Who says being festive has to mean being unhealthy? Check out my newest creation: The Healthy Shamrock Shake.
It's a fun twist on a not-so-healthy fast food treat that's delicious yet still good for you! Intrigued? Keep reading to learn what makes this recipe so unique!
First, in place of inflammatory dairy, I used full-fat coconut milk. It provides the creaminess you expect from a shake without the inflammatory proteins and phlegm that none of us likes.
Then, I made sure to fill it with healthy plants, such as baby spinach and avocado. First, the avocado brings a rich creaminess but also offers a variety of health benefits, from promoting satiety to supporting nutrient absorption to aiding digestion.
For example, in a 2019 study, researchers found that when participants ate either a half or whole avocado with their meals, they reported feeling more satisfied than those who didn’t eat the avocado. [1]
Meanwhile, the spinach contains membrane proteins called thylakoids, which is known to induce satiety and therefore reduce feelings of hunger. [2]
Finally, the banana and dates offer some sweetness to round out this Healthy Shamrock Shake. So, not only are you avoiding inflammatory sugar, but you're also getting some incredible health benefits from theses ingredients
A great example of this is the fact that bananas are full of potassium, with one banana containing roughly 422 milligrams, or 12 percent of the daily recommended value.
This is important because potassium offers many benefits, such as reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by regulating circulation and lowering blood pressure.
In fact, Sstudies have shown that increased intake of potassium should be recommended as a treatment for hypertension and vascular diseases. [3, 4]
But don't let the health profile of this shake deceive you—it's also incredibly delicious! It's sweet, minty, and oh-so-refreshing! So, what are you waiting for?! You're just five minutes away from your new favorite St. Patrick's Day treat: the best Healthy Shamrock Shake ever!
Makes: 2
Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
1 cup full-fat unsweetened coconut milk
2 cups baby spinach
2 tablespoons mint leaves
2 medjool dates, pitted
½ cup frozen avocado
1 frozen banana
1 dropper chlorophyll
Optional toppings:
½ cup whipped cream
1 tablespoon natural sprinkles
2 fresh cherries
Directions
1. In a high-speed blender, combine the ingredients in the order listed. Process until smooth.
2. Divide the mixture between 2 glasses. Top with whipped cream, natural sprinkles, and fresh cherries, if using. Enjoy immediately.
