12 Days of Smoothies: Peppermint Patty Smoothie

Peppermint Patty Smoothie

Ingredients: 

• Vanilla Paleo or Plant Power protein
• 1 frozen banana, sliced before freezing
• ¼ avocado
• ice cubes
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 T raw cacao powder, to taste
• ¼ tsp peppermint extract or a handful of fresh mint leaves
• coconut (or other alternative unsweetened) milk

Top with cacao nibs and maybe just a smidge of crushed candy canes for color. Going decadent? Top with coconut whipped cream. Heaven. Instructions: Blend with coconut milk for richer flavor and add in small amounts so it’s the consistency you want. Make double. Everyone will want this! Kids, older adults, and you… Flip: A yummy dessert or afternoon snack to help you avoid the cookie plate with ease. As a little girl (probably too little) my parents used to have ice cream drinks after dinner out with friends. Grasshoppers, Pink Squirrels, and Golden Cadillacs were the dessert drink of the day. This smoothie reminds me of that. It’s not one I’d want for breakfast but do like as a “treat” for an after dinner sweet flavor that actually supports satiety. It sends your brain the signal you’re done. So, a little sweet is not a bad thing. As long as you have specifically edible essential oil, that can also be used instead of extract or the mint leaves. (Pssst Subscribe & Save gives you 10% off every month PLUS flat rate shipping AND 15% off every order beginning in your 4th consecutive month of keeping it lean and clean) If you’re looking to increase results from strength training, maintain muscle mass, and bone health, protein is a must. While many of us psychologically can reach “full” of 5 ounces of animal protein (about 30+ grams of protein you want at each meal to achieve the muscle protein synthesis you need), we often have room for dessert. (These little places where you can add protein to your diet, support your overall meal intake. Win Win!) Notice the first thing that happens in the hospital or in a nursing home when an older adult can’t eat? Smoothies for more nutrition in a small vessel. You don’t have to be in decline to apply a strategy that will work for you too.