Cocoa Pumpkin Spice Maca Smoothie

This new smoothie is my latest creation: a blend of fall flavors laced with cocoa and maca! What is maca, you ask? It's the new superfood!

 

I purchased maca at Trader Joe's. You can also find it at your local health food store or Whole Foods. It is available in a powdered form and is tasty in all different kinds of concoctions. Maca comes from Peru where it has been eaten for thousands of years. It is a cruciferous veggie (same family as broccoli) but the part that is eaten is the root. The root has been boiled, then dried and powdered. It is not recommended for those with damaged thyroid function.

Maca consumption may have many benefits for both men and women, including increased libido, decreased menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, improved mood, and decreased osteoporosis! Sounds pretty good, right?

You can mix powdered maca into smoothies, salad dressing, energy bars, or desserts. The taste is mild and slightly nutty.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup pumpkin puree (or sweet potato)
1/2 of a frozen banana
1/4 cup plain whole milk yogurt (or Greek yogurt)
1 tsp powdered maca
1 tsp cocoa powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
 enough water to blend

Place all ingredients into blender cup. Blend for about 30 seconds or until smooth. Drink immediately! Serves one. Works as meal replacement. Great before a workout!