It’s hot. It’s summer. I love coffee and chocolate. Of course, I could run to a cafe and get a 1000 calorie frozen chocolate coffee drink, but then I would be tired and crash by mid-afternoon. With 2 little ones and work and life, that is clearly not an option. I like to feel good and enjoy my food before, during, and AFTER. Remember, eat junk feel like junk. Eat real food, feel real good.

So, instead I whipped up this drink, and it was really delicious. It’s my version of a frozen mocha made healthy at under 100 calories with health benefits galore!

What You’ll Need

Coffee

Dark Baker’s Cocoa

Raw Sugar or Stevia (or combine a pinch of each)

Cinnamon

Almond, Soy, or Skim Milk (I used Almond)

Ice

Blender

Let’s Do It

Pour 1 cup of coffee, 1 teaspoon of dark baker’s cocoa, 2/3 cup of milk into blender. Add sweetener such as raw sugar or stevia to taste and a pinch of cinnamon for the coffee house touch. Scoop in ice and blend on high for 2 minutes. It’s simple, light, and healthy, but tastes decadent and delicious. And, if you feel like adding a little more, a dollop of whip cream is the perfect finishing touch.

Of course, be creative – add in fruit, extracts, whatever you like. You can even substitute the baker’s cocoa for an all natural protein powder to make this a real meal replacement. Make it kid-friendly by preparing it sans coffee.

Bonus Benefits

Coffee – If you limit your coffee intake per day, researchers have found strong evidence that coffee reduces the risk of serious ailments, including diabetes, heart disease and cirrhosis of the liver. It’s not the caffeine, but the antioxidants in the coffee bean and its a source of chlorogenic acid.

Dark Cocoa – Dark cocoa powder has flavanoids which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral properties. This powder is protects us from illnesses caused by free radical damage. It also has been shown to enhance blood flow and lower blood pressure, and not to mention the “feel good” properties from the serotonin…it’s as if you’re in love!

Cinnamon – Aside from adding beautiful flavor to foods and beverages, cinnamon has been to shown to have antifungal and antibacterial properties, therefore helping with yeast, stomach ulcers, even head lice. It has been known to help with the inflammation in our organs and tissues caused by many processed foods, and ultimately can aid in reducing our chances of heart disease and stroke. And, it helps with controlling blood sugar levels according to a Boston Globe Study. It has iron, fiber, and calcium, PLUS just the scent alone helps us boost memory.