PALEO & KETO MINT CACAO PROTEIN SHAKE

Cacao is an amazing healthy substitute for chocolate, with a bitter sweet taste similar to dark chocolate. Paired with fresh mint leaves this protein packed smoothie does a great job at reimagining the classic mint-chocolate flavour we love, minus the non-nutritive ingredients and added sugars! Instead, we add Collagen Peptides and MCT Oil for an extra serving of powerful protein and healthy fats.

Do I Need to Use Fresh Mint Leaves?

Mint is often used as a garnish but for this recipe it's actually one of the main ingredients, giving this protein shake it's minty chocolate flavour. If you don't have any fresh mint leaves you could use half a teaspoon of peppermint extract instead.

Tip: You can freeze fresh herbs and once frozen can use them straight away in blended smoothies. Simply pick the leaves from the stem and try to lay evenly in a freezer bag, carefully put into the freezer and within a couple of hours you will have a sheet of frozen mint you can snap off to use anytime!

What are Cacao Nibs and Where Can I Find Them?

Cacao nibs are a healthier relative of chocolate, made by crushing dried and fermented cacao beans. Organic cacao nibs are incredibly nutrient dense and naturally low in sugar. They are often added to foods for a nutrient boost and give a slightly bitter-sweet flavour like that you get from dark chocolate.

You can easily grab some cacao nibs online or from health food shops, they're also available in some large supermarkets either in the baking aisle or the health foods aisle. We find a little goes a long way so a small bag of cacao nibs should last a long time.

Why Should I Add MCT Oil?

MCT stands for "medium-chain triglyceride" and that's all you will find in our MCT oil. Our MCT oil is made using 100% Organic Coconut derived MCTs and is free from palm oil, blends of other oils and sugars. We triple steam distill it for purity, so it is neutral in taste and can easily be added to tea, coffee, smoothies, shakes or salads - MCT oil is a really versatile ingredient!

We add MCT oil to this recipe as a great way to obtain more of your healthy fats. To hear more as to why you should be using MCT as part of your daily routine - check out this article here.

Why Should I Add Collagen Peptides?

Hunter & Gather Collagen Peptides is a nutrient-dense and incredibly bioavailable protein powder that can be added to tea coffee, shakes, water or any liquids.

We add collagen peptides to this recipe as a really easy way to increase your essential amino acids, like Lysine. This collagen is unflavoured and dissolves easily, so blends really well into this smoothie.

Natural collagen production declines as we age so collagen peptides are a great way to top up your collagen levels daily, like by adding to smoothies and drinks. To understand more about how collagen can support your skin, hair, nails, bones, joints and gut health - check out our article here. 

Why Should I Add Salt To My Smoothie?

Added salt can ring alarm bells as conventional wisdom and decades of associated public health advice would have us believe that salt should be avoided at all costs!

However, the minerals and electrolytes found in salt are actually essential nutrients which are needed to maintain normal fluid balance as well as nerve and muscle function. This is especially important for those going Keto as ketosis can alter electrolyte balance and so taking salt and electrolytes can help the body to adapt.

 

Nutritional Info (Per Serving):

Calories: 299

Fat: 14.1g

Of which saturates: 9g

Carbohydrate: 24.7g

Of which sugar: 10.9g

Protein: 19.6g

What You Need (Ingredients):

• 300g frozen kale or spinach
• 2 tbsp Hunter and Gather Collagen Peptides
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tbsp cacao or cocoa powder
• 1-2 tbsp Hunter and Gather MCT oil
• 1 tbsp cacao nibs
• 10 fresh mint leaves
• 250ml almond or coconut milk
• 1 pinch Himalayan Rock Salt
• Handful of ice to thicken (optional)
• 1 tbsp raw honey or maple syrup to sweeten (optional – leave out for Keto or use inulin fibre or chicory root instead)

What You Do (Method):

1. Add all of the ingredients (except the cacao nibs) to a high speed blender
2. Start low and slow, pressing the smoothie ingredients into the blade with the blender tamper - stop and scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Once the smoothie is finished blending, add the cacao nibs + pulse for 5-10 seconds to just begin to break them up
4. Serve and enjoy!

All information provided on our website and within our articles is simply information, opinion, anecdotal thoughts and experiences to provide you with the tools to thrive.

It is not intended to treat or diagnose symptoms and is definitely not intended to be misconstrued for medical advice. We always advise you seek the advice of a trained professional when implementing any changes to your lifestyle and dietary habits.

We do however recommend seeking the services of a trained professional who questions the conventional wisdom to enable you to become the best version of yourself.