Chocolate really does make us happy! Cacao beans help boost endorphins and serotonin levels, which both leave us with a big grin. Cacao contains magnesium which the body craves before your menstrual cycle. So, if you’re feeling a bit PMS-y, feel free to indulge in this chocolate raspberry smoothie.

Be sure to choose a pure form of chocolate. I use Dagoba cacao powder, you can also choose raw cacao nibs. This keeps the smoothie vegan as well as using a milk alternative like almond milk.

Here’s the recipe for one of my favorite smoothies:

1/2 cup almond milk
1/2 cup water
1/2 frozen banana
1/2 cup raspberries
1 heaping tbsp cacao powder
1 tbsp almond butter
1 scoop of Vega protein powder (optional)

You can add the optional protein powder if you are using this smoothie as a meal or a post-workout recovery snack. Put all ingredients in your Vitamix or other blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy!