I enjoy this Mood Boosting Protein Smoothie Snack when I’m wanting a sweet, chocolatey, feel good boost! The “feel good” feelings come from the adaptogens Maca Root (tastes malt-like) and Ashwaganda (strong, earthy, and bitter tasting on it’s own). Both are supportive stress adaptogens. Maca also helps with increased energy, hormonal balance, and increased libido. If you choose to substitute the carob powder for cacao powder in this recipe, cacao gives feelings of love, energy, and happiness as well. Just know that cacao does contain caffeine if you are trying to avoid that. I avoided it for years when I was avoiding caffeine 100%, but now I enjoy it more often. There are plenty of benefits from it too. However, I still substitute carob powder for it often. Carob powder is caffeine free, contains great fiber, is good for digestion, and contains amazing antioxidants.

This smoothie is super duper sweet due to the vanilla protein powder that I’ve added in it lately. The protein powder does contain stevia unless you get the unflavored version. I’ve been on such a smoothie kick though that I started using my husband’s protein powder. Not in my breakfast smoothie, but in my afternoon lunch or snack smoothies here and there. Primarily to change up the flavor. It tastes extra dessert-like when I add/substitute it in recipes. My body does not agree with fermented pea protein perfectly like my husband’s body does, but I still enjoy it here and there. You can use a protein powder of your own, try the Collagen Vanilla one I’ve been using lately, or even use the amazing hemp hearts which I use most often. Hemp hearts are super high in protein and help satisfy me longer too.

Easy substitutes for the vanilla protein powder: 3 TBSP of hemp hearts or your protein powder of choice plus 1 tsp of vanilla.