Recipe for Hormone Balance: Cacao Cherry Smoothie
Conquer the 3 pm (or anytime) sweet tooth craving with nourishment that won’t leave you feeling depleted.
Whether you need a grab-and-go pick me up that can silence your body’s chocolate alarm or simply looking for a delicious recipe to add to your hormone-loving roster, this cacao cherry smoothie checks all the boxes.
Packed with antioxidants, magnesium, and iron, cacao has been shown to improve cortisol levels, reduce PMS symptoms, and trigger endorphin release. Cherries are rich in magnesium and vitamin C which calm the body’s stress response and regulate hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Beets contain manganese which supports brain function and digestion, and dates deliver some natural sweet along with potent antioxidants – and both have also been shown to support hormonal balance. Lastly, cinnamon has been shown to help regulate blood glucose levels (blood sugar), which reduces sugar cravings.
RECIPEIngredients
- 1 oz raw beet, sliced thin/grated and frozen (approximately 1/2 of a small beet)
- 1 banana, peeled, sliced and frozen
- 1 cup dark cherries, frozen
- 1 tablespoon cacao nibs
- 1 pitted date
- 2 oz cashew milk
- 2 oz tart cherry or concord juice
- 2 teaspoon cacao powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cider vinegar or 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Instructions
Freeze beet and banana ahead of time. Blend in phases - first blend frozen beets, date, cacao nibs, milk, and juice on low, increasing speed slowly until broken down and smooth (approximately 1 minute). Next, add the frozen banana, dark cherries, cacao powder, cinnamon and acid. Blend until smooth and enjoy immediately.
*Cherries are easy to find frozen but if you can’t get a hold of any, pit and freeze fresh ones.
Enjoy smoothies? Get the recipe for Dr. Lana's Metabolism Boosting Smoothie.