that health is possible for everyone. She’s been in the kitchen cooking from scratch for most of her life and greatly enjoys creating healthy and delicious recipes. In addition to practicing dentistry full time, she spends her free time developing recipes, reading scientific studies, and helping others live their healthiest lives through evidence-based lifestyle and diet. Read more about Dr. Romay and her story here.
Please understand that all of the content presented here on leahromay.com is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You should always consult with your medical doctor, qualified healthcare provider, or dentist regarding any medical or dental concerns and questions you may have. If you suspect you have a medical condition, do not delay seeking the care of a qualified healthcare provider.
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