the-feel-good-shamrock-shake

Drink yourself beautiful this Saint Patrick’s Day…

Life’s too short for deprivation. You should be able to have your cake and eat it to. In this case, have your SHAKE and drink it too. It is quite simple really. When you start eating better, you start feeling better. Drink yourself beautiful this Saint Patrick’s Day. I put together the perfect energizing breakfast blend or 3PM pick me up to prevent hanger (hunger-anger) and overeating later on. I have used my favorite ingredients in the shake specifically to keep you more full for a longer amount of time, give you lasting energy without the crash and curb unhealthy cravings. Not to mention, reduce stress, increase feel good hormones AND get your skin glowing (you can check out my most recent television appearance for more smart snacking options on my youtube channel). Yes, it all sounds too good to be true. Try it and then let me know how you feel.

Carina’s Dark Chocolate Mint Shamrock Shake:

1 tablespoon of unsweetened cacoa powder (Trader Joe’s brand is great) or 1 tablespoon of dark chocolate chips
1 cup of plain non-fat Greek yogurt (I love Chobani) OR a frozen banana (if you are dairy free)
1/3 cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk
¼ tablespoon of mint extract
4 tablespoons of stevia
¼ cup of sliced avocado
1 cup of ice

Blend together and enjoy. Everyone is different. If you like a sweeter flavor then go for the frozen banana instead of the Greek yogurt. If the cacoa powder is too strong for you then try dark chocolate chips. (Make sure the cacoa powder is non-processed to get the best health benefits.) Get creative and find a healthy formula that tastes good and works for you. Quick tip: if you are on the run or at work (because that is life) simply do a little planning in advance. Blend together the night before and put your sassy shamrock shake in a container for the next morning. It will take ten minutes tops. Just like any muscle, the more you practice planning the easier it gets. A bit of nutrition while you drink because I just can not resist:

Dark Chocolate triggers the release of “feel good” hormones in your brain. The same “feel good” hormones that get released after you do physical activity or when you are falling in love. For more health benefits of dark chocolate and easy dark recipes check out two of my old blogs here and here.
Greek Yogurt has double the amount of protein than normal yogurt, healthy bacteria for digestion as well as immunity and calcium for bone health. Need a healthy comfort food recipe? Watch my Garlic Cauliflower Mash Recipe Rehab Video using Greek Yogurt here. For more simple swaps check out my old blog here.
Avocados are packed with heart healthy monounsaturated fats. These fats have been proven to reduce stress as well as increase post-meal satisfaction levels. Moreover, avocados contain plant protein to keep you more full for a longer amount of time, give you lasting energy and curb unhealthy cravings. Avocados also contain Vitamin-E. Vitamin-E fights off damaging free radicals that contribute to aging. Vitamin-E also gives your skin an overall smoother tone, which will help reduce fine lines and those pesky crows feet around your eyes. Need some skin clearing snacks? Check out some of my favorites in my recent television appearance here.

If you are drinking beer this Saint Patrick’s Day check out my old blog here where you can find the best tasting light beers. HAPPY SAINT PATRICK’S DAY

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