TRY IT TUESDAY: Chocolate Almond milk

Easiest recipe in the entire world, Energy.  It works well for a pre or post workout drink, and even as something to enjoy as a supplement to breakfast or lunch.   Chocolate Almond Milk.  Heck yes.

Did you know that almond milk has less calories, sugar and fat than regular reduced-fat cow's milk?One cup of vanilla-flavored and sweetened almond milk contains about 90 calories and 2.5 grams of fat, compared to the 120 calories and 5 grams of fat in 1 cup of cow's milk. These numbers vary greatly by brand and type, as plain almond milk can be as low as 30 calories per serving. 

Almond milk contains no cholesterol and an insignificant amount of sodium.  One serving counts for 30 percent of your daily calcium needs and 25 percent of your Vitamin D.  Both work together to build stronger bones by decreasing your odds of osteoporosis.   And did we mention protein, protein, protein? Almond milk contains double the protein as regular milk which aids in muscle recovery after a strenuous workout.

Unsweetened cocoa is considered a super food which means it works wonders on your body. Just one tablespoon powder contains 3 to 9 percent of the recommended daily intake of iron, manganese, magnesium and zinc.  It also greatly reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease because magnesium regulates your heart rhythm. 

The biggest benefit of unsweetened cocoa is obviously the lack of sugar.  One tablespoon contains 12 calories, 1/10th of a gram of sugar and 1 gram of protein.  Are you kidding me??

I must admit, that almond milk and unsweetened cocoa do need a hint of sugary sweetness.  I take care of that by exchanging my sugar for a Stevia substitute.  Stevia is known well in the health industry as a no calorie sugar substitute that does not contain any artificial sweeteners. It is completely natural and is harvested directly from the Stevia plant.  More and more grocery stores are carrying Stevia in both individual packets and in large bag form.  Stevia is 30 times sweeter than regular sugar so a little bit goes a long way.

What are your go to quick drinks, smoothies, and pick me ups? Post your recipes in the comments section below so we can share them with our Energy community.

CHOCOLATE ALMOND MILK:

1 cup (8 ounces) of unsweetened vanilla almond milk

2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder

2-3 packets of Stevia (adjust to your personal sweetness satisfaction)

I find that if I mix and dilute the cocoa powder with a bit of water to make a thin batter-like mixture, and then pour the mixture into the milk, it mixes better.  I have noticed that if I add the powder to the almond milk, it will not combine.

Author: Joanna Etshokin
Photo Source: Pinterest