VANILLA DATE SMOOTHIE
5:46 PM
I never regret going to the gym, but I always regret not going! Case in point, I've been working very hard on a special project I have coming up and sometimes get lost in the passion of it all. It's enough to keep me from going, for which I always end up regretting. I make myself go in these times and always feel amazing when I'm done. The ideas open up and flow through me with ease, I've come up with some amazing ideas. Plus, it gives me time to break away from the intensity of the day. Even though the gym is intense in its own way, it's blood circulating and sweat producing, I find it so relaxing as well...maybe more so when it's over. ;) It really is essential to your overall good health and well-being. I agree to that 100%. Maybe some of you feel the way I do, or maybe you simply dislike it like a few people I know. Either way, I wish everyone the best of health! It's what I was thinking about today, how good it feels and I was so glad I went. Not to mention, coming home to make this vanilla date smoothie. It's a perfect sweet treat for a job well done!
Earlier this month, I picked up this big beautiful box of dates from my local Indian farmers market. How could I resist?! These are the extra fancy ones and they are the most tender, soft, sweet and caramely date I've had in long time. Fresh dates are simply the best, they are sweet and ready to be put to good use. As soon as I got home from the market I put together this vanilla date smoothie and loved every sip, especially those little date pieces that are like pieces of heaven to eat. If you've got some dates and frozen bananas on hand, I suggest you treat yourself to something simple and wonderful!
VANILLA DATE SMOOTHIE
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, optional
- 1 large frozen banana
- 4 - 5 ice cubes or another frozen banana
- 3 - 4 medjool dates, pitted (soft and fresh is best)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Combine ingredients in blender and blend until smooth, about two minutes. Add a splash or two of extra almond milk if needed.
You may have visually small pieces of dates within the shake. That's ok, and even with those I had no trouble using my straw without having to clear the bottom of it maybe once or twice....Those little chunks are so caramely and delicious!
Serves one.
Notes:
For the protein powder, I've been using the Garden of Life Raw Fit lately. I love the fact that Garden of Life has a few protein powders that don't contain stevia. I prefer to sweeten my shakes/smoothies with fruits and personally don't care for the stevia after taste. I'm not on a weight management program but do love the high protein amount in this powder. The Raw Fit contains 28 grams of protein, which is half my daily recommended amount. For me, one shake a day is a perfect treat! If using protein powder, you may like to add 1/4 - 1/2 cup more of milk or water.
Enjoy!
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