Chocolate Almond Butter Smoothie

I've been ratcheting up my exercise lately, adding in a lot more strength training, trying to get stronger and leaner. I'm kickboxing a couple of times a week (in addition to the spinning and hiking I already do) and I can't tell you how good it feels to punch and kick that heavy bag—talk about getting out your aggressions!

However, I do feel my body craving more sustenance. And I find this creamy smoothie to be great for that: not only does it offer protein but also fiber, potassium, iron, calcium—even folate and vitamins C and K from the avocado. 

And, in case you're worried, you won't taste the avocado. You'll just get its wonderful creaminess and healthfulness.

But make no doubt about it, this smoothie is also loaded with calories, about 600. Now, that's great for those of you who are pregnant or breastfeeding and need extra calories; or those who need to support tough fitness regimens; or for kids who need to gain some weight. This is a delicious, nutrient- and calorie-dense real food. For those who are watching their weight, though, this should be viewed as a meal replacement—not a snack! Or you can do what I often do and split this smoothie into two servings; I drink half before my workout and half afterwards.

Ingredients
yield: 16 ounces

• 1 cup milk or plantmilk
• 1/2 Mexican or California avocado, like Hass (preferably frozen in chunks)
• 1 1/2 T raw cacao or unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 T creamy almond butter
• 1 to 1 1/2 T honey 
• pinch of sea salt

Blend until smooth. It will be very rich and thick. See how my straw stands up in it? 

Who wants a sip?