Chocolate Breakfast Shake (Real Food, Paleo, Whole30, Vegan/Vegetarian Options)

Sometimes, I just do not have the urge to make a full-blown breakfast for the family before they are off the school and work. That urge to cook is especially scarce around the summertime. In case you didn't know, Las Vegas summers are hot. Just, hot.

I may not always cook and I may not always have enough dinner leftovers to fill our bellies in the morning but I can't use that as an excuse to reach for dusty, processed items that pass for quick breakfasts in most grocery stores. Instead, I take out my awesome Vita-Mix to whip up a super yummy, filling (and quick!) breakfast shake and I have peace of mind that everyone was well-fed before starting their day.

I use almond milk to keep it dairy-free but any seed, nut (including coconut) or dairy milk can be used. As you may have noticed, I like to add collagen peptides to various meals for the added nutritional boost but it can be omitted. This recipe makes enough for the four of us, but it easily can be halved, leaving you with 1/2 a delicious avocado to snack on later in the day.

*To make this vegetarian, use a dairy-free milk and omit the collagen peptides
**To make this vegan, use a dairy-free milk and omit both the collagen peptides and eggs; double the hemp seeds

Chocolate Breakfast Shake

3 cups almond milk (or nut, seed, dairy milk of choice)
8 dates, pitted
1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
6 tablespoons raw cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
4 tablespoons almond butter (or nut or seed butter of choice)
4 eggs
1 tablespoon hemp seeds
3 tablespoons collagen peptides, optional (I used Vital Proteins - omit to keep this vegan)
4 drops plain stevia, optional
1 cup of ice

Add all ingredients to the blender jar and blend until smooth. Divide into 4 glasses and serve immediately.

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