“Awesome after a hard workout, nice balance of muscle-building protein and healthy fats.”
~ Aiden
Loco-Cocoa Recovery, a popular NutriBullet smoothie recipe, is an after-workout powerhouse, loaded with muscle nourishing protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Naturally sweet from the cacao and vanilla, creamy from the avocado, banana, and almond milk, with just a hint of spice from the light dusting of cinnamon. An excellent way to replenish your body after a hard workout!
Everything You Need
Key Ingredients
The NutriBullet Loco-Cocoa Recovery smoothie ingredients are:
- avocado
- banana
- vanilla almond milk
- cacao nibs
- cacao powder
- cinnamon
- vanilla protein powder
- vanilla extract
- ice
Health Benefits
Avocados – Avocados are neither fruit nor vegetable, but are actually considered berries. They are an excellent source of vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6 vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K. Avocados promote healthy gut bacteria, reduce the risk of heart disease, and provide essential nutrients required during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
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Bananas – Bananas are very healthy, readily available, and one of the least expensive fruits you can buy. They have relatively few calories, are rich in nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium, are full of potent antioxidants including flavonoids and animes, and are high in dietary fiber. Studies have shown that bananas can improve insulin sensitivity and may improve kidney health.
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Almond Milk – Almond milk is a popular nut-based milk replacement that is naturally lactose-free, dairy-free, and completely vegan. It has a surprisingly diverse set of nutrients, including significant amounts of vitamin D, vitamin E, and calcium. Almond milk is also a heart-healthy beverage for those interested in lowering their cholesterol.
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Cacao – Cacao powder, commonly used as a base ingredient for chocolate, is made by grinding up coco beans and removing the fat. Its main health benefit comes from an abundance of polyphenols, a naturally occurring group of antioxidants. Cacao powder is a heart-healthy ingredient, known to reduce high blood pressure, improve blood flow to your brain, lower the risk of stroke, and improve Type 2 diabetes symptoms.
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Cinnamon – Cinnamon is an ancient spice that has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It is high in powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols, and is loaded with cinnamaldehyde, which also provides significant health benefits. Cinnamon is a known anti-inflammatory, helps reduce cholesterol, improves sensitivity to insulin, and aids in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
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Whey Protein Powder – Whey protein powder is the most highly studied nutritional supplement readily available, providing great nutritional value and numerous health benefits. In addition to high quality protein, it also contains bioactive peptides called lactokinins. Whey protein powder promotes muscle growth and maintenance, helps lower blood pressure, can lessen the effects of Type 2 diabetes, and reduces inflammation.
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Vanilla – Vanilla is one of the most popular flavoring agents in the world due to its calming aroma and pleasing taste. It is also rich in the phenolic plant compound vanillin. Vanilla has been shown to protect brain cells against oxidative stress and to reduce liver damage.
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Equipment Needed
A standard blender is all that is required to make these NutriBullet smoothies. If you are making it for just one person, we recommend using the truly amazing personal NutriBullet Ultra as it is super-quick to set up and very easy to clean.
If you are making them for more than one person, we recommend the higher-end full-sized NutriBullet Smart Touch that can process larger loads more efficiently.
For overnight storage, we recommend using a glass or BPA-free airtight container with a resealable lid.
How To Make The Loco-Cocoa Recovery Smoothie
The Nutribullet Loco-Cocoa Recovery smoothie is very easy to make:
- Step 1: Place avocado, banana, vanilla almond milk, cacao nibs, cacao powder, cinnamon, vanilla protein powder, vanilla extract, and ice into a blender and secure the lid.
- Step 2: Start the blender on its lowest speed and steadily ramp up to its highest speed. This will reduce wear and tear on the motor and blades, facilitate a more consistent blend, and help prevent food splatter onto the lid and sides.
- Step 3: Blend for approximately 30 seconds or until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Step 4: Pour into a glass for immediate refreshment or place in the refrigerator in an airtight container to enjoy later.
Recipe Tips And Substitutions
For ease of use, we recommend peeling and slicing a number of bananas, putting them in a freezer bag, and storing them in your freezer for quick access.
If you don’t have frozen fruit, or simply prefer to use fresh fruit (we totally get that), we recommend adding 1/2 cup of ice to chill your smoothie and give it a pleasing icy texture.
Coconut milk or soy milk can be substituted for the almond milk and still keep this delicious smoothie dairy-free.
Dark chocolate squares can be substituted for the cacao nibs or cacao powder without significantly changing the flavor profile.
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NutriBullet Loco-Cocoa Recovery Smoothie Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/4 avocado
- 1 banana frozen, sliced
- 1/2 cup almond milk, vanilla unsweetened
- 1 tbsp cacao nibs
- 1 tbsp cacao powder ground
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon ground
- 2 tbsp whey protein powder, vanilla vanilla
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup ice
- 1 Collagen Boost optional
Instructions
- Place avocado, banana, vanilla almond milk, cacao nibs, cacao powder, cinnamon, vanilla protein powder, vanilla extract, and ice into a NutriBullet blender and secure the lid.
- Start the blender on its lowest speed and steadily ramp up to its highest speed. This will reduce wear and tear on the motor and blades, facilitate a more consistent blend, and help prevent food splatter onto the lid and sides.
- Blend for approximately 30 seconds or until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Pour into a glass for immediate refreshment or place in the refrigerator in an airtight container to enjoy later.
Notes
- For ease of use, we recommend peeling and slicing a number of bananas, putting them in a freezer bag, and storing them in your freezer for quick access.
- If you don’t have frozen fruit, or simply prefer to use fresh fruit (we totally get that), we recommend adding 1/2 cup of ice to chill your smoothie and give it a pleasing icy texture.
- Coconut milk or soy milk can be substituted for the almond milk and still keep this delicious smoothie dairy-free.
- Dark chocolate squares can be substituted for the cacao nibs or cacao powder without significantly changing the flavor profile.
Video
Nutrition
Smoothie Frequently Asked Questions
Nutribullet blenders are designed for ease of use. With a compact design and simple mechanism, users typically just need to fill the blending cup with ingredients, twist on the blade attachment, and press or twist the cup onto the base to blend. Cleaning is also straightforward, as many parts are dishwasher safe.
Cacao powder is considered beneficial for health due to its rich nutrient and antioxidant content. It’s a prime source of flavonoids, which have been linked to improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and enhanced brain function. Cacao powder also provides essential minerals like magnesium, iron, and calcium. Additionally, it contains mood-enhancing compounds like theobromine and phenylethylamine. However, it’s essential to differentiate between raw cacao powder and more processed cocoa powder, as the latter might have reduced antioxidant properties.
More NutriBullet Smoothie Recipes
→ If you liked this delicious Loco-Cocoa Recovery smoothie, try more of our popular favorites on our NutriBullet Smoothie Recipes page.
Source
NutriBullet: Website
