Dark Chocolate Cherry Protein Smoothie
A rich and velvety chocolate cherry smoothie packed with protein and fiber. Frozen dark cherries provide natural sweetness while chia seeds add satisfying healthy fats.
Prep
5 min
Cook
0 min
Total
5 min
Makes
1 serving
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthSteadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Comfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
Digestive comfort
A portion that works for you
Fiber and plants can support digestion, but more is not always better overnight. Start with a comfortable portion and build gradually.
Notice: comfort + portion
Comfort before bed
Finish the evening satisfied, not stuffed
A well-portioned evening meal can help you avoid going to bed hungry. Notice which timing and portion feel most comfortable for you.
Notice: dinner timing + comfort
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
5 min
Cook
0 min
Total
5 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Blender
Time saver
Measure everything before you start so this quick recipe moves without pauses.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
From Your Pantry
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 4 steps complete
Next: Pour the almond milk into your blender…
- 01
Pour the almond milk into your blender…
Pour the almond milk into your blender first to prevent the protein powder from clumping at the bottom.
Tap card to mark done - 02
Add the chocolate whey protein powder
Add the chocolate whey protein powder, frozen dark sweet cherries, chia seeds, baby spinach (if using), and a tiny pinch of salt to enhance the rich chocolate flavor.
Tap card to mark done - 03
Blend on high until completely smooth
Blend on high until completely smooth. Let it sit for 1 minute to thicken, then blend again briefly.
Look for: completely smooth
Tap card to mark done - 04
Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately
Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.
Tap card to mark done
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Your symptoms change. Your plan should too.
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Tell Lila what you like, what you avoid and which symptoms are loud today. She’ll turn that context into meals, targets and small adjustments that fit real life.