Smoothie Saturday: Secret Smoothie

Eating healthy is no prob for this omnivore but sometimes I just need chocolate! How to satisfy the sweet tooth but keep the nutrition rockin'? Flavor the smoothie with the yum ingredients and use the more nutritious stuff for body and texture.

Cocoa, banana and peanut butter are a classic flavor combo (and add antioxidants, a serving of fruit and protein). For bulk and creamy smoothness there's uber healthy beans and avocado.

I use smoothies for breakfast or quick lunches when I'm in the middle of projects and don't want to stop to prepare a meal because, generally, the calories are too high for a snack.

3/4 cup nonfat milk
1/2 scoop protein powder
(I used Whole Foods vanilla whey)
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp Splenda Blend
1 ripe banana
1/4 cup beans, cooked and cooled
1/3 of a whole avocado
1 tbsp peanut butter
3-4 ice cubes

Put all the ingredients, except the ice, in a blender and whiz until smooth. Add the ice and blend again until smooth.

Calories: 520
Total fat: 17g
Saturated fat: 1.8g
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.8g
Monounsaturated fat: 5.1g
Carbs: 68.9g
Protein: 23.1g
Fiber 12.3g

This smoothie is a great way to sneak beans and avocado into kids, providing they don't see what goes in the blender.

-DK