This smoothie has a combination of fiber, protein, fats and carbohydrates in the form of fruit. In comparison with juice-laden and fruit-filled smoothies, this combination may help keep blood sugars stable and balanced, and may also help to keep your mood stabilized.

The cacao may stimulate feel-good hormones and contains flavanols, which have been associated with improved thinking skills, reduced blood pressure and improved blood flow. In addition, you get a caffeine boost from the coffee and antioxidants from the blueberries.

• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
• 1 frozen banana
• ½ cup blueberries
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cacao powder
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tablespoons chia seed
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• a dash chilled brewed coffee
• preferred sweetener to taste

Combine all the ingredients in a blender and enjoy!

Lisa Farkas, MS, RD, LD/N, CDE
Clinical Dietitian, Broward Health Wellness Center

Broward Health, providing service for more than 85 years, is a nationally recognized system in South Florida that offers world-class healthcare to all. The Broward Health system includes the statutory teaching hospital Broward Health Medical Center, Broward Health North, Broward Health Imperial Point, Broward Health Coral Springs, Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital, Broward Health Weston, Broward Health Community Health Services, Broward Health Physician Group, Broward Health Urgent Care, Broward Health International, and Broward Health Foundation. For more information, visit BrowardHealth.org.