Post Workout Chocolate

Cooking Adventure: Chocolate Avocado Milkshake
Source: The Skinny Chef
The Bellydance Soundtrack: Touch the Buka by Harem IV

Prep Time: 3 min.

There I was, ellipticalling away on the elliptical (What exactly do you do on an elliptical? Step? Jog? Swing? Whatever it is you do on those things, I was doing it.). For the first time I had actually chosen a program other than "Manual". I broke from routine and was attempting the "Cross Training" option, which apparently makes you taller and shorter at random intervals by changing the ramp. It also orders you to pedal (Ooh! There! You pedal on an elliptical.G.I. JOE! Knowing is half the battle.) backwards and forwards.

I was concentrating so hard that when "Touch the Buka" jumped into action on my iPod I hardly noticed until the lyrics started. I finished up my workout trying not to spit with laughter at the chanting of, "Come feel my buka. Come touch my buka. Come play my buka." For those getting the wrong idea right now, a buka is a drum. For those still getting the wrong idea, I believe you're meant to. I swear that Harem IV must have found the guy from the "I'm Too Sexy for my Shirt". When I still had buka man in my head half an hour later, I thought to heck with it, and gave into the beat. So the above chocolate shake was made courtesy of Harem IV, and immersion blending to their creepy drum beat.

I said before that chocolate can be healthy when take in strides, and this recipe definitely fits that category. And if you're looking at this recipe and thinking, "Ew. Chocolate and avocados? In a drink? That's almost as crazy as a cop and a dog trying to pawn off cookies for breakfast!", don't. If you make sure to get fresh avocados, and you blend them up good, you'll really enjoy this. 

Magickal Bit: Avocados are a symbol of beauty and represent the feminine in nature. Mixed with the chocolate, it's an excellent way to honor your body's natural beauty and power.

Science Bit: Avocados contain high levels of potassium, which helps lower blood pressure, and  oleic acid, which lowers cholesterol. Avocados are also high in Vitamin K, which allows your blood to clot. 

Ingredients

1/2 ripe Hass avocado
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cup skim milk

Directions

1. Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend on high until smooth and serve over ice.

*It really doesn't matter what kind of cocoa mix you use for this, and it's really fun to experiment. :)