Chocolate Berry Love Day Smoothie

Do you celebrate Valentine's Day? We don't so much in our house, at least my husband and I. Not to be cynical, but there is something about having one specific day to celebrate love (that is now so commercialized) that kinda rubs us the wrong way. Don't get me wrong, we still make an effort to go do something fun together, but usually not on the 14th. Plus, now that we've got a 4.5 and almost 3 year old, well, Love Day is more about a family day. So, here is a family Love Smoothie we can all share!

My hubby is a chocolate lover. Our girls, especially our little bird, inherited those genes. I on the other hand, tend to be a fruity, pun intended. I'll always pick a fruit or cream-based dessert (especially citrus) over chocolate. Not that I don't like a good dark chocolate mind. This smoothie fit the bill for all of us, a little bit chocolate and a little bit fruity....and super easy to make! 

With the addition of hemp seeds and chia seeds, I'm adding in some extra protein. The avocado lends a nice creaminess, and gives some good fats to help keep tummies satisfied. Keeping out and added sweeteners leaves the berries with their tartness, and helps keep the craving monsters at bay. The banana is sweet enough to make the chocolate layer delicious. 

Ingredients

Chocolate Layer:
1 small frozen banana
1 cup milk of choice (I use coconut milk)
1 tbsp cacao nibs or cacao powder
1 tbsp hemp seeds
1 drop Ginger or Cinnamon essential oil (optional, but yummy)

Berry Layer:
1 cup frozen berries (mixed or your fave)
1/2 avocado
1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)
1 cup milk of choice (or water)

Method

Blend each flavor separately, then layer, and top with fresh berries. Sip together and enjoy. Yum!