Thank you for letting me write you that story last week. It felt damn good to release all of that. And after purging all those thoughts, I’m shifting my focus to the present. By creating packing to-do lists {we leave in exactly two weeks from today!} and ramping up my super self-care regimen. I am getting there, one step at a time.
Before we get to this chocolate hazelnut smoothie bowl, let’s talk acupuncture.
Last night I had my first ever acupuncture treatment. And I’ll totally admit it, I was super nervous. I wasn’t apprehensive that it would hurt or be uncomfortable. I just had this nagging irrational fear that the process would somehow agitate my pre-existing conditions {anxiety, worry, stress} and I would be left in a worse state of mind. I guess it was the fear of the unknown, how I would feel afterwards, etc. But I conjured up enough guts, bundled up and walked across the street, up four floors and into a historic old brownstone that houses the cutest little integrative health center.
My treatment left me renewed with optimism; I’m eager to do more treatments when I get to St. Louis. And with acupuncture comes more self-care, a cleaner diet. Something I’m generally pretty good at. I for sure put forth my best effort to practice what I preach. But with all these transitions and moving and packing and Christmas, I barely have time to fit everything in. So let’s talk protein powder.
As a health coach and natural foods lover, there aren’t too many protein powders that I can get behind. Honestly I rarely use them, if ever at all. They’re usually flooded with junk, synthetic fillers and nasty chemicals. But ALOHA does it right. ALOHA Premium Protein Powders come in a vanilla flavor {so delicious blended with citrus + greens!}, and a chocolate flavor {see smoothie bowl creation below}.
ALOHA products are just my steeze, for real. Here’s the scoop…they’re made with real non-GMO, sustainably harvested organic foods, free of artificial or “natural” flavors, gluten, soy + dairy. Also, totally vegan, yay! To get a FREE taste, sign up for a commitment-free trial here.
- 2 tablespoons of chocolate protein powder
- 1 tablespoon raw cacao
- 1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts {see below}
- 2 bananas, peeled
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- Combine all of the ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth.
- Pour the smoothie mixture into two bowls and top with garnishes below.
- 2 cups hazelnuts, shelled
- Preheat oven to 350.
- On a baking sheet, spread hazelnuts in a single layer.
- Toast for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and wrap nuts in a kitchen towel. Rub nuts in towel to remove loose skins. Sometimes the whole skin won’t come off, and that’s okay!
- Cool completely.
This post is sponsored by ALOHA, all opinions are my own.
Baby June says
I just read your post from yesterday. I really feel for you, on a personal level. Depression is a bitch. Just keep self-caring and looking up and you can do this!
Maryna says
Amazing breakfast! What is the most important!!
dorota @ plants on the plate says
I wish being good to oneself didn’t require all that discipline and long-term focus which I, as a just-turned-twenty baby at life didn’t lack. I know it pays off in the long run, but all the wine and cheese and banana bread! aAd then the regrets. Eh. Your smoothie bowl looks amazing, and amazing styling! Happy holidays.
Millie | Add A Little says
Love this! Sounds amazing!
Meg @ BeardandBonnet says
This looks SO good! I cannot wait to try it out.
kristie {birch and wild} says
This looks incredible! I love that the smoothie bowl is both nourishing and sort of decadent, too. I just love everything about it.
cynthia says
Oh man this looks AWESOME. In every single way possible!!! I need one in my life ASAP.
Olga says
Hi! I love your recipe but am not sold on protein powder. Is there a substitute you would recommend?
Coco says
Not bad to the taste but I find that if this really makes 2 portions it is a lot of calories (541) for a breakfast unless it is a late breakfast early lunch. If you are counting calories maybe divide it in 3 portions would help.
Jennifer says
Did you remove the skin from the hazelnuts?
Sherrie says
Hi Jennifer, you do! After they’re done toasting toss them in a towel and gently rub to remove.
Jordyn says
I bet this smells awesome.
Sherrie says
It totally does :)