Today is National Chocolate Chip Day, and what better way to celebrate than with one of my favourite Breakfast Smoothie recipes?  I came up with this chocolate chip smoothie recipe because I’m obsessed with the health benefits of cacao. It’s why I feature it as an ingredient in many of my recipes, including chili and truffles.

And let’s be real, who doesn’t want to have chocolate for breakfast? Cacao is the perfect addition to your morning smoothie for both its rich flavor and health benefits.

The Health Benefits of Cacao

Raw, organic cacao is packed full of antioxidants and polyphenols that can protect us from environmental toxins. It contains flavonoids that reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, and is rich in calming magnesium and mood-boosting theobromine. Plus, it can raise levels of our feel-good neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine.

And as for gut health? Well, a recent study showed that eating cacao can even increase the number of good bacteria in our microbiome!

In this healthy smoothie recipe, I’ve paired organic cacao with blood sugar stabilizing cinnamon and a pinch of adrenal boosting Himalayan salt, which not only ramps up the health benefits of this smoothie but makes it taste incredible too.

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Smoothie for Gut Health

• 1 serving New Chapter Chocolate Complete Organic Plant Protein+ or Collagen Glow
• 1 tablespoon cacao powder
• 1 tablespoon cacao nibs
• 1 tablespoon crunchy almond butter
• 2 tablespoons flaxseed
• 1 cup spinach
• ½ zucchini
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 5-10 drops organic stevia
• 1.5 cups Elmhurst 1925 Unsweetened Milked Almonds (use code ‘JENNIFERHANWAY20′ for a 20% discount)

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

This smoothie is from my 28 Day Gut Healing Online Program. If you’re struggling with skin issues, fatigue, hormonal imbalance, or just want to maximize your health and wellness, this program can help. My four-part approach to gut health has helped many clients heal long standing gut issues, get incredible skin, balance hormones, lose excess body fat and enliven their lightest, brightest you.