by Annie Vischer
I love milkshakes. Thick, frothy, dreamy and creamy milkshakes. They’re a definite weakness of mine. The bad news? Well they’re not all that great for you are they. The super decadent ones normally involve a few scoops of sugar-laden ice cream, and if you’re lactose intolerant they’re a definite no-no. The good news? It’s so easy to make a good ‘Fit Girl’ approved one.
Here’s how to make my version of a chocolate milkshake, the Choco Maca Milkshake.
You’ll need…
300ml unsweetened almond milk
1 tsp maca root powder
Cacao nibs to taste (normall 2-3 tsp)
Filtered water/ice to taste
Agave (optional)
Whizz everything together in a blender, making sure to pulse at the end to blend the cacao nibs as much as possible. If you like your shakes a little sweeter, add a little agave, but be sparing! This shake gives you a real spring in your step, so it’s a perfect little pick-me-up after a killer gym session or class.
Cacao nibs are the most anti-oxidant rich food in the world, so they pack a serious beauty punch. They also contain tryptophan, known as the happy nutrient. It’s an essential amino acid that promotes the production of stress-relieving hormones. Doctors now have a list of tryptophan-rich foods that they recommend to patients suffering from chronic stress and depression.
When it comes to maca, the benefits are seemingly endless, though don’t overdo it. It can increase energy, increase muscle mass when combined with a hot-to-trot workout regime, clear skin and bestow a lovely little mood boost. It has a gorgeous malty taste, perfect for a milkshake.
Top tip/ If you want to tuck into this angelic little treat just before bed, replace the maca root powder with lucuma powder – it gives you the same malty taste, but won’t keep you awake. You can even warm your shake up to make a guilt-free hot chocolate!