Chocolate Almond Butter Smoothie Recipe

By Healthy Smoothie HQ | Updated: March 2, 2012

Chocolate Almond Butter Smoothie Recipe This is one of my favorite post workout smoothies. I never feel like spending too long in the kitchen after an exhausting workout, which is why I usually choose to whip up a smoothie in 5 minutes or less. I also like to make a smoothie before heading off to the gym and drink half before and after.

Chocolate and peanut butter are a dynamic duo. You can use peanut butter instead of almond, but your smoothie won’t be quite as healthy. This is one of those smoothies that’s so decadent I have to remind myself that it’s actually very healthy.

With almonds being front and center in this recipe, let’s touch on a few of their health benefits. A quarter cup of almonds contains about 8 grams of protein. Almonds are high in vitamin E and manganese, and a good source of magnesium, tryptophan (boosts levels of the feel-good hormone serotonin), copper, vitamin B2, and phosphorus. Manganese and copper help with energy production.

The monounsaturated fats found in almond have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. Besides being great for your heart, almonds offer protection against diabetes by reducing after meal surges in blood sugar.

Studies have shown diets high in nuts like almonds may help you lose weight. Lastly, almonds help prevent gallstones and daily consumption of almonds may help you eat a healthier diet overall. Sounds like almonds might need to be categorized as a superfood.

This is also a great dessert smoothie. If you have a strong enough blender you can reduce the liquid this recipe calls for and make more of a pudding, or ice cream with use of a frozen banana. Enjoy!