Delicious Chocolate Banana Protein Shake

Sorry for the lack of food posts lately, between the diet and having to eat out a lot I haven't really spent a lot of time in the kitchen (I shall work on this I promise). I happen to whip up this concoction today for lunch, I was craving a chocolate milk shake something fierce! So instead of running across to Wendy's I whipped up this bad boy instead. It's thick creamy texture is sure to satisfy (I ate this four hours ago and I am still not hungry). The banana and yogurt give this regular chocolate protein shake a creamier texture along with some added nutrition!

Delicious Chocolate Banana Protein Shake

1 frozen banana
1 cup of Silk almond milk (or whatever milk you please)
1 cup of nonfat plain yogurt
1/2 a scoop of slim fast powder OR chocolate protein powder, I recommend this brand

Method:

Just put everything in a blender and BAM! That's it.

Wendy's Chocolate Frosty Nutrition
For one small frosty shake

Calories: 580
Total fat: 13 grams
Saturated fat: 8 grams
Carbs: 104
Protein: 11

My Chocolate Shake
For one 12oz shake

Calories: 300
Total fat: 2 grams
Saturated fat: 0 grams
Carbs: 56
Protein: 17

Banana Berry Green Tea Smoothie

Hello! I hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday afternoon, I personally have a case of the smoothie blues...blueberries that is! In exactly two months from now Lewis and I will be packing our bags for our annual Panama City Beach trip!! It's such a nice thing to look forward to during the crazy times of spring semester and since we both continue with our classes in the summer, we want to milk the week off in between for all it's worth! In preparation for this beach trip I am starting to watch the diet a little more. I try to live a healthy lifestyle year round but the thought of the dreaded two piece has me cutting back on carbs, upping the weekly work outs and replacing one meal a day with a smoothie! I think I like smoothies so much because I secretly think I'm indulging, what seems like a milkshake or dessert is really packed with vitamins and antioxidants. This smoothie is refreshing and surprisingly sweet! If you're not a fan of green tea don't worry! This new flavor from Bigelo combines all the health benefits of green tea with the fruity flavors of blueberry and acai berry, you can't even tell it's healthy!

Banana berry green tea smoothie

1 banana (preferably of the frozen variety)
3/4 cup blueberries
1/2 cup yogurt (I used Publix brand fat free vanilla)
1 cup brewed green tea with 1 packet of truvia sweetener (I used blueberry acia green tea)

Method:

1. Brew tea for 1-2 min. pour over ice to cool slightly, then drain tea into blender (trying not to incorporate too much ice)

2. Add everything else, and blend together. you may need to add more yogurt or tea depending on preferences.

Ginger Fruit Smoothie

This is not your typical smoothie. This everyday fruit is elevated with the flavor of fresh ginger. I have always been a fan of ginger's spicy, pungent flavor and it also comes with added health benefits and anti-inflammatory properties.



Ginger Fruit Smoothie

1 frozen banana
1/2 sliced pineapple
1/2 cup almond milk (you can use whatever milk you want)
1/2 inch gingerroot, sliced (about this much: ____ )
1/4 cup yogurt
6 medium sized strawberries
1 tablespoon honey (optional)

*use a spoon to lightly scrape off the outer layer of the ginger

Directions

1.Blend the liquids, honey, ginger and milk together until smooth.

2,Add the strawberries, banana, and pineapple. Puree. Add a little extra milk, if necessary

Wild Berry Smoothie

Just because we're in the midst of winter doesn't mean we can't have a tropical treat! I've been experimenting with smoothies and I found that you can disguise most every healthy green ingredient with fruit and yogurt.

Take this one for example, it's a magical blend of raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, yogurt and spinach, yes, SPINACH! Don't be afraid! I'm not crazy! You can't even taste it I promise and the awesome thing is you can reap the full health benefits of the spinach without having to choke back a raw spinach salad (for those of you who fear the green).

So what's in it again?

1 1/2 cups of frozen mixed berries (I use the Publix brand)
1 cup yogurt (I use greek for added protein but any yogurt is fine)
3/4 cup fresh spinach

*you may use fresh berries but I find that the frozen texture adds to the smoothie.

Directions

1. Add everything to the blender and mix.

2. If you like a sweeter smoothie you can always add sugar, stevia, or agave nectar.