I'm writing this post after finding that many Protein Shake and Veggie/Fruit Smoothie drinkers I know only use H2O as the liquid ingredient.
Don't get me wrong, water is great to smooth out your shake but there are other beverages that you can use to add FLAVOR and ADDITIONAL HEALTH BENEFITS while adding NO or MINIMAL calories.
Some of my favorite mix-ins that my kids love too!
- Green Tea (home brewed of course)*
- Flavored Teas (home brewed, not bottled)*
- Coffee (Especially good for morning shakes!)*
- Coconut Water
- Almond Milk
- Skim Milk
- Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime and Orange Juices
* Of course, I understand that barely anyone has time to brew a cup of coffee or tea each time they want to use it in their shake! Myself included! So here's a friendly tip that will make it much easier...
Brew a large pot of coffee and/or green tea. Pour it into a 2 Liter pitcher (or whatever size you have or want to use), let it cool completely and store it in the fridge. Use as desired. I make a pot of coffee every Sunday and use it for the week in my morning shake. This may not be ideal for everyone, but it works for me and I don't mind "stale coffee" especially since I can't even taste it.
Best of Health,
Amanda Chubb
www.healthyathomept.com
www.facebook.com/healthyathomept
In this picture, something is missing...it's the baby carrot, radish and cucumber salad I ALREADY ATE! ;)
But to go with that super yummy and super healthy salad (dressed only with extra virgin olive oil and a bit of garlic powder, salt and pepper) is a piece of chicken breast and a sweet potato!
For the Chicken:
I turned a homemade dressing of 1/4 c olive oil, 2 tbsp spicy mustard, 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, 1 tsp minced garlic, pinch of salt and pepper into a marinade.
Mix it all together in a cup and taste to make sure the flavorings are where you want them. Remember you can add, but can't take away so start light especially on the salt!
TIP: I buy regular thickness chicken breasts and slice them thin myself. It's a cheaper per/lb price so you get more for your money.
I put some chicken in this marinade overnight and put the rest in something else to mix up the flavors. I usually cook the entire package of chicken at once so I have it for the next few days. I EAT A LOT OF CHICKEN!
Get a saute pan hot over medium heat, cook chicken for about 4 minutes each side. Shouldn't take more than that because it's cut thin but check with a thermometer if necessary.
TIP: Don't keep flipping it or moving it around because it won't get that caramelized color.
For the Sweet Potato:
Wash off the skin, wrap it in plastic wrap and pop it in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes (depending on size).
Let it cool for a few minutes, slice in down the middle, top with a bit of butter/spread, little bit of shredded 2% cheddar cheese, dollop of plain Greek yogurt, a few splashes of hot sauce and add your "greens" with some chopped cilantro.
ENJOY!
Best of Health,
Amanda Chubb
www.healthyathomept.com
www.facebook.com/healthyathomept
