Dad, if your reading this, cover your eyes and hit the escape button……………….  My dad is not a coconut fan.  I have tried to hide it in many recipes just to see if I could get away with it.    Maybe I am working out some childhood issues (aren’t we all).

My dad has “supersonic coconut taste bud detectors” and I have not been successful on this mission of hiding the taste of coconut in my recipes.   In all seriousness, he is one my biggest fans (I am my father’s daughter after all) and he would try my coconut recipe if I smiled sweetly…and didn’t mention the coconut part.

Coconut is so good for you!  So if you do not like it, try adding a little bit here and there (pretty please dad).   I had 1/2 can (BPA free) of coconut milk left over from a recipe and needed to use it up.  So I blended this Chocolate Coconut smoothie up in jiffy!  I was inspired to add chocolate, raspberries, or orange to this creamy coconut concoction. So have fun with creating a good start to your morning!

You might be asking why I, and  many health experts,  believe coconut is a super food.  Coconut oil contains fatty acids with powerful medicinal properties. Obesity is a gigantic health concern for the world and although some people flip out over the calories coconut has, we need to keep in mind the source of these calories.  Plant based foods should be looked at differently.  Research shows that medium chain triglycerides in coconut oil can increase 24 hour energy expenditure by as much as 5 %, potentially leading to significant weight loss over the long term.

Lauric acid in coconut oil can kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The fatty acids in coconut oil can significantly reduce appetite, which may positively affect body weight over the long term.  This is a new one for me, I read that MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) in coconut oil can increase blood concentration of ketone bodies, which can reduce seizures in epileptic children. This is good stuff!!

I am sure you have read by now that studies in humans and rats (finally something good for the poor rats) show that coconut oil improves important risk factors for heart disease like lowering bad cholesterol.  Lastly, studies show that even Alzheimer patients can benefit from coconut oil’s fatty acids by suppling energy for the brain cells and can aid in relieving symptoms.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cold water
1/2 can (BPA free) coconut milk (learn more)
1/2 cup soaked raw cashews (learn more)
4 cubes ice
1 tablespoon chia seeds (learn more)
2 tablespoons cacao powder (learn more)
2 tablespoons coconut oil (learn more)
2 tablespoons coconut manna (learn more)
1-2 scoops protein
dash of natural sweetener

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients except your protein and sweetener into your Vitamix (or a strong blender).  Blend till creamy.
2. Taste and add your clean protein and natural sweetener. Blend gently so it does not get too frothy.

Tips:

You can use whey protein, or for a dairy-free and vegan alternative, hemp or pea protein.  Make sure there are no artificial ingredients. If it’s naturally sweetened already, you may not need any extra sweetener.  Otherwise,  you could use stevia, honey or coconut nectar to keep with the theme.  You can always add more ice for a slushy drink too.  I like to add other super foods like Lucuma powder.  This South American fruit  has a maple syrup taste to it and is a great source of fiber and potassium.

May you always have a cup full of health,

Dawn

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