Shamrock Shake- Our Real Food Fix!

My mom and youngest sister visited SoCal this past week and brought back a lot of memories from my childhood back in Chicago. The month of March has special meaning to the Irish Americans in Chicago; it is the month of St. Patrick’s Day! Many people can attest that March can be divided into 2 parts. 1) The build up to St. Patrick’s Day and 2) The recovery from celebrating the holiday.

As someone who has participated in the parade marching, green beer drinking, corned beef & cabbage eating, shamrock sprinkled cookies tasting, and even McDonald’s Shamrock Shakes celebrations I was looking for a healthier way to get in the spirit this year.

So about that McDonald’s Shamrock Shake….let’s just say there are (more than) a few ingredients you should avoid. The kind of ingredients that are linked to health issues ranging from annoying (acne & allergies) to disastrous (leaky gut & fertility issues). I’m not referring to the ice cream, mint extract or even whipped cream. I’m talking about the synthetic chemicals used as food dyes, additives and preservatives. Here’s a full list of ingredients from the McDonald’s website. Don’t feel like reading? See Huffington Post’s infographic:

Ready for the REAL FOOD FIX for your Shamrock Shake Craving? Below is a Whole Food Love approved shake with ONLY 6 ingredients. So Sláinte!

Sláinte Shamrock Shake

Serves 1

1 cup unsweetened almond milk

1 small ripe avocado, peeled and pitted

¼ cup fresh mint leaves, rinsed

2 Tbsp. raw honey

1 frozen banana

½ tsp. vanilla extract

handful ice cubes (optional)

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth!

 

Live your WHOLE  life,

Shannon + Meg

 

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