Hemp and Raw Chocolate Smoothie Recipe

                Hemp, originating in Central Asia, has been around for centuries, and is now readily available at most supermarkets.... Many people confuse hemp with marijuana, but hemp is not psychoactive, so food sources of hemp will not get you high. It is considered a Super-food with nutritional properties that are just too great to ignore. Just 3 Tbs. of hulled hemp hearts or (seeds) have 10g of protein, 3g of fiber, and less than 1g of sugar. Hemp is extremely high in Iron, Thiamin, Manganese, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc and B Vitamins. It also contains all three Essential Fatty Acids... Linolenic Acid (LA), Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) and Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA).

Hemp has a deliciously nutty flavor and is an extremely healthy addition to any smoothie, salad, cereal, baked goods or granola bars!

     As Green Smoothies Mom, I am committed to  teaching you how to make the Highest Energy Smoothies, Meals, and snacks possible. This Hemp and Raw Cacao recipe that I'm sharing with you today is a favorite with my teen-age son (and his friends). It's great for whenever he needs an after-school pick-me-up before starting his afternoon activities or sports. It's also a great way to sneak more greens into your children's diet. These smoothies actually taste better than the chemically laden ones from the coffee-houses, so I always make a little extra for myself!

Ingredients:

•  2 C. *Chocolate Non-dairy Milk (almond, coconut, hemp, rice) 
•  2  TBS. Raw Cacao Powder 
•  3-4 TBS. Raw Shelled Hemp Hearts
•  1 TBS. Chia Seeds 
•  1/4  Ripe Avocado
• 1/2  C. Baby Spinach (optional) ( I guarantee you'll never see or taste it!)
• 2 Very ripe Bananas
• 1  C. Ice

Place all the  ingredients except the ice into a blender and blend well, then add ice to blended ingredients and blend again until smooth and creamy.

* You can also use a Vanilla flavored, or an unsweetened milk if you prefer and sweeten the smoothie with Stevia, raw agave, raw honey, or dates.
** This recipe is Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, and Vegan.