curb your carb cravings chocolate smoothie

There are certain days where all we want to do is stuff down any form of bread or pasta that walks in our direction, especially as we get closer to our cycle.  This healthy smoothie is full of magnesium, a mineral that naturally takes the edge off our carb cravings and also promotes the balancing of water in our bodies.  The slight bitter taste of the cacao nibs acts as a balance  to any sugar you may feel like having and to top it off it's sweetened with dates so you won't feel bitter at all.  

Time: Under 10 minutes
Servings: 2 cups 
Level: Easy

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INGREDIENTS

• 1 ½ cups Almond Milk
• ½ Banana, sliced
• 3-4 Pitted Dates (more if you need sweeter)
• 2 Tablespoons Cacao Powder
• 1 Tablespoon Chia Seeds
• 1 scoop Collagen Powder (not flavored protein powder.  1 scoop = 8 grams or about 1 ½ Tablespoons.  I use a brand called Further Foods)
• ¼ cup Pumpkin Seeds
• 1 cup of Ice
• 1 Tablespoon Cacao Nibs (Optional for a chocolate chip type consistency)

PREPARATION

1. Place Almond Milk, Banana, Dates, Cacao powder, Chia seeds, Collagen powder, Pumpkin seeds and ice in a high-speed blender and blend through. 
2. Add Cacao Nibs and blend for a quick 10-20 seconds.  If you blend the Cacao Nibs with the other ingredients and blend through, it will make the smoothie much more bitter.
3. Enjoy!