Mint Chip Shake
I have always loved the combination of peppermint and chocolate - it is a classic. And mint chip ice cream? It's like a Summer dream...well, except for the nightmarish amount of sugar it typically contains. And if you are dairy intolerant - the pain & discomfort that can follow.
Never fear - I have created a delicious, nutritious and easy superfood mint chip shake that rivals mint chip ice cream - but it has no sugar, no dairy, and is loaded with superfoods - yes, really!!
Ingredients:
1 cup of unsweetened liquid (I like 1/2 cup of coconut water & 1/2 cup of unsweetened plant milk)
1/2 of a small ripe avocado
1 teaspoon of moringa powder or greens powder, or a handful of raw baby spinach
1/2 - 1 tablespoon of chia seeds (adds fiber and omega 3s)
1-2 drops of peppermint essential oil** (must be food grade such as doTERRA, or you can use peppermint extract. Do not use more than 1 or 2 drops - essential oils are very strong, and it will be too minty!! Read below)
1 tsp. of organic monk fruit powder (I like Lakinto brand)
small pinch of Real Salt (why salt in a smoothie? It helps to bring out the flavors and sweetness, but just use a pinch - you don't want it salty! Trust me - a pinch of salt is KEY)
1/2 tsp. of alcohol-free vanilla (regular vanilla extract has too much alcohol for this), or a pinch of vanilla bean powder.
optional - 1/2 scoop of vanilla vegan protein powder (I like Warrior Blend Vanilla)
Ice as needed to thicken - about 2/3 cup
a small handful of dark chocolate chips or raw cacao nibs
optional - 1/2 teaspoon of matcha green tea powder (adds caffeine and polyphenols)
Directions:
Put the liquid into the blender, add the chia seeds and let them soak for a couple minutes.
Add the avocado, moringa (or greens powder), peppermint oil, the pinch of Real salt, vanilla, protein powder (if using) - blend until smooth.
Add in the ice, blend until smooth and desired thickness.
Add in the dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs - blend until mixed in.
Enjoy!
*About Moringa:
Also known as the horseradish tree and the drumstick tree, the moringa tree is native to North India - and it's leaves & pods offer a number of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Moringa is an excellent source of iron, vitamin B6, protein, magnesium, vitamin A, potassium, vitamin C, and other important vitamins and minerals. It may help to reduce blood sugar, cholesterol, and chronic inflammation. There is not enough research to determine if moringa is safe during pregnancy - so therefore talk to your doctor first.
**About Peppermint:
Did you know that peppermint can be a useful remedy for headaches and digestion issues? Peppermint has a mild numbing, cooling, and anti-spasmodic effect, and can even improve the flow of bile, and kill certain types of bacteria. Peppermint may help reduce bloating and gas, and indigestion. However, persons with reflux or GERD may wish to avoid using peppermint. Peppermint may also help to thin mucosal secretions and help to decongest stuffy noses. Applied to the temples (make sure to avoid the eyes!), peppermint may help relieve headaches in some individuals.
Please read:
Please be very cautious with using peppermint essential oils - as they are very powerful and could cause a burning sensation if applied directly to the eyes or skin, or mouth. Peppermint oils should NOT be used on infants or small children, or taken internally with persons with GERD or reflux. Talk to your doctor before using peppermint oil if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications. If using peppermint topically - always dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut oil. If consuming peppermint oil internally, always make sure it is a certified therapeutic grade essential oil (such as doTERRA) - and use only 1 or 2 drops diluted in your beverage or food.
References/Resources:
http://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-moringa-oleifera
https://draxe.com/essential-oils-for-headaches/
