What’s up ya’ll.
I have a special treat for you today.
It’s sweet, makes you feel good, and its the best thing to have to start the morning.
OK…
…it’s the 2nd best thing to start the morning.
Me, of course, being #1.
And my Chocolate Banana Recovery Shake, being #2.
…pancakes and bacon at #3.
As much as I don’t mind eating chicken breasts and left over dinners for breakfast to get my protein, it does get old after a while.
So to mix it up, I use shakes as a quick and easy way to get my protein.
Only thing is, most protein powders are made with dairy-based products.
And since my GI tract and dairy get along about as well as Eminem and Kim Mathers, I’ve had to find non-dairy, protein powder alternatives.
And trust me, I’ve tried a bunch:
- Egg white protein (pretty good, my next best alternative)
- Rice protein (not enough protein)
- Pea protein (grainy)
- Hemp protein (gag)
- Raw protein mixes (make me bloated)
They either all tasted grainy and grassy, gave me gas or just didn’t blend very well.
I was a little disappointed that I couldn’t find a non-dairy protein powder that I liked, but since I recently discovered the magical powers of pure gelatin powder (thanks to my boy Josh Rubin) I have been in smoothie-heaven ever since.
With a few creative tweaks, I’ve created the ultimate non-dairy recovery shake.
You can use this as a breakfast, a meal replacement, or even a post-workout shake.
This -ish is awesome.
And don’t be freaked out by the raw egg.
That’s my choice to add it in, but you can very well do with out it.
Here are the deets:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 can (or about 7 oz.) of coconut milk (I like the Trader Joe’s brand, as it’s the only one I’ve found that doesn’t use guar gum)
- 3-4 oz. of water
- 1 organic banana
- 2 tbs. Great Lakes Gelatin Powder
- Few dashes of cinnamon
- 1/4 cap of organic vanilla extract
- 1 tbs. raw cacao powder
- 3 medjool dates
- 2-3 ice cubes
- 1 raw egg, organic, pasture-raised* (optional)
Directions:
(Seems kinda silly to write the directions for a smoothie but here they go…)
1. Put all ingredients in a blender
2. Blend.
3. Pour.
4. Drink.
This is by far my favorite protein shake, not only because of taste, but also from what it provides nutrition-wise:
- Provides healthy saturated fats through the form of medium-chain triglycerides
- Provides one of the purest forms of protein
- Contains an amino acid profile that is not found in muscle meat
- Dairy and gluten-free
- Helps rebuild cartilage, hair, skin, and ligaments
- Unlike muscle meat, it does not contain tryptophan, which can cause inflammation in excess
- Great high-glycemic carbohydrate source for instant energy
- Excellent post-workout carb choice
- They’re sweet and taste great
- Great source of vitamin B6, and vitamin C
- Provides potassium which is a vital electrolyte that helps regulate blood pressure and heart function
- And they’re just yummy (I mean, who doesn’t like bananas???)
- Kick ass flavor combination
- Extra protein
- Makes me feel tough, like Rocky.
- Because smoothies aren’t that great at room temperature.
15 Responses
What’s your beef with gaur gum? Just wondering!
Yum!!!!! I used to make smoothies with avocado, papaya, and banana with soy milk and honey. I also add a bit of flaxseed oil and 5 walnuts.
That sounds really good. I love papaya and actually have not used it yet in a smoothie.
Thanks for the idea, and look forward to seeing you soon!
Sirena
Yum!!!!! I used to make smoothies with avocado, papaya, and banana with soy milk and honey. I also add a bit of flaxseed oil and 5 walnuts.
That sounds really good. I love papaya and actually have not used it yet in a smoothie.
Thanks for the idea, and look forward to seeing you soon!
Sirena
I do my smoothies with a few cubes of frozen, organic mango. Same high-glycemic sugar, same sweetness, but, they are frozen so they help to cool the drink! I am excited to try gelatin protein!
I’ve been making smoothies with:
– home made raw-milk yogurt
– soaked almonds (they blend better cuz they’re soft)
– sprouted chia powder
– a miniscule amount of stevia
– coconut flakes
– half an avocado (it makes the shake really smooth and yummy)
– two raw egg yolks
– four or five cubes of frozen organic mango
– a sprinkle of sea salt
Hi Amanda,
Thank you for your comment. Your smoothie sounds awesome. I’ll have to give it a shot (except I’ll use coconut milk instead of the yogurt.)
I’m for real about the gelatin powder.
You will not look back. It’s helped reduce my inflammation like no joke.
Do some research into it. Great to use with your clients too. http://greatlakesgelatin.com/
How are things going? We still need to do lunch!
Sirena
I do my smoothies with a few cubes of frozen, organic mango. Same high-glycemic sugar, same sweetness, but, they are frozen so they help to cool the drink! I am excited to try gelatin protein!
I’ve been making smoothies with:
– home made raw-milk yogurt
– soaked almonds (they blend better cuz they’re soft)
– sprouted chia powder
– a miniscule amount of stevia
– coconut flakes
– half an avocado (it makes the shake really smooth and yummy)
– two raw egg yolks
– four or five cubes of frozen organic mango
– a sprinkle of sea salt
Hi Amanda,
Thank you for your comment. Your smoothie sounds awesome. I’ll have to give it a shot (except I’ll use coconut milk instead of the yogurt.)
I’m for real about the gelatin powder.
You will not look back. It’s helped reduce my inflammation like no joke.
Do some research into it. Great to use with your clients too. http://greatlakesgelatin.com/
How are things going? We still need to do lunch!
Sirena
Ha! Thanks Shannon 🙂
Much like the couple, I try it out every now and then, and quickly reminded why I left it in the first place.
Not much difference. Eminem raps about it…I blog about it 🙂
Sirena
Ha! Thanks Shannon 🙂
Much like the couple, I try it out every now and then, and quickly reminded why I left it in the first place.
Not much difference. Eminem raps about it…I blog about it 🙂
Sirena
This looks good Sirena! And I find it funny that you found a way to reference Eminem when writing about a protein shake. Well done! 😉
This looks good Sirena! And I find it funny that you found a way to reference Eminem when writing about a protein shake. Well done! 😉