Earlier this week, I went to my first SoulCycle class. It was their small studio in Old Town and just as I had arrived, a slew of Soul riders were running out and crowding the lockers and tossing their towels and sweating boastful manifestation vibes that the entire room was like a cloud of enlightenment. It was a lot to take in.
Fortunately, I had two of my girlfriends with me and one had been there before so she knew the ropes. I raised my hand like I was back in fourth grade and an upbeat college student bounced over to help set up my bike. I’ve been to many spin classes before, but this one had candles and aromatherapy and somehow the instructor knew who everyone was. Her abs tightened every time she spoke and reminded us to let go of what we’re holding onto in order to find the healing we needed this next year. Powerful stuff for 10 a.m.
As much as I enjoyed the ride and ending the class with my hands in a prayer at my third eye, my favorite part of working out with my friends is the smoothies we’ll grab afterward for a quick gab session. The only thing I can’t stomach is paying $10 a smoothie. I am all for local, organic and sustainable ingredients, but it’s still just a smoothie. No frills. Cold fruits and veggies tossed in a blender. Served over a counter. Do we even know the upcharge on a teaspoon of almond butter?!
So I decided to try creating my own version of the Your Nutty Uncle smoothie that I get every time from Real Good Juice. It’s a gorgeous blend of coffee, cocoa, cardamom, almond butter and dates. I don’t have all of these ingredients on the ready at home, so this version is my own twist. I’m calling it the Tío Loco!
Tío Loco Coffee and Cinnamon Protein Smoothie
Ingredients
- 6 oz. cold brew coffee
- 2 oz. coconut milk
- 2 frozen bananas
- 2 tsp almond butter
- 2 scoops of collagen protein (I used Vital Proteins but choose whatever protein you prefer)
- 1/2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 dash of cinnamon
- 2 pitted dates
- 4 ice cubes
Directions
Toss it all in the blender and blend until it’s a perfect thick and creamy consistency. Enjoy!
