Fitness enthusiasts can become a little ritualistic about the food they eat before a race, or certain smoothies that make them perform better. This is how I feel about the Chocolate Cherry Smoothie and it is so ridiculously simple you are going to make it every single week, if not several times a week. Welcome to your new kitchen staple. I have it before my spin classes, after long bike rides with the kids and whenever I need a pick me up. 

Here’s why I love this smoothie: I don’t always add protein powder, but the chocolate vegan protein powder in this one is so perfectly delicious it somewhat makes the smoothie (on the other hand, almond butter always works incredibly well here). Cinnamon add a punch of both anti-inflammation and kick, and the cherry and banana are great for the muscles. It is likely you already make a version of this smoothie, but I will guarantee that you will be making this version. 

Smoothie Ingredients

• • 2 cups of chopped spinach 
  • ½ banana
  • 1 cup frozen cherries 
  • 2 1/2 cups  unsweetened vanilla almond milk or a mix of almond milk and water
  • 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder 
  • 1 tsp dark cocoa
  • 1 tbsp  chia seed.
  • 3-4 ice cubes.

Instructions

Blend all ingredients together in a Vitamix for over a minute until well blended. Enjoy!