Zesty Cherry Vanilla Protein Shake

With all the gardening I've been doing lately, my appetite has been huge!  There's nothing like trenching a giant muddy, clay garden, carrying large bags of dirt, and planting to work up a elephant-sized appetite.  This is currently my favorite smoothie; it combines cherries and ginger to make a zesty and naturally sweet shake that is full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.  It's perfect for recovery, or a great way to start your day.  I added my favorite vegan protein powder to truly make this the perfect meal.

First and formost, this smoothie is tasty.  Cherries are naturally very sweet, and when combined with homemade coconut milk and bananas, you are left with a tantalizing creamy, thick, soft serve-like treat.  Protein powder also adds to the thick, creamy consistency.  I currently use Sunwarrior Warrior Blend vanilla and absolutely love it! It adds a natural vanilla flavor and is packed with raw vegan protein from sources like hemp protein and pea protein.  I used to use just plain hemp protein powder, however it adds a gritty and slightly bitter flavor to smoothies when you don't add cocoa powder and additional sweeteners.  As I try to use minimal natural sweeteners (and don't always make a chocolate smoothie), this protein blend is perfect for me.  You can use any type of protein you want in this smoothie...or none at all.  It's all about personal preference!

There is also chia seeds and cinnamon in this shake to top off it's nutritional perks.  Nothing like an extra fiber, omega-3, protein, and metabolism boost!  Add the healthy fats of coconut milk, digestive aid of ginger, and both anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of cherries and you have yourself one great shake!  With warm weather and sunny days, you can bet I'll be posting more and more smoothie recipes in the near future.  Kick-start smoothie season with this zesty cherry vanilla protein shake!


Zesty Cherry Vanilla Protein Shake

1 cup frozen, pitted cherries
1 frozen banana
4 ice cubes
1/2 inch ginger, peeled and minced
1 tsp chia seeds
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1 scoop vanilla protein powder*
2/3 cup homemade coconut milk (use more for a thinner consistency)

*You can use any vanilla flavored protein powder here (I used Vanilla Sunwarrior Warrior Blend).  If you are using a natural protein powder or none, add 1/4 tsp vanilla extract.

Directions:
In a high-speed blender, add the coconut milk, ginger, and protein powder.  Blend on low speed for 30 seconds until smooth.  Add the cherries, banana, cinnamon, and chia seeds and blend starting on low and slowly moving up to high until smooth and thick.  Devour immediately!