Sunday, April 12, 2015

Healthy Chocolate Shake

Healthy Chocolate Shake

Chocolates shakes are super yummy, but when ya go out to eat and get one they can contain almost 600 calories! When you make this shake it is only 300, HALF the calories! It also is good for an in between meals snack, ideal for mid morning, so you can burn off the sugar and it helps to naturally boost your metabolism.

This is a 16 ounce shake broken down into two 8 ounce glasses
Utensils Needed for Chocolate Shake:
Food Processor
Measuring Spoons
Measuring Cup (1 cup)

Ingredients Needed for Chocolate Shake:
1 Large Banana, Frozen
1/2 teaspoon Chia Seeds
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 Tablespoon Cocoa Powder
1 Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
1 Scoop Vanilla Protein, *Optional*

No added sugar is needed for this chocolate shake. The banana really helps to add a sweetness as well as the vanilla extract. The milk is also a good switch. While dairy is good for you, almond milk is better. You can use this in one of two ways for this recipe. I am going to tell you the way I did not do, so you can use it again some other time!! Pour almond milk into an ice cream tray and let that turn into ice cubes! SO good! When you use ice cubes it tends to water down the shake. So when the almond milk melts it just adds to the creaminess of the shake. Also, you can add a scoop of protein after a work out to help speed up muscle recovery. 

Recipe for Chocolate Shake:

1 Large Banana, Frozen

There are two good ways to freeze bananas. They are both the same except one you slice and one you don't. Peel the banana either cut it up or put it on a plate or sheet lined with wax paper. Then put it in the freezer for about 45 minutes. Once the banana is frozen put it in the food processor. Bananas are full of potassium which helps lower blood pressure. They are also a good source of 
protein.


1/2 teaspoon Chia Seeds


Then add 1/2 teaspoon Chia Seeds. Chia seeds are surprisingly good for you! They contain 11 grams of fiber in only an ounce. It also has a high level of protein. When you have a high protein diet it makes you feel more full and less likely to snack. So if you drink it between meals you are less likely to eat salty snacks. Chia seeds contain the same Omega 3 fatty acids as fish does. 




1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract




Then add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. It's not just for baking anymore! This adds a mild vanilla flavor to the shake. It also adds a yummy aroma.





1 Tablespoon Cocoa Powder




Next measure out and add 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder to the food processor. 1 Tablespoon adds only 12 calories, but contains 9% of iron intake needed for the day! Iron is important for humans because it helps make more red blood cells. It adds just a small hint of chocolate.





Then add 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk. This helps with people who have dairy intolerances. Here are 5 reasons Almond Milk is a good alternative to regular milk.
  1. It has no cholesterol and saturated fats, which help to lower chance of heart disease and help manage weight.
  2. While it does not contain as much calcium as regular milk, it does contain 30% of recommended daily intake. 
  3. Almond Milk is low in carbs, so it helps to keep blood sugar levels in check!
  4. Almond Milk helps with muscle recovery and health.
  5. Almond Milk also helps to keep your digestion on track.

I accidentally grabbed chocolate protein powder, still good!




This is the step where you are going to add the scoop of vanilla protein if you want too. Drink this after a workout to greatly increase muscle recovery time!








Lid placed on Processor




Place the lid and lock the processor in place. First pulse it on low for about 30 seconds. Then add some Milk Cubes (instead of ice cubes) I added about 8 altogether, but that depends on how slushy you want it!







Once it is all one consistency and just how you like it it is done! This makes one 16 ounce serving and will keep you full until you eat your next meal!
Chocolate Shake is done!

So good!! Let me know what you think down below!!

4 comments:

  1. This is a healthy alternative.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Have you considered adding avocado and some agave nectar? It'll make it much thicker, like a meal, and it's so creamy.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Looks delicious and easy but i wish it was diabetic friendly.

    ReplyDelete