The Best Protein Shake

Tuesday is without a doubt my busiest day of the week! Just getting the kids ready in the morning used be such a big job but now add in all the other bits that need to be done and planned for (not including meals and healthy ones at that) and I'm exhausted by noon. Kaden has school and I have Brody registered in 2 classes at the rec centre in the morning (music & swimming) then Brody and I head home for lunch. After lunch I get myself ready for work, which includes putting together my dinner and the kids' stuff ready for karate. By now, it's time to go pick Kaden up from school. Some Tuesdays my friend Natasha is kind enough to take the boys with her after school, feed them dinner and take them to karate with her kids. Yay for Natasha!! On the other Tuesdays when that doesn't work out, I'm not without help, Bryn kicks in and makes dinner for the kids and makes sure they're ready when I get home from work. So once I'm done teaching at Children's I rush home, grab the kids and my already prepared dinner and run them to karate. While I'm waiting I get to eat my dinner and hopefully hang out with some of the other parents if they're there. And sadly all of this is going to change come the new year because I'll be teaching another class right after this one and won't be able to do the Tuesday run around.

Now, what does this all have to do with the best protein shake?
I make a protein shake for my afternoon snack, it has become part of my "get ready for work" routine. Tuesday is the only day of the week I have my protein shake and I love it! This is one of the smoothies I drink about an hour and half before I teach a yoga class.

The Best Protein Shake

handful of spinach
1 banana, broken into chunks
1 scoop vegetarian protein powder
1/2 C coconut milk (canned)
1/2 C almond milk (depending on how thick you want it)
2 tbsp Udo's oil

Put all ingredients in blender and blend to desired consistency adding more or less almond milk to your preference.

If I could get you to try this without knowing what's in it you would be surprised! I can't believe how good this combo is, it tastes like a real junk food style milkshake. I think it's the quality of the coconut milk, it tastes so authentic. The brand I used is Earth's Choice, I've tried a few others and this one is by far the best. It's high in fat and that's just the way I like it, if this is going to be one of my main fat sources I'm going to drink the whole can!

Fun with a Blender

I borrowed Maris' (my step-mil) blender a couple weeks ago and I have been using and abusing it. I hope I don't wear out the motor before I return it to her. I've been making smoothies with it mostly. Here's my favourite combo:

Green Smoothie

handful of spinach
few leaves of kale
1/2 Cup water
(I like to puree it at this point)
1 banana
1/2-1 cup fresh pineapple
1/2 cup frozen berries (optional)

blend all ingredients together and enjoy.

Fun with Coconut Milk

When you open a can of coconut milk you have to use up all of in within a couple of days before it spoils. So here are some fun ways to use it other then in curries or soup.

Banana Pina Colada Smoothie

1 small banana
1/2-1 C fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
1/2 C almond milk (or non-dairy bev of your choice or reg milk)
1/2 C coconut milk

Place all ingredients in blender and puree until smooth or use immersion blender.
You could also add 1 cup of ice cubes.

I'll be posting more here so check back or add your own ideas in the comment box, thanks.