Luke Hines’ protein-packed choc cherry smoothie is a keeper

Filled with protein to keep you fuller for longer, this smoothie is perfect before an event where you think you might get peckish. 

Luke Hines’ protein-packed choc cherry smoothie is a keeper

Filled with protein to keep you fuller for longer, this smoothie is perfect before an event where you think you might get peckish. 

We all know the main diet saboteurs. Last-minute drinks with the girls (you didn't get time to eat before hand), running out the door for work (and grabbing a pastry at the local cafe), and infamous late-night snacking.

It's difficult to avoid, but one of the best ways to be successful is to fuel your body with healthy options and lots of protein, so those hunger pangs don't strike as hard.

The Healthy Cook, Luke Hines, suggests you avoid temptation by downing this protein-packed choc-cherry smoothie. Plus, it's so delicious you won't be craving anything else.

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Serves 1125ml

Ingredients:

(1⁄2 cup) canned coconut milk 70g (1⁄2 cup) ice cubes 160g (1 cup) frozen pitted cherries, plus extra 3 tbs, roughly chopped 1 tbs maple syrup, honey, or maple-flavoured monk fruit syrup 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or powder 3 tbs shredded coconut, plus extra 1 tbs to serve 3 tbs melted dark chocolate (80% cacao minimum) 1 tbs cacao nibs, to serve

Method:

1. Place the coconut milk, ice cubes, pitted cherries, sweetener, vanilla and coconut in a food processor or high-speed blender and blitz until well combined.

2. Take a tall glass and pour the melted chocolate around the inside rim and down the sides, reserving a little for the top. Pour the smoothie into the glass, top with the roughly chopped cherries, the extra coconut and the cacao nibs, and drizzle over the reserved melted chocolate. Enjoy.

Luke Hines is a nutrition coach and personal trainer who has written nine best-selling cookbooks and has been in the wellness industry for over 15 years. Find our more about him here.

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