Minty Green Shamrock Shake Smoothie
Minty Green Shamrock Shake Smoothie
Adapted from Love & Lemons: http://www.loveandlemons.com/minty-green-shamrock-shake-smoothies/#more-23736
“I need to seriously detox.”
I feel like I say that every Monday. I typically workout Monday thru Friday and, for the most part, I eat pretty healthy during those days. Well, if I’m being honest maybe Friday up until dinner. Hello, Fat Friday!
But then the weekend hits and I feel like I need to be rewarded for my good behavior. “I worked out five days straight and got a salad instead of a sub, so I deserve a little indulgence.” Don’t get me wrong, I do. We all do. Balance is always a good thing. But when an indulgence includes a late-night trip to McDonald’s then there is some serious imbalance and atonement needs to be made.
McDonald’s. I know, I know.
“It’s gross.”
“The food will kill you.”
“It’s the worst thing to put in your body.”
Yes, all that is pretty much true to some. But it tastes so good! Those fries! If I were on death row McDonald’s fries would be on my last meal request list (it’s kind of a long list). I mean, at that point, would it really matter?
And if I’m going to be “bad” then why not be bad all the way and do it up right? Right?
Jon and I were out late Saturday night and as we were coming closer to home we wanted to get something to eat. We both grew up in the city and even though we’ve lived in the suburbs for a number of years now, we forget that so many places in the suburbs close pretty early. Unfortunately, a take-out Chinese restaurant where your food is filled to the rim of the Styrofoam containers (Hello, Pu-Pu in West Roxbury!) wasn’t around. And if it were it would have been closed anyway. McDonald’s was the only place still open, so it was really more out of desperation that we went there. (And the fries!)
I feel like since I was a little girl I’ve tried just about everything on the McDonald’s menu – except the Shamrock Shake. I know it only comes around during St. Patrick’s Day, but I’ve never tried it and when I wanted to I’d miss the window.
I was talking with the biggest fan of the Shamrock Shake I’ve ever met: Bonnie at our CrossFit class on Friday. Her description of the shake and her love for it convinced me that I have to try it. But after having a Big Mac at nearly midnight Saturday I can’t walk into a McDonald’s for a while.
Next best thing: this healthy version of the Shamrock Shake. It has spinach in it, which I’m assuming is an ingredient that McDonald’s doesn’t use. Like, EVAH. And it doesn’t have any ice cream in it, which is a bummer. But overall it’s really good. Granted, I’m coming from the perspective of someone that’s never tried an authentic McDonald’s Shamrock Shake, so if I’m being honest, I have no idea what I’m comparing this version to.
I taste a lot more almond butter and banana, which is always a good thing. I was hoping it would be more minty and I think next time I’ll add a few more than ten mint leaves.
My next mission is to find a “healthy” version of their Special Sauce – and of course, their fries.
So much yum…
Serves: 1 large or 2 small smoothies
Ingredients
- 1 frozen banana
- handful of fresh baby spinach, about 1 cup packed
- ¼ cup fresh mint, about 10 leaves
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 2 ice cubes
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the banana, spinach, mint leaves, almond butter, ice, vanilla and almond milk. Blend until smooth. Add more almond milk as needed for desired consistency.
- Pour into a glass and serve.
Joyce – I have the same weekend challenge. I’m so good all week and then Friday night rolls around and the wheels fall off the bus. Ugh… McDonald’s fries aren’t my thing, BUT those sugar cookies and cupcakes last weekend were YUM!