So, I pretty much inhaled this protein shake after my BollyX class tonight.

I know what you’re thinking…looks pretty unhealthy, right?? But it’s absolutely not! The sweetness in this recipe comes naturally from bananas (and possibly from your protein powder, depending on the kind you use).

If you’re anything like me, the icky taste of protein powder is majorly unappetizing and seems to overpower just about anything you pair it with. But I’ve found, I can barely taste it in this recipe! This protein shake tastes just like a chocolate-covered banana with the consistency of a milkshake. Proof that eating clean can taste good!

Dark Chocolate Decadence Protein Shake:
Makes 1, 16oz serving

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (can sub soy or coconut milk)
• 1 frozen banana (tip: Never let your overripe bananas go to waste. Peel and cut them, then freeze for use in smoothies, acai bowls, “nice” cream, and more!)
• 1/2 scoop of protein powder (~20 grams, I used vanilla plant-based protein)
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (I used Hershey’s Special Dark; if using chocolate protein powder reduce this to 1 tsp)
• 1 tsp cacao nibs (optional)
• 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)

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Directions:

• Blend all the ingredients above, except the chia seeds and cacao nibs, in a good blender
• Pour the chocolatey goodness into your glass of choice
• If using chia seeds, stir them into your shake and let chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes – the chia will thicken up your smoothie so it’ll feel extra creamy, just like a milkshake

Tips/Notes:

• Top with cacao nibs for a little extra crunch and texture while yo
  u sip your protein shake
• I highly recommend drinking this with a wide straw for the full milkshake experience

Now don’t get me wrong. Although most or all of the sugar in this recipe is all-natural from the banana, sugar is still sugar! Even natural fruit sugars should be eaten mindfully and in moderation. This recipe is simply a better alternative to the milkshake at that expertly-placed burger joint you always walk past after the gym.

Alright, enough talk – it’s time to go satisfy that chocolate craving!!

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About the author: It only takes talking to Malvika for a few minutes to find out just how much she loves dance. By day she works in Business Intelligence, but spends every other waking moment dancing or thinking about dance. She has trained in Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form of South India, since the age of 4 and has gone on to expand her dance repertoire to Bhangra, Raas/Garba, Bollywood, and pretty much anything that involves smiling and moving. Through BollyX, Malvika has not only discovered a way to share her love for South Asian dance, but has also developed a newfound passion for nutrition and healthy living and hopes to share this through her blog at www.dancingchai.wordpress.com!