Cocoa Strawberry Smoothie

So it's currently 70 degrees and sunny out. In the middle of January. I guess I need to get used to this wonky Houston weather again. Since it's been much warmer the last couple of days, my body has been craving smoothies again. Even though I love smoothies, I have a hard time enjoying them in the dead of winter. Perhaps it's instinctual. My body senses cold weather and immediately craves warm, comforting foods. And the second it warms up, I want smoothies and fresh, raw foods.

Since it has become my latest favorite, I thought I would share this super simple smoothie with you. I actually borrowed the idea from a smoothie I frequently order when I'm at Whole Foods. I've tweaked it a bit to my liking, adding some hemp hearts for a dose of protein a medjool date instead of agave for a touch of sweetness. The flavor is sort of like a chocolate covered strawberry and it has a super creamy consistency thanks to the avocado.

If you aren't familiar with hemp hearts, you might consider making them a part of your repertoire. They are a highly digestible complete protein that contains both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids are an amazing source of energy, making hemp hearts a great plant-based source of protein and energy. Hemp is also a good source of dietary fiber and healthy carbs that stabilize your blood sugar and help ensure regularity. In addition to all of these amazing benefits, hemp is full of vitamins and minerals. Hooray for hemp!

This smoothie is a great place to start, but here are some other suggestions for using hemp hearts:
-sprinkle on top of salads
-sprinkle on your oatmeal
-sprinkle on your avocado toast
-stir into some cooked quinoa, rice, or other cooked grains for a protein boost and added nuttiness

Cocoa Strawberry Smoothie
notes: if your dates are a bit hard, soak them in some warm water before using them in this smoothie. You can use any plant milk you like but I prefer coconut milk here as it lets the "chocolate covered strawberry" flavor really shine through. 

2 cups frozen strawberries
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
1/2 of a small avocado
1 tbsp cacao or unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tbsp hemp hearts (hulled hemp seeds)
1 to 2 medjool dates, pitted (depending on how sweet you want it)

Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Drink immediately and enjoy! Makes 1 generous serving, or 2 small servings.