So, I've said it before and I'll just say it again, normally I'm not a smoothie/shake type of person.  I don't even know why, it's just one of those things where I'd much rather eat my nutrients than drink them I guess?  But I have to say, every now and then as a special treat, you just can't beat a creamy, frosty shake. ESPECIALLY in the heat of summer.  Summer in Texas lasts about 8 months too, so I'd say it's definitely socially acceptable to be drinking shakes and what not come mid-November 'round here. 

Now, there is this shake apparently that everyone freaks out about when it's released at McDonald's....the Shamrock Shake?  Ever heard of it?  I have to admit, I've seriously NEVER had one from McDonald's.  Even pre-health kick days, it’s just never been on my radar!

However, I have friends and family who live and die for this thing, so what better way to say, "I love you," then by creating a healthy alternative that can be enjoyed year round?!  Food is my love language, so for me, there IS NO BETTER WAY. 

When I was researching all about this Shamrock Shake, I saw a lot of ingredients that I haven’t been able to eat in a while due to some gut restrictions. Even in the "healthy" remakes, there were definitely some things being used that I felt like I could either toss out, or find an alternate ingredient for!  My version is thick and creamy, sweetened by bananas, and tinted by real greens!  There is the option to use chocolate chips in it if you want to take it from purely a healthy protein shake to more of a dessert type treat, so you go on with your bad self if you want to!

One other disclaimer is that I highly recommend using the Vital Proteins Dark Chocolate and Coconut Water Collagen Whey if you can.  I'm sure substituting another chocolate protein powder would be fine, but the nutrients you're getting from the VP version can't be beat, and plus, there is no added sugar in this protein, so it's not sweet.  You'd most likely want to cut out a banana and definitely omit the chocolate chips if you're using any old chocolate protein powder as it typically is sweetened to various extents.  Anywayyyys, without further ado, I present to you my Copycat Shamrock Shake! Now go forth and get your protein on folks!

Copycat Shamrock Shake

(makes 2 large servings)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup water

• 2 large handfuls baby spinach

• 3-4 small frozen bananas

• 1/2 can full-fat coconut milk

• 1/2 cup Vital Proteins Cocoa Collagen Whey (or unsweetened chocolate protein powder of choice)

• 1 tsp mint extract

• Optional: 1/4 cup Enjoy Life Dark Chocolate Chips

Directions:

1. Place water and spinach in food processor or blender and blend until smooth. (you may have to pause and scrape sides)

2. Add in coconut milk and blend until smooth.

3. Add in frozen bananas and blend well.

4. Add in mint extract and whey (as well as chocolate chips if you choose) and blend until smooth.

5. Pour into two large glasses and ENJOY!