Healthy Shamrock Shakes (WFPB, Vegan)
“I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.” ~ Thomas Jefferson.
The research about genetics and lifestyle is fascinating. Although genetics play a role in our health, they don’t dictate much! Our lifestyle has a far greater influence on our chance of getting disease (see source). As they say, “Genetics load the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger.” The harder we work to enjoy good health, the “luckier” we are! We can enjoy more fitness, energy, and immunity from disease. That’s a truth that brings hope to everyone, and that I’m grateful for.
I recently read about a study that found those who believe their genes dictate their health also eat much more poorly than those who believe they are in control of their health outcomes. It’s a detrimental line of thought. A victim mindset never helps.
You know what’s really lucky? That whole, plant foods like these (minus the chocolate chips) can be turned into a special treat, and that a healthy lifestyle can still include “milkshakes.”
My advice to everyone is to keep frozen banana chunks in your freezer at all times. Make it a habit to buy an extra bunch of bananas to get very ripe, then cut them into chunks and freeze them in a ziplock bag. They make the healthiest low-cal sweet treat when blended up. This variation is perfect for St. Patricks Day time, but really anytime.
The green color comes from a small handful of spinach. You really can’t taste it. Spirulina can also be used for a beautiful green color. We buy this brand from Amazon (affiliate link) and put a little in our daily green smoothies for detox effects and lots of nutrition, without much taste.
The dates give it a vanilla ice cream taste and extra punch of sweetness. Dates are the treasure I hope to find at the end of my rainbow. Aren’t they just the best?
Blend away! And may you create your own luck by treasuring your health every day!
Made with bananas and no dairy, these mint chocolate chip shakes are a super yummy special treat!
- 3/4 cup plant milk of choice use less for thicker consistency
- 2 dates
- 1 small handful of spinach or 1/2 tsp spirulina
- 1-2 frozen bananas or about 2 cups of frozen banana chunks
- 2 TBSP dairy-free dark chocolate chips
- 1 drop mint essential oil or extract
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In a blender, blend the dates with the milk and spinach, so the dates and spinach get well-blended.
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Add the bananas and remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
I am just really impressed with the types of recipes you post. This is the way I eat, and have gotten my fiance to convert to eating clean since we met. I am breastfeeding our son, so it is more important than ever to eat as healthy as possible. I sometimes get stuck just throwing a meal together with not much flavor due to lack of time and lack of money for extra ingredients. It’s nice to find simple meals here that I can turn to when I don’t have much to work with. Also thank you for not writing an entire novel before each recipe. Keeping your writing short and sweet is enjoyable and informative.
Thanks for the comment. Haha! I do kind of write novels sometimes…it’s better for SEO and website traffic in general….but that’s why I have a “jump to recipe” button at the top. 😉 So glad you like the recipes!