***Disclaimer #1: I was not going to post this yet because I wanted to put up an exercise demonstration instead.  Unfortunately, YouTube is taking a LONG time to process that video.

***Disclaimer #2: I usually put 1 Tbsp. of Vanilla Extract and 1 tsp. of Cinnamon in this recipe as well, but I had run out of the vanilla extract and totally forgot to put the cinnamon in until after I had already edited the video.  You can just as easily sprinkle the cinnamon on top when you serve it.  I’m REAL big on cinnamon, but that will be the subject of another article coming soon…

…now for the article…

After much interest  from my clients, I’m finally posting my recipe for Avocado Chocolate Pudding. I originally found the basis for this recipe online somewhere and after thinking about it for a while, I figured out how to reduce the amount of sugar (Maple Syrup) and to increase the protein content while still maintaining a smooth, chocolate-y texture and flavor.

For this recipe you’ll need the following:

2 – ripe, peeled pitted and diced avocados – medium sized
1/2 cup pure maple syrup – light amber
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup Syntha-6 Chocolate Peanut Butter protein powder
1 1/2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract (optional)
1 Tablespoon Cinnamon (optional)
Pinch of Sea Salt

In a blender add the ingredients in the order listed.  This will make the blending process easier.  Once everything is in the blender, start pulsing until the mixture starts to fold into itself.  You’ll need to use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the blender to loosen any dry powder and get it to move down into the stream.

You’ll see when you have a nice, smooth, consistent texture.  Empty the contents of the blender either into a large bowl or individual serving cups, cover and chill.  If you’re in a hurry, you can eat it as soon as it comes out of the blender!

This is actually a very healthy dessert.  The avocados provide healthy fats as well as a good amount of fiber.  The cocoa powder is naturally high in antioxidants and is reasonably low in calories.  The protein powder helps make this a power snack as well by providing high quality protein, branch chain amino acids and other beneficial nutrients.  The almond milk is low calorie as well and provides gluten free protein to boot.

Maple syrup is still a sugar, but we’ve been able to reduce the amount used in the recipe by half since the protein powder has it’s own no calorie sweetener.

I normally put vanilla extract and cinnamon in as well, but some people don’t like the additional flavor.  You can add or delete according to your tastes.

This is a dessert that you don’t have to be ashamed of as well as being delicious! Give it a try and let me know how you like it.

Stay Fit Forever!
Tony