Poll: who’s still rocking their 2017 fitness routine? Isn’t it funny that it’s all about eating healthy and working out in January, then February hits and it’s like, “BAM, CHOCOLATE”. Valentine’s Day man, sabotage. But chocolate isn’t the enemy, especially in the chocolate blood orange recovery shake.
Soooo I finished my Whole30 challenge at the end of last month and yet I still was kinda craving sweets. Like, what the heck?! I’ve completed Whole30’s in the past and totally kicked my sugar demons. But this time it was like the puppy chow and fudge from Christmas lurked in my bloodstream and was more powerful than aaaaaaall the veggies. The internal struggle is REAL.
I will give myself credit for not falling face first in a frosted chocolate cake the day after I completed those 30 days of squeaky clean eating. No lie, I’ve been known to make cakes eat ’em straight from the pan. I even passed on dessert on the first date night my hubby and I had in 5+ months. Sad, right? (the part about not having a date in forever, not about passing on dessert).
But that little demon on my shoulder kept saying, “ccchhhhhhocollllaaaatttte”. And it’s not even like chocolate is this awful demon, it’s just that I lack self control at times most of the time. So it was time to just quell the craving and enjoy something chocolatey, in a healthier way.
I had been reminiscing about these chocolate orange liqueur truffles I tried ate half the box over the holidays. The flavor combo is up there with my favs, mint/chocolate and raspberry/chocolate. One day after I almost died running a whole 20 minutes with my boys in the double BOB jogging stroller (running while pushing two kids is no joke), I owed it to myself to make a workout recovery smoothie that was oh so chocolatey, creamy, and with a ‘lil orange zing.
Cue Vital Proteins Cocao and Coconut Water Collagen Whey. Two scoops of this power powder yields 27 grams of protein and joint-lovin’ collagen so imperative for workout recovery. And I love that Vital Proteins puts nothing but the best in their supplements – no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Plus, CHOCOLATE – need I say more?!
The sweet raspberry undertones of blood orange makes it a perfect pairing with chocolate. This chocolate blood orange recovery shake has a creaminess factor that is totally customizable and whipped up with only THREE ingredients. For a super thick and creamy shake, use full-fat coconut milk (*note – don’t be afraid of the term ‘full-fat’. Full-fat coconut milk is excellent for converting to energy and the least likely fat source to be stored as body fat. Just throwin’ that out there). But if you’re looking for something a little more reminiscent of traditional (thinner) protein shakes, use lite coconut milk.
So the next time your itching to get your chocolate fix or need a serious boost of muscle building, body-loving goodness, this chocolate blood orange recovery shake has got you covered!
Looking for other recipes to fuel your body? Check out these paleo cocoa mocha energy balls, vanilla cake batter protein pudding, or this ginger peach and kale power smoothie.
PrintChocolate Blood Orange Recovery Shake
- Yield: 1 1x
Ingredients
- 1 peeled blood orange
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (choice of full fat or lite)
- 2 scoops Vital Proteins Cocao and Coconut Collagen Whey
- handful of ice
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy
- Garnish with orange zest or slice of the blood orange
This post is sponsored by the awesome people at Vital Proteins. As always, all opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting Physical Kitchness!
Chocolate is life 😉
And blood oranges! My favorite citrus!
I hear ya soul sister!!
Oh yum! I want to eat this right now! haha.
I have to admit I keep dark chocolate almonds and walnuts in the refrig for a treat here and there. YUM!
A girl after my own heart. Nothing wrong with that!!
The chocolate/blood orange combo always makes me think Christmas (from those chocolate oranges I got in stockings). Such a pleasant association to combine with a workout “reward”!
YEP totally where I got the inspiration! I love those darn things 😉 So this is the ‘healthier’ take!
Adam and i just booked a vacation to Cozumel in March, and he has declared he is not eating anything unhealthy until we go. Which means… no post dinner snacking for me…. which frigging sucks because I love chocolate haha!! This smoothie looks amazing tho and a perfect way to nip that craving in the bud. I gotta get me some blood oranges!
OMG like you two need to worry about that!!! You CRAY. But if you insist on such rubbish, then YES this shake will be right up your ally. Take me with you?????
This recipe looks great. It would be great as a post-mtn. bike ride snack!
Sounds totally perfect for just that!
Oooh! That looks so good!!! I have to try this at home!
Belle | One Awesome Momma
And super easy for busy mommas to whip up! Score!!
Thanks for this delicious recipe! I’m totally going to use it! I love blood oranges.
xo Debbie | http://www.tothineownstylebetrue.com
Awesome Debbie – enjoy this! You’ll love the citrus undertones!
This sounds just totally awesome (and yummy!). Nothing like a healthy choc diet.
Chocolate is life. Chocolate trumps everything. It’s all about da chocolattttte!!!!!
We have shakes every morning. I’ll have to share this with the hubs. 🙂
Perfect for you guys!! So glad you stopped by to check this out Maggie!
I didnt know Vital Proteins made smoothie mix! I need to check out this brand, I have heard so much about it!
Fantastic way to have chocolate and stay on a healthy track! Thanks for the recipe!! xo, Lindsay | Paris, Meet Boston | http://www.parismeetboston.com
Thanks for stopping by Lindsay!
Yummm! I love the combo of chocolate and orange together. But I bet the blood orange pack an even better punch! Cannot wait to try this out!
Ooooh you know it! Just just a little sweeter and a little better 😉 I hope you love it Sharon!
Chocolate and orange together are amazing!!! I cannot wait to try this recipe!!! Thanks for posting it!!!
You’re welcome Tessa! Whoever initially thought of citrus and chocolate together is BRILLIANT!
This sounds amazeballs!!! I love blood oranges and I love chocolate and I have been working my booty off for a big upcoming friends trip to celebrate my hubby’s 40th in Tulum. This looks like the perfect way to treat myself and my body. Plus, I have heard so much wonderful things about collagen. Definitely going to order this powder and try this recipe- thanks!!
Ok the fact that you just typed amazeballs makes me pretty much love you intensely. Hehehehe. I’m sooooo jealous of your trip! If you bring me with, I’ll pack lots of collagen. Deal?
Wow, this shake recipe looks amazing! I I love trying new drink and shake recipes, thank you for sharing! I can’t wait to try it!
You’re so welcome Ashleigh. It’s seriously so refreshing!
Chocolate and blood orange sound so good together!
It’s such a winning combo! Thanks Vicki.
Woah I’ve never heard of this Vital Protein product- it sounds amazing plus I’m LOVING all the oranges that are in season right now 🙂
Oh it SO is amazing. One of my favorite supplements ever. You’ll have to try it Diana. Thanks!
Wow this looks super yummy, I love blood orange, Its super tasting!
It’s the best orange – I am convinced 🙂
Ok that is SUPER cool that Vital Proteins has a chocolate flavor; I would love to try it. So far I have tried normal collagen, but that definitely sounds really good.
YES isn’t it awesome! They have a vanilla too. And I’ve heard the most recent version (a vegetable blend) has slight hints of fruit flavor. I’ve gotta try them all!
I only like strawberry or vanilla shakes with protein but orange is definitely I could give a try as they are my favorite fruits. Pinning for future
Mmmm now you’re making me want to experiment! You can’t go wrong with anything ‘citrus’ flavored 🙂
I love me some blood oranges!! And the orange and chocolate combo is one of my all time favorites. This smoothie looks and sounds amazing girlie!
Right?! It’s the best but totally under appreciated! Thanks Kat XOXO
Cocoa flavor!? I haven’t heard of this but it sounds amazing! and I am obsessed with blood oranges right now! Can’t wait to try this out 🙂
YESSS! It’s so nice that Vital Proteins has a cocoa version – they also do vanilla. Score! Hope you love this!
Yum, that sounds like a tasty way to recover!
A treat after a long workout is always appreciated 😉 Thanks Angie!
This looks amazing!!!!
I love chocolate and orange and am running out of my protein powder and feeling like it’s time for a new blend.. perfect!
xxox
Laura @ http://www.cookwineandthinker.com
You will love Vital Proteins girl! The collagen is so great for workout recovery plus skin and hair! I love this chocolate whey and the tasteless collagen powder too!
Girl the shake looks amazing!!
Just woundering about the dark chocolate collagen, I’ve been wanting to try it but I live in Sweden which makes it really expensive to order vital proteins products here. I want to make sure it is worth it and I am very picky with the taste of supplements/powders, can you give me a review about the dark chocolate flavor on its own for me here? Would appreciate it a lot! /Ellie
I really love the flavor – it’s not overly sweet (which is what I like – sometimes sweet protein powders make me feel icky). The chocolate is not overpowering either.