Thirsty Thursday...Chocolate Avocado Smoothie

Hi everyone!! Thought I would switch it up a little to keep things new and different. Instead of Thrifty Thursday today, I'll be alternating it with Thirsty Thursday.

On Thirsty Thursday, I'll share some yummy drinks recipes that I have or one I have found along the way. I've already shared one recipe, but never thought to make a "day" of it! Remember the Pumpkin Smoothie?

Lately, I've been trying to eat healthier and exercise more. I make time in my day to go to the gym to walk or I walk outside every day. I've had a few minor health issues that brought to my attention that I'm not getting any younger and things I eat tend to "stick" now!! Lol I've seen some recipes on Pinterest for Avocado Smoothies, so I thought I would give it a try.

Today's recipe is my version an Chocolate Avocado Smoothie.

I know...avocado? Well, you don't taste it at all. It just gives it that creamy, smooth texture for the smoothie with all the nutrients and vitamins included!!

You can certainly change these ingredients up, but I used...

1 1/2 cups Light Vanilla Soy Milk
1/2 of a ripe avocado
1-2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Splenda to taste

Blend together and enjoy!! Makes 2 servings of a little over one cup each.

Here are some tips...

To not have that powdery cocoa taste, take a little of the soy milk and heat it in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Then dissolve the cocoa powder in that. Really gives the smoothie a much better chocolaty taste!

You could also use skim milk if you don't have soy.

You could also add ice to the blender and that would give it a whole new texture!!

If Splenda is not your thing, I've read in some recipes that they added a tablespoon of brown sugar.

You could also add honey too.

Here is the nutritional chart for avocados that I found. Click here for full article. This is a quote from the site about avocados in our diet.

"As one step towards managing weight, the USDA recommends choosing foods that are "nutrient-dense," like fruits and vegetables, that are low in "extras" that just add calories.

Nutrient dense foods are those that provide substantial amounts of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients with relatively few calories. One-fifth of a medium avocado (1 oz.) has 50 calories and contributes nearly 20 vitamins and minerals making it a nutrient dense choice.

Avocados as one of the nutrient-dense foods, can help get you some of the nutrients you need while balancing your calorie intake."

This is my picture of the Vanilla Soy Milk label.

So, with 1 1/2 cups soy milk totaling 120 calories and the 1/2 avocado totaling 130 calories, plus cocoa power only 10 calories, the total amount for the entire recipe is 260.

My recipe makes 2 servings, so that's only 130 calories each for a healthy yummy "Chocolate" smoothie!!!

I've had this blender for years. If you don't have one...get one. It's fast, easy to use and easy to clean.

I'm not even sure if they sell them anymore, but I'm sure you can find them in thrift store or yard sales!! That was my Thrifty Thursday tip for you.

I shaved a little real chocolate on top with a vegetable peeler to make it look pretty. Enjoy!!

Happy Thursday,
~Karen~