Choco Chip Mint Smoothie

Although this ice cream-like drink tastes indulgent, it’s actually loaded with good-for-you nutrients: heart-healthy monounsaturated fats in the avocado and antioxidant-rich polyphenols in the cocoa nibs.

1 1/2 cups (350 mL) unsweetened almond milk

1/2 avocado

1/4 tsp (1 mL) peppermint extract

1 1/2 dates

6 ice cubes

1/2 Tbsp (7 mL) cocoa nibs

Mint leaves, as garnish

Place almond milk, avocado, peppermint extract, and dates in blender. Blend until very smooth. Add ice and pulse until ice is crushed. Add cocoa nibs and pulse some more until they are smaller but not fully blended.

Garnish with fresh mint leaves.

Serves 1.

Each smoothie contains: 286 calories; 4 g protein; 17 g total fat (3 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 37 g total carbohydrates (24 g sugars, 10 g fibre); 186 mg sodium

source: "Healthy Smoothies", alive #364, February 2013