Chunky Monkey Superfood Smoothie

I just created a yummy smoothie to start my day. I often start off with fruit and greens but decided today to try something different. The best thing is that this is approved by my four year old as you can see in this photo.

Ingredients:

1 cup almond milk (or any non-dairy milk will work)
1 banana
2 pitted dates
1 tbsp chia seed
1 tbsp cacao nibs
1 tbsp maca powder
1 tbsp peanut butter (or almond butter)
1 cup ice


Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth.

A word on Maca:

On the nutritional end, this root (maca) holds many vitamins and minerals that are essential to your health. Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron are all found in maca. Additionally, vitamin C, vitamins B1, B2, B6, and B12. All of these nutrients are essential for the body. Research has further shown that maca contains two of the three essential fatty acids. It is also packed with fiber and 18 amino acids. Its benefits include an increase in energy and mood enhancer, sexual enhancement, immune system function and disease-fighting properties. Maca is used to treat conditions such as osteoporosis, stomach cancer/stomach ulcers, erectile dysfunction, depression, leukemia, AIDS, HIV and tuberculosis. Maca can be taken in supplement form or you can add it to foods as I did in this smoothie.