Post-workout, I love refreshing and reviving my exhausted (and sweaty) body with a protein shake. However, as I've said before, I hate how many of the shop-bought versions come loaded with an A-Z of ingredients and artificial sweeteners which I've never heard of.
Recently, I've started to make my own post-exercise shake and smoothies. Not only do they taste a gazillion times better, but they're also a whole lot cheaper and (dare I say it?) healthier too.
This Chocolate & Almond Power Milkshake is my new favourite. Made using bananas (perfect after workouts due to their complex carbs and potassium levels), energy-boosting coconut oil
and protein-packed Total Greek Yoghurt, this is a great and filling shake.
It also comes sweetened with my new discovery of Naturya's Lucuma powder, which one of my favourite bloggers Galina told me all about. Made from the subtropical fruit of the Pouteria Lucuma (found in Peru), Lucuma powder is a brilliant natural sweetener, which doesn't force your blood sugar levels to sky rocket. In fact, it's pretty much ideal for diabetics, or anyone who wants to reduce their intake of the white stuff.
For centuries, native Peruvians have cited the health benefits of Lucuma and, believe me, it has many. These include medicinal and anti-inflammatory properties, and it also happens to be bursting with nutrients, including iron, potassium and magnesium. Not only this, but Lucuma is also rich in beta-carotene, which helps to provide a much-needed boost to ageing or sun-damaged skin, adding a healthy radiance.
How do you use Lucuma?
Sam x
P.S If you love the sound of Lucuma powder, then keep your eyes peeled for a healthy ice cream I'll be serving up soon!
CHOCOLATE AND ALMOND POWER MILKSHAKE
(Serves 2)
2 medium bananas, sliced and frozen
1 - 1.5 cups almond or coconut milk
1/2 cup 0% Total Greek Yoghurt
1 - 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa (depending on how dark you want it)
1 tbsp Lucy Bee coconut oil, melted
2 tbsp desiccated coconut
1 tbsp cashew butter
2 tsp Lucuma powder
2 tsp maple syrup / agave / honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract (optional)
Method:
1) Blitz together the ingredients in a food processor or blender until thick and smooth, or the texture you want. Pour into a glass and enjoy.
