Chocolate Mint Protein Smoothie – A Super Shamrock Shake!

This post is sponsored by Optimum Nutrition and contains affiliate links.

St. Patrick’s Day or ANY DAY, my pumped-up version of a Green Shamrock Shake with protein powder is sure to satisfy post-workout recovery needs with 27g protein for muscle management.

This delicious, creamy Chocolate Mint Protein Smoothie features fresh mint and spinach, sugar-free chocolate chips. My protein choice today is Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard 100% Whey protein (in French Vanilla Creme) which offers 24g high-quality whey protein per serving and 5.5g naturally-occurring BCAA to help endurance and recovery.

Enjoy St. Patrick's Day or any day with this better-for-you version of a green shamrock shake -- featuring fresh spinach and mint plus other key ingredients like protein powder and a few sugar-free chocolate chips! A great post-workout snack or breakfast on the go. Get more clean eating recipes at thefitfork.com
Pin this for later!

BTW, I’ve actually visited the HQ and manufacturing facilities for Optimum Nutrition and it was very impressive with so many safety protocols– it made it obviously clear why this product line is the “world’s best-selling whey protein powder” and why I trust it in my green mint protein smoothie (as well as so many other protein powder recipes).

I’m such a food manufacturing nerd, I could have watched the production line at Optimum Nutrition all day long!

Enjoy St. Patrick's Day or any day with this better-for-you version of a green shamrock shake -- featuring fresh spinach and mint plus other key ingredients like protein powder and a few sugar-free chocolate chips! A great post-workout snack or breakfast on the go. Get more clean eating recipes at thefitfork.com

This protein shamrock smoothie with Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein was my post-workout snack after an intense sweat session the other day, but with 320 calories it would also make a great breakfast or light meal on the go.

EmpowerMINT mint smoothie with protein powder

Of course, you can trim it down a little by skipping the whipped topping and sugar-free chocolate chips — I’ve made it that way many times too!

“Shamrock Shake” Chocolate Mint Protein Smoothie
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
 

Enjoy St. Patrick's Day or any day with this better-for-you version of a green shamrock shake — featuring fresh spinach and mint plus other key ingredients like protein powder and a few sugar-free chocolate chips! A great post-workout snack or breakfast on the go. Get more clean eating recipes at thefitfork.com

Course: Beverage, smoothie
Keyword: chocolate mint, green bean, protein powder, protein smoothie, shamrock shake, smoothie
Servings: 1
Calories: 320 kcal
Ingredients
  • 8 oz. unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 small banana about 6” in length
  • 3 Tbsp fresh mint leaves
  • ½ cup fresh spinach leaves
  • 1 scoop Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard 100% Whey protein French Vanilla Cream
  • 1 tablespoon sugar-free chocolate chips save a few for the garnish
  • 2 tablespoons sugar-free non-dairy whip
Instructions
  1. Add almond milk, banana, mint, spinach, protein powder and chocolate chips to the blender and process until smooth. Blend in a few ice cubes, if needed, to achieve desired consistency. Add whipped topping and a few extra chocolate chips for garnish.
Recipe Notes

320 calories, 27g protein, 9g fat, 9g dietary fiber, 28g net carb.

Best Healthy Living, Diet and Cookbook Reads in March 2018

I like to end my day cozied up with a cup of tea and a good read, it’s a great way to relax after 16 hours or so in go-go-go mode. I’ve never been one much for novels, but a knowledge-boosting non-fiction book can keep me turning pages into the wee hours. Check out my favorite Best Healthy Living, Diet and Cookbook Reads in March 2018. 

These new-release books are packed with useful how-to, tips and advice that have helped me optimized my healthy lifestyle even more. Read on to learn more. Continue reading

Buh-Bye Bloat! Dandelion Greens Detox Smoothie

Dandelion Greens Detox Smoothie is a low-cal way to cleanse your system and tame tummy troubles.Oh, we all have those days when the dreaded bloat is out of control. Personally, sometimes my tummy can stick out more than my butt.  I’ve reduced my family to tears of hysteria (and fear) on more than one occasion by sticking out my distended middle as far as humanly possible – I look like a skinny 6-month pregnant woman or have an awful basketball sized tumor!  Maybe it’s too much salt, not enough water, low fiber intake, that time of the month . . . or all of the above. I think we can all agree that being bloated and retaining water is not only an uncomfortable feeling, but also a self-confidence shaker – even though we all know that by eating healthfully, this gut grief not a lasting situation. Can’t believe I’m doing this, but I’ll share pictures of me taken within a short period of time — before dinner and already bloated (left) and feeling fabulous early one morning (right)! .

Rather than staying swollen up like a balloon, you can stop the suffering and get on the path to that slim and trim you with my Dandelion Greens Detox Smoothie.  Packed with all sorts of healthy ingredients that promote healthy digestion and hydration, this green smoothie recipe is also very light, so you don’t have to fret about overdoing the liquid calories.

Dandelion Greens Detox Smoothie is a low-cal way to cleanse your system and tame tummy troubles

detox smoothie nutrition

For under 120 calories, you get a 20-ounce glass of goodness that has no added sugar, progresses you towards your daily fiber needs, and even has a touch of protein from the dandelion (surprise!) It’s also rich in many vitamins and minerals, especially potassium, magnesium, calcium and vitamin K.

Here’s a rundown on the ingredients and how they can tame your tummy troubles.

Cucumber: Not only is this veggie is loaded with water (95% to be exact) which helps improve hydration, it also is a good source of a flavonoid antioxidant called quercetin that help reduce inflammation and puffiness – that’s why  we have all long-loved to put slices over our eyes.

Coconut Water: High in potassium and other electrolytes, this watery juice from inside the coconut helps to flush sodium out of the body and restore healthy hydration levels. For convenience, I love to have this Coconut Water Powder on hand.

Banana: Bananas are rich in potassium, a mineral that helps manage fluid levels in our bodies and can assist in shedding salt-related water retention. Also, this dietary fiber in this popular fruit keeps things moving along in your digestive system.

Ginger:  This root is a wonder when it comes to health benefits, anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, migraine relief and more. It also contains an enzyme that optimized the absorption of proteins and Lessing protein-related bloating and gas in the process.

Dandelion Greens: Dandelion greens (as well as the root) are a fantastic detox food that cleanses the liver, flushing toxins and excess water out – perfect if you have lots of water retention. Dandelions have a surprising amount of protein for a “green” and even more calcium than spinach.  You can also use the greens (mainly found in the early spring) in salads or sautés or reap benefits from drinking a dandelion tea or taking a dandelion root extract or supplement.

Dandelion Greens Detox Smoothie is a low-cal way to cleanse your system and tame tummy troubles

Linking Up With: Happy Fit Mama, The Fit Foodie Mama, Hello to Fit, Fairy Burger, Chocolate Runner Girl, Jill Conyers,

Have you ever tried dandelion greens before? What do you do to beat bloating? Please share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer 

Dandelion Greens Detox Smoothi
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
 
Tame your tummy troubles with this low-cal smoothie filled with bloat-busting ingredients like cucumber, dandelion greens, coconut water, ginger and more.
Course: Beverage, Breakfast, Smoothies, Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 20-ounce smoothie
Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut water
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh dandelion greens can swap spinach, if unavailable
  • 1/2 cup banana slices
  • 1/2 cup peeled and seeded cucumber, cut in chunks
  • 1 teaspoon fresh squeezed lemon juce
  • 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger root
  • optional couple drops of stevia
  • 1/2 cup ice, more if needed
Instructions
  1. Add all ingredients to blender and process until smooth, adding more ice if necessary. Pour into tall glass and enjoy immediately.

Purifying Skin Solution for Run, Yoga and Workout +Giveaway #DermaeDetox16

This post and giveaway are sponsored by Fitfluential on behalf of derma e, however all opinions and enthusiasm are my own!  

Greasy, sweaty and covered in city grime. Eek, that sure sounds yucky as I type it out, but that’s pretty much describes the condition of my skin on a daily basis. Well, that is, until I started using the Purify line from derma e.  One of my favorites is the 2-in-Charcoal Mask – more on that below!

jennifer face mask

I knew I had to do something to freshen up my skin and stat. Many days (okay, most days), I live in my fitness clothes from dawn until dusk — sometimes it’s because I’m knocking out two-a-day workouts, and sometimes it’s just because I don’t know exactly when I’m running or hitting the gym — and I want to be dressed ready! Anyhow, I was getting breakouts from not being able to jump in the shower right after exercise.  Plus, my skin just looked dull and sallow from lack of attention, (ahem) middle age, pollution, and who knows what else. Obviously, had made a priority out of taking care of my body, but not so much my skin!

I couldn’t have discovered the products from derma e at a better time. I had booked for some fun jobs booked where I would be in the public eye in January and I hoped to put my best foot (and face) forward! The perfect time for a derma e New Year’s Detox!

dermae skincare

There are so many fabulous products in the Purify line – Gel Cleanser, Daily Detox Scrub, Toner Mist, Oil-Free Moisturizer, Youth Serum and 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask.  All are designed specifically for oily and active skin types and work to draw out toxins, replenish vital nutrients and help skin resist oxidative stress. Two thumbs up to the “Green Chemistry” what combines the best of modern science with eco-friendly, sustainable and plant-focused ingredients to create natural, planet-friendly products that really work! And, of course, the company is cruelty-free when it comes to testing their products.

dermae skin care purifying mask

One of my favorite products is the Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask – it makes me feel like I’m getting a special spa treatment! The dual-action formula purges pores of deeply rooted toxins and yucky stuff and exfoliates everything away until I’m glowing! Look for new derma e Purifying products at your local health food store as well as Whole Foods Markets (on sale at Whole Foods through end of January).

Don’t just take my word for it! Enter for a chance to win a derma e New Year’s Detox Kit! The lucky winner will win the entire @derma-e Purifying line (including the amazing 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask pictured above). It’s a $150+ value!

Follow these steps to enter:

 One winner will be chosen on Jan. 31, 2015.  Contest is open to USA and must be 18 years or older to enter. Enter as many times as you like but spam and giveaway accounts will be disqualified. Thank you to @derma_e for sponsoring this great giveaway — I have personally been delighted with the detox!