Fantastic Cold Summer Treat | Food and Drink

This is Sacramento, CA Nutritionist Dani Conway and I wanted to share this exciting recipe with you!  Summer time can wreak havoc on the body due to that undeniable urge for cold treats from ice cream to margaritas as well as other cold alcoholic beverages.  All of these are packed with sugar and empty calories and do not provide any type of beneficial nutrition necessary to sustain you throughout the hot summer.  Yet the frothy treats are so tempting because when it’s 100+ degrees outside we so desire that cool item that we hope will help lower our body temperature.

Green smoothies are a great alternative – as with the right ingredients and blender, you can create a super-satisfying treat that is even the consistency of a thick milkshake.

AND… I can’t think of a better way to sneak some of the high-powered, antioxidant fruits and green vegetables into your kids’ daily routine, but sshhhh, don’t tell them!

Here is one of my favorite recipes.  Please note that when you make this type of recipe, you can adjust your ingredients according to your taste buds as well as your personal nutrient needs so that you’re able to successfully achieve your health goals throughout the summer – whether that be weight loss, increased energy, or taking your athletic performance to the next level.  Some people will need more protein and fats while others need more carbohydrates.  (For more information about customized nutrition, CLICK HERE.)

“Green Shakin’ Goodness”

1 ½ - 2 c. Organic Kale (cleaned, do not use spine)
2 – 3 Organic Mint Leaves
¼ Organic Avocado
½ Organic Pink Lady Apple
¼ c. Organic Coconut Milk (prefer “Thai Kitchen” brand)
2/3 c. Filtered Water or Unsweetened Almond Milk
2 tbsp. Organic Almond Butter
¼ c. Organic Almonds
1 tbsp. Organic Coconut Oil
1-2 scoops Protein Powder (unflavored or vanilla is best)
1-3 cups ice

1. Blend together water or almond milk and coconut milk.
2. On low, blend in your protein powder.
3. Add vegetable(s), mint, avocado and/ or nut butter.  Blend.
4. Then add almonds.
5. Add fruit chunks (can be fresh or frozen “fresh”).  Blend.
6. Add ice and blend to desired thickness.
7. Note: with enough ice, this recipe often yields more than one serving!

Optional: 1-2 droppers of Three Treasures Lo Han Kuo Chinese sweetener; or other of choice.  Be sure to taste for personal preference, as these shakes are naturally sweet and often do not need anything added!

Note that you can alternate greens, fruits, nuts and milks to create new recipes weekly.  ENJOY!