dairy-free, high protein, chocolate-licorice smoothie under 250 calories

If you like sweet treats with licorice and chocolate notes, you’ll enjoy this low calorie snack, or mini meal. I’ll have this as my pre-workout drink. I use carob instead of cocoa powder because it’s sweeter and has a creamier consistency when blended.

High-protein, dairy-free, chocolate-licorice smoothie

• raw fennel stalk (save the bulb for a salad or soup), cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 T carob powder
• ½ cup frozen green grapes
• ½ frozen banana, cut into 1-inch chunks
• ¼ cup plain collagen protein powder (I use Great Lakes)
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (I use Sprouts)

Blend ingredients in the order above. Mix with a large spoon and put in the freezer for 2 minutes. Remove from the freezer, stir with large spoon and drink right away.

Nutritional information:

Calories: 247    gross carbs: 30    fat: 3 grams    protein: 26 grams