Chocolate Stress-Relieving Smoothie

Let’s be honest, the modern world is pretty stressful and no one is immune to it. We juggle a variety of responsibilities every day just trying to handle the ever-changing new norm. Throw current world events into the mix and it becomes just a tangle of stress! It's no wonder that all of us are constantly seeking ways to manage stress.

Now we aren’t going to promise you that drinking this smoothie alone will banish any stress or anxiety in your life, but, when combined with a plan that works for you, it may help give you the extra boost you need (in addition to being a delicious treat).

This delicious Chocolate Stress-Relieving Smoothie is made with SuperFoods that may naturally help reduce stress and anxiety. Take a little time for yourself and indulge in this creamy creation.

Meet the Ingredients

Like most recipes we write about, this smoothie is full of nutrition and light on added sugar. In fact, this particular recipe has zero added sugar! It’s also vegan-friendly and dairy-free (unless you top it with dairy-based Greek yogurt, but there are non-dairy yogurt options available).

The blueberries and cocoa are two of the most important ingredients in this smoothie – so don’t leave them out! Blueberries offer a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants that help repair and protect our cells and body when we’re anxious or stressed. Cocoa is also full of antioxidants, but more importantly it can help reduce levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and catecholamines (“fight-or-flight” hormones).

Spinach, avocado, almond milk, and chia seeds are super sources of vitamins and minerals, including B-complex vitamins, vitamin E, potassium, and magnesium. These work together to help keep glucose levels steady, preventing mood swings. The folate in spinach and tryptophan in chia seeds can also help the body produce more serotonin, a hormone that promotes a feeling of calmness.

And of course we couldn’t make a stress-relief smoothie without magnesium, which is known for helping reduce stress and encouraging relaxation. Ionic-Fizz™ Magnesium Plus™ uses ionic magnesium to ensure the best delivery and absorption for fast relief.* We recommend using the Mixed-Berry flavor to compliment the flavor profile of this smoothie.

Recipe

Print Recipe

Ingredients

¾ cup Almond Milk, unsweetened
1 cup Blueberries
1 cup Spinach
¼ Avocado
2 tbsp Cocoa
1 scoop Ionic-Fizz™ Magnesium Plus™
1 tbsp Chia Seeds

Instructions

1. Add all of the ingredients into a blender

2. Blend on high until creamy and smooth, scraping down sides as needed.

3. Serve as is or layer with Greek yogurt and top with desired toppings.

Stress Relief Tips & Tricks

Some of our other favorite ways to help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm:

Learn to Say "No." Don’t take on more responsibilities when your mental and emotional health is already suffering.

Get Enough Sleep. Make your bedroom tranquil and stop doing anything mentally taxing a few hours before bed.

Avoid Stimulants. Like caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine.

Exercise. Physical activity helps metabolize stress hormones and stimulates the happy hormones - dopamine, estrogen, serotonin, and endorphins.

Treat Yourself. Get a massage, take a walk, drink a cup of tea in silence or listen to your favorite music to unwind.

Eat a Healthy Diet. A steady supply of nutrients from your diet helps your brain and adrenal glands cope with stress in a healthy way.

Try to Relax. Meditation, yoga, and reading are just a few ways to decompress - find one that works for you.