Chocolate Almond Smoothie with Ashwagandha

Let’s share some smoothie love, friends! Who else finds these power-packed refreshers make for their premier fuel to kick start and sustain the day year-round? I’m imagining a clamoring of "me, me”…

If smoothies are appealing but not satiating enough for your busy, active days, consider trying this rich, creamy Chocolate Almond Ashwagandha option. Literally bursting with nutrients, this frosty-style concoction derives extra thickness from a secret ingredient–frozen cauliflower! Brimming with fiber, vitamins, and other beneficial plant compounds, mild, hydrating cauliflower lends extra wholesomeness and enhanced texture without noticeably contributing to calories or taste. Mix in antioxidant-loaded fresh spinach, protein-packed almond butter, and ORGANIC INDIA Ashwagandha, and this is one powerhouse or refreshment.

Sometimes referred to as “Indian Ginseng” or “Winter Cherry”, traditional herb Ashwagandha has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine as a natural source of energy and vitality. Today, an increasing body of modern research clinically backs this potent adaptogen for its ability to help balance stress response, supporting the body and mind in healthy response to physical, mental and environmental stress. Other notable benefits include cognition support, increased stamina, restful sleep, and more.

I’ll be honest—we’re traveling all month, and I currently don’t have a blender on hand to make this, but I sure could use it. TOMORROW I’m scheduled to swim the 5.25 miles end-to-end across cold Coniston Water as part of the annual Coniston Chill swim. This is WAY out of my comfort zone. Swimming has never been my thing—more like “a thing” that I’ve come to enjoy quite a lot as balance for “my thing”, which is running. In fact, in the past, when D and I were pretty intense about triathlon, I even took a weird sort of bent pride in NOT being a good swimmer, as if not swimming well somehow further affirmed my identity as a runner. But lately, I’ve found swimming to be renewing and refreshing, especially wild swimming. I love how non-competitive I am about it. I love the healing power of the water, and the way my short frame feels like it’s getting stretched out in it. I love the vulnerable communion with nature you can feel alone on a quiet lake.

I’ve been looking forward to tomorrow’s swim, and have generally been taking it in stride, in contrast to the tense mess of crackling anxiety I become before big running races. Unfortunately, the other day I was suddenly and I’ll even say violently hit with an excruciating illness of some sort. Ironically, an article came out today that pinpointed the cause as likely being, believe it or not, because of swimming! The location I’d been training in the several days preceding was specifically called out as having been sited for blue green algae bloom. Ugh! In any case, today I feel just adequate enough to think I can gut it out tomorrow, giving myself full permission to bail en route as needed, no shame. Today, I’m also really questioning, what on earth was I thinking, signing up!? I could sure use this smoothie. It combines refreshing calm with energizing vitality—exactly what my body and mind crave. Best of all, it comes with delicious satisfaction–a fudgsicle in a cup. Just the idea is kind of calming honestly, and to be sure I’ll be enjoying this once I’m back in business with the blender. I hope you enjoy it too! Happy summer adventures! I’d love to know what yours are. xo

Per 1 serving

1 Cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk, or plant milk of choice
1 overripe banana, cut into chunks and frozen
½ Cup frozen cauliflower florets
A good handful (about ½ Cup) baby spinach leaves
1 Tablespoon almond butter
1 ½ Tablespoons cacao powder
½ Teaspoon ORGANIC INDIA Ashwagandha
A few drops almond extract
Optional addends: cacao nibs, flaked dark chocolate, 1 Medjool date

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy!