Adding Flavor and Excitement to a Decent Weight Loss Program

I'm working on losing some weight through the HMR program. I like the clear way this is set up, and the limitations and ease of use on this diet, but sometimes I DO want to spend a little more time on my food prep, so I can try some new flavors. I'm keeping track of these recipes that I use on the 2 + 3 + 5 diet plan. I'm allowed up to 15 calories of additional ingredient per serving. I've been experimenting over the summer, and I'm starting to post these, so I don't forget some of the successes and failures. Mostly, these will be shake recipes, but I have a few vegetable and fruit serving ideas as well. I decided to post them as a blog, so others can share these ideas, and maybe post a few new ideas as well.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Vanilla Mint Shake

This is a shake that actually looks kind of odd, sort of like a grass milkshake would look, if you decided to try that. It is, however, very tasty, and if you're a fan of mint, it's great. I have huge spearmint plants overwhelming my herb garden right now, and I'm trying to use that mint without my usual quotient of sugar. This shake has a bit more 'bite' than, say, a shamrock shake, and a bit more complex mint taste - it's hard to describe. One thing to do when you prepare your mint leaves, is to use the smaller leaves, and to be sure that you've removed all stems. Also be sure to wash well in running cool water. I use a colander under the tap. I used almost a cup of mint leaves. It was a little overpowering. Next time, I'll use between 1/2 and 3/4 of a cup of fresh leaves. I don't know about the nutrient values of fresh mint, but it must have some health benefits, right? Anyway, here's the recipe.

1/2 to 1 cup fresh small mint leaves

3/4 cup water

1 scoop vanilla shake mix

8 to 10 ice cubes

Pour water into blender container. Add mint and process on low, then medium power until mint is liquified (I had to scrape down the sides a couple of times.) While running the blender on low, add vanilla powder. Turn blender to medium, and add ice cubes one at a time until desired volume and consistency is reached.






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