Triple Chocolate Cherry Protein Shake

Protein shake recipe & content provided by Veronica Culver, The Enchanted Cook

Fresh, dark red cherries blended into this decadently rich, triple chocolate protein shake recipe are complemented by tart and sour raw kefir. This delicious concoction tastes more like a “cheat” than something that’s good for you.

This protein shake is great post-workout, but you could also drink it as a snack or light meal replacement any time of day. The taste is reminiscent of a chocolate-covered cherry ice cream dessert, which may feel a bit sinful, but is actually quite healthful. This recovery shake contains collagen protein, which replenishes amino acids that help build muscle and repair tissue. Add that to antioxidant-rich dark chocolate and grass-fed raw kefir (if you tolerate dairy), which is high in gut-nourishing bacteria. For a non-dairy option, please see below.

Triple Chocolate Cherry Protein Shake

Start to Finish: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop Chocolate Collagen Peptides (or chocolate protein powder)
• 1/4 of a Chocolate Fudge Brownie Collagen Bar
• 1/4 high-quality dark chocolate bar
• 5 fresh organic dark red cherries, pitted*
• 4 ounces raw organic grass-fed full-fat kefir or yogurt (*non-dairy substitution option below)
• 1-2 ounces filtered water, if needed
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Place everything but the ice in the blender and pulse a few times. If needed in order to blend (this depends on the thickness of your kefir), start by adding 1 ounce of the water. Add the rest of the water only if needed. Blend for about 5-10 seconds, aiming for the consistency of thick and creamy. Once you add ice in the next step, it will loosen up a bit. Warning: Do not blend your collagen protein on high, as the protein structures are delicate and should be mixed with care.
2. Add a handful of ice cubes and blend until shake-like consistency, about 5-10 more seconds.
3. Optional: Garnish with leftover bits of chocolate and cherries.

*Non-Dairy Substitution Option:
If you don’t have access to, or don’t tolerate, raw, organic, grass-fed full-fat kefir or yogurt which is very thick and sour, you may wish to substitute unsweetened organic full-fat coconut milk (the kind in a can) instead. Just be sure to shake the can before opening to combine the cream which may have separated, and don’t add any additional water. Measure out 6 ounces or about half of the can. The overall taste will be slightly less tart, but still incredibly delicious.

Serves: 1

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 328
Protein: 20g
Carbs: 25g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 11g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Polyunsaturated: 0g
Monounsaturated: 0g
Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 18g
Sodium: 140mg
Potassium: 89mg
Vitamin A: 3%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 21%
Iron: 5%