Every year I update this blog post because the knowledge in the industry is giving us better options. January is when most people start looking for supplementation, and that's almost always going to include green smoothies and protein powders. However anytime using a protein supplement can be a handy tool for a vegan, paleo vegan or keto vegan. Most vegan options lean to soy... but let me talk to you about the problems with this.


GMO Soy is not a Healthy Meal Replacement Shake... let's just start there. Let's start with what I believe to NOT be a healthy Paleo Vegetarian or Paleo Vegan (pegan) meal replacement shake, or really a healthy choice for anyone. GMO Soy or Isolated Soy protein are bad bad bad, and interfere with basic aspects of our own biochemistry. First among them are inhibitors that block trypsin and chymotrypsin, enzymes needed for protein digestion. They also contain haemagglutinin, which is a clot-promoting substance that causes red blood cells to clump together, and goitrogens that depress thyroid function. I know a lot of you have had problems with thyroid that I've worked with. Also gmo-soy protein has one of the highest phytate levels out there, and is run through five different chemically toxic phases of production before it hits your protein shake. Non-GMO pea protein and cold-washed soy and tofu protein are far superior to this in each and every way! Even the Whole30 vegetarian/vegan shopping list allows non-gmo soy in their program, although they only have about a half page on veganism in their book.

The process that many companies use to deplete the "dangerous" isoflavones from the soy is where they take the soybean slurry material after it's been processed with the solvent, and it's subjected to a centrifuging process to form a liquor that is subsequently pasteurized. Sugars and other small molecular weight components may optionally be removed from the liquor using membrane ultrafiltration or another separation technique to increase the protein content of the soy protein product. The resulting retentate from the membrane ultra-filtration process is subjected to an adsorption process in which isoflavones are removed by adsorption. The resulting isoflavones-depleted soy protein material is-pasteurized and then is optionally spray dried. Just take a look at
the patent and see why I have only one soy product I have ever recommended... EVER!

Before I share my choices I want you to know that I make a commission for purchases made through the links on this blog. It's one way that I am able to make some compensation for the research and time I take not only to write this blog, but to look up information and recipes to share on the Facebook page.

Since I know after the holidays a lot of us look for meal replacement shakes I wanted to make sure you have this information. So many people look at a shake and see, WOW... look at all of that protein, and comparably it may look like a better shake. That's not always the case. You need to consider the ingredients. GMO-Soy should not be one of them no matter if you are just vegan or paleo vegan (pegan). If you are going to use a whole foods shake with soy, then make sure it is cold-washed organic, very very minimally processed soy like this Vegan and Gluten-free Shake which is the shake that I use for meal replacements. I like it because it's just whole foods, and prebiotics, although many may not feel it's "paleo" enough. A great vegan shake daily along with my trio of whole foods capsules that I dump into water and drink, creates a bridge for where I may be lacking nutritionally. Bridging the gap where I need nutrition with my B Vitamin mutations. It's the only soy shake I will ever recommend. So you've heard it, and we'll move on.

Also for you athletes, stay away from sugar because it will inhibit the building of building muscles. Some of these shakes that claim to be healthy have 10 or more grams of sugar (like the Isagenix shake), and yet not one sign of real fruit, just fructose. Fructose can be worse for your insulin resistance than corn syrup is. This is why bodybuilding shakes generally have a maltodextrin instead of  sugar added, just to eliminate the fructose. And there are many different types of maltodextrin just as there are different types of dextrose, so please don't lump them all together. Shakes that are sweetened with items like stevia, Luo Han Guo, coconut nectar or actual real natural vanilla will make sure your workout is matched with the nutrition and not structured by the sugar.

My top choices of paleo meal replacement shakes, and why:

For those with any sort of major inability to detoxify, my first choice would be Mediclear SGS. This shake offers "enhanced liver support by adding sulforaphane glucosinolate (SGS) a natural substance from the seeds and sprouts of select broccoli varietals for effective up-regulation of the body's natural phase II detoxification enzymes". And for those with CFS, Autism, Fibromyalgia, MTHFR... I recommend a shake that will push your body to actually support detoxification - maybe even for the first time in your life. Like many of the vegan shakes this one has a sprouted brown rice protein in the mix, and so if you don't tolerate rice, then this may not be the shake for you. It does really detox so make sure you are up to it before you go in for it and have detox support. I also really love that it has no added gums, as I have been working hard at battling underlying mold allergies this year.

Because of the mold issue my current favorite vegan protein shake is the Perfect Plant Protein shake. This shake is what I want when resetting my body. It has no added sugars, so it's ketolicious perfection. It has a blend of organic beet, carrot, spinach, broccoli, tomato, kale, cabbage, parsley leaf, brussel sprouts, green bell pepper, cucumber, celery, garlic, ginger root, green onion, cauliflower and asparagus. It also has a digestive belend of ginger root, papain, peppermint leaf powder and bromelain. The protein blend is pea, hemp and sacha inchi. That along with vanilla and stevia is it. The whole thing, which means you can add in some healthy fats and it's a wonderful shake to give you lots of nutrients with just three net carbs and fifteen grams of protein.

Second up, and a little bit less money would be Pure Food. It does have a very gritty texture, and can taste sour to some people because of the digestive additive. It has all of the proteins, and it has amazing bio-availability, but it's not the flavor a lot of people like. My husband uses plain old non-GMO NOW brand pea protein most of the time. It's easy to pick up down the street on the way home. or since he isn't vegan he will use pastured collagen. Just unflavored and unexciting. To the point. He's also the guy that just likes to lift heavy stuff, totally functional. It's very easy to digest, and so it makes it a good non-bloating morning shake.

My third favorite meal replacement shake is Shakeology. It has all of the great super food nutrition, digestive support, hormone balancing, and is really tasty.  {Unless you are using the Vegan formula I no longer recommend this after seeing the FAQ below buried deep on their site ... which has now been replaced with just the Vegan Shakeology information. Here is an saved image}

" For those customers who do not want vitamin/mineral fortification, the Shakeology vegan formulas are an option as they are not fortified with added levels of vitamins or minerals."


Fourth up is the undenatured whey products for vegetarians. If you want just the undenatured whey and nothing more, get OnlyProtein Undenatured Whey. It is honestly just happy New Zealand undenatured whey, nothing more and nothing less. They also have a version called the Fat Burner with added added a South African Hoodia, CLA, Carnitine, and Garcina Cambogia with the undenatured whey. I am allergic to hoodia, so it is something I can't speak to as far as flavor.

My husband also sometimes likes the non-denatured whey, coconut and egg protein shake, KetoFuel. It gives him a quick path into ketosis. It is specially formulated to support the body’s natural ketogenic metabolic processes. They created the macros with a delicious creamy taste with macronutrient ratios that support ketosis using A2 whey (cold processed). Bioavailability and absorption are keys to a good whey protein supplement. A supplement is not a food. Unlike food it should be absorbed quickly and efficiently. Try to remember when looking at products on the market that concentrates vary in quality. When a whey concentrate is non-denatured or undenatured then it has a full array of natural proteins because it wasn't overheated during processing. Because it is non-denatured, it is absorbed quickly and bio-availability matters. 

I get asked all the time about MCT powder. It is created using gum arabic to protect the lipids from the attack of lipoxygenase and free radicals by adsorbing at the oil droplet surface. The reason for the maltodextrin is to make MCT powder you have to mix the oil with tapioca maltodextrin, which apparently hates water and absorbs and thickens fats. Most whey producers add lecithin to make their proteins easier to mix with water. So you will have to make that decision to add it in or not on your own.

When combined with a healthy diet and exercise, a healthy meal replacement shake promotes high-impact fat loss, energy production, blood sugar support, and better mental and overall health. A serving is 2 heaping scoops. Most guys are probably doing that, but most of the women I know find that they feel better if they do 1 scoop in a shake twice daily while trying to lose weight. So it's up to you. 

My favorite recipe is:
2 cups full-fat homemade hemp milk
1 cup berries
2 scoops protein powder
¼ cup cacao powder
1 tbsp finely ground flaxseeds
1 tbsp algae oil
7 ice cubes (or 1/2 cup of frozen riced cauliflower)

Instructions
Add all of the ingredients except for the ice cubes to the jug of your high-powered blender.
Blend on high for 1 minute, until smooth.
Add the ice cubes, one at a time. Continue to blend until smooth, about 30 seconds.
Divide amongst two glasses and enjoy with a friend or put half aside for later.



Looking for something that is more of a program, Designs For Health (company that makes PaleoMeal and PurePea) also has a 14 Day Detox Kit. This kit includes:

- 28 - single serving VegeCleanse Plus™ functional food powder drink mix packets

- 28 - capsule packets containing:

• 3- Amino-D-Tox™ capsules
• 1- Hydrolyzyme™ capsule
• Program Guidebook - detailed patient guide which includes a supplement schedule, sample menus, and suggested food and snack options
• DFH Branded BlenderBottle®

Made with non-GMO ingredients, of course. They've used a combination of carefully selected products and a methodical, step-by-step diet plan in their design in order to introduce people to a healthy cleansing process without having to commit to a longer regimen. It is ideal for those with busy schedules or anyone new to the concept of detoxification.

I also love hemp protein, but I'm one of those that doesn't mind the "green" flavor of it. I do admit I like the dark chocolate hemp protein more than the others, but it's better in a mix of other items, like a big green smoothie. Lots of blueberries and more.

Finally I can't forget the Boku Super Protein. I originally ordered it last year from OpenSky. I love that place, I have gotten coconut charcoal for bbq'ing in the summer, and so many other amazing sustainable items. The Boku is made with organic pea protein, organic sacha inchi protein, organic cranberry protein and organic red dulse now that they have removed the fermented rice from the mix. It's got a nice flavor and blends well, and is kosher. They used to sweeten it with the maple syrup, but now they are using Organic Coconut Blossom Nectar.

A Superfood Mix I really like is this plant-based Wild Protein blend. It contains just Organic Pea Protein Powder, Organic Hemp Protein Powder, Organic Mesquite Powder, Organic Freeze-Dried Coconut Cream Powder, Organic Spirulina Powder, Organic Cinnamon Powder, Organic Moringa Powder, Organic Milk Thistle Powder, Organic Burdock Root Powder and Organic Stevia Powder... organic, organic, organic. It's a great alternative for someone looking for a very simple, and yet supportive  with no added sugar to give you that nourishment without spiking blood sugar. It is formulated for optimal digestion, and is loaded with vegan protein, omega-3s, vitamin A, iron, fiber thanks to the selected herbs and superfoods. Each ingredient is minimally processed at low temperatures to deliver a treasure-trove of nutrients to your body the way nature intended. Built on the hemp, moringa, and spirulina (which is like added vegan bone broth to the mix), this formula gives you that cleansing milk thistle and burdock root and the ketogenic medium chain triglycerides from the freeze-dried coconut milk.

However I want to end with what I use with my shred group because of the support it really does give to rebalance your body. Now if you can wrap your head around it, the vegan, cold processed soy, chickpea, pea and rice protein shake I talked about at the beginning is a very nutritionally biased shake. Even Whole 30 says non-gmo soy and tufu are okay to eat. Complete is gluten-free, it's certified non-gmo, and it's whole foods. It is my go to meal replacement shake to initially get a client in a better position because it is nutritionally balancing, affordable and tastes really good. When clients stop using it they miss it for so many reasons, and so I have realized it truly improves the way you feel. It's also why I use the ecapsulated whole foods. They are encapsulated in vegan capsules, and the folate comes from lemon peel. I open them and dump the contents into a little warm water and drink them for quick available nutrients, although my husband adds it to his smoothie or just takes them with his coffee. I don't recommend taking these with green or black tea as those will block the absorption of those much needed folate nutrients. For my keto clients, I have them filter out the cane sugar... oh yes you can do that!! They are larger crystals and will filter right out of the shake. This process gives you exactly what you want with no added sugars.

The Organic Super Protein shake is newer to the market and has just 4 grams of carbohydrates and is a great resistant starch with the fermented starch for those following a Vegan Keto style of diet. Every serving provides 18g of superfood protein for filling, satisfying energy. A blend of organic pea, organic fermented rice, and organic hemp provides complete proteins rich in branched-chain amino acids for muscle growth and maintenance, and again only 4 grams of carbohydrates. Add in your vegan algae oil for additional fats and you're lean and clean!

Another daily protein shake is this Plant Protein Shake because it is grain-free, vegan, non-gmo and purely made. The best plain paleo protein shake I have ever had... and as you can see I have tried them all! This protein is ideal for pre or post workouts, first thing in the morning is when I use it, or whenever you need a healthy boost of energy from protein or a quick on-the-go snack like when I know I have to run errands after taking my daughter to swimming. If you are looking for a good non-gmo, gluten-free & grain-free vegan protein, this has only 6 grams of carbs, but offers protein powder along with coconut oil powder which is more aligned to someone looking for a basic powder.



It really does have the most amazing taste and texture.. which is unlike most other vegan shakes I have seen. With the blender bottles it mixes easily with water into a silky smooth snack. I use it in my coconut yogurt recipe, it can be used in your protein pancakes as an additionally delicious way to increase protein.

So there you have it... you know the shakes that have rotated through my pantry in 2018... usually there is at least one of the above in there.

Over the years I have always looked for the best ingredients in the products I use, especially out of the selfish reason of my own health. One of the allergies that I really never had to worry about with food beyond the basic cross reactive items like bananas, avocado, kiwi, etc., was my latex allergy. However this Summer has been the eye awakening Summer of what is being added to our skin care, our foods, and of course what it is doing to my skin.

Food allergies and I have been walking hand in hand through life since I was in my early tween years. I am used to reading labels. I've been watching over the past few years as Sunflower has made an epic leap into just about everything organic you can find. Can I just say I am tired of everything being made with sunflower oil??

First if you look at the omega balance that tips so easily, a food that is 60% omega-6 makes it tougher for a vegan. This however is what you are getting when you are eating more of these "breakthrough food" items. Sure, you can now eat chickpea butter., and plantain chips, but they are filled with sunflower oil. Even my favorite local co-op has transitioned to using an olive oil - sunflower oil blend for the food they make in store. Most people haven't even realized that the largest oil used in organic foods today is sunflower oil.

Healthy packaged foods and most fast food, healthy or not, are using these high omega-6 oils. Chipotle uses mostly rice bran oil which is actually far healthier. They do use sunflower for their chips (which are corn, so you probably wouldn't eat them anyway)

An EU studies show that repeated heating of sunflower oil creates a dangerous chemical change. It causes a thermal lipid oxidation which results in the formation of polar compounds and new chemical functional groups that deposit in the cooking oil. It also destroys the vitamin E, thus losing the natural fatty acid protection against lipid oxidation.

What is interesting is that the FDA warned of this all the way back in 2013, but have yet to ban the practice. This information came after studies became public in 2012 that when sunflower oil is overheated you find certain aldehyde that are related to neurodegenerative diseases and some types of cancer. This was published in the Food Chemistry Journal and looked at sunflower, flaxseed and olive oil. Sunflower and flaxseed oil were a huge fail in a short amount of time.

So, I have been eating less and less of the new foods, because of the added sunflower. Yet I am still having this weird reaction this Summer causing this ketoish looking rash that is just awful to deal with. So if it isn't ketosis (which I can say with all of the carbs I have been eating, it's clearly not ketosis), and it isn't candida... what it is? We've determined that it is back to the latex connection.



Latex has a lot of weird cross-reactive protein items, but also they just make a lot of items from latex bearing plants and trees. Either it has aloe in it, which that aloe is a latex trigger, or it has gums in it. Those latex cross-reactive foods include acacia which is gum arabic, as can carrageenan which they call a a pseudo-latex allergy. These gums are being placed in moisturizers, sun care products, even serums can all have all of these items in them. In fact, even my free of everything hair spray had an ingredient in it that could have triggered my latex reactions. When you start reading those organic food lists and if they don't have sunflower, you will find some sort of latex cross-reactive ingredient almost always.

I just recently read about an anaphylactic reaction after drinking of apple juice supplemented with acerola in a latex-allergic patient. And they are talking about making a new "gum" out of the cashew tree. Isn't that a sweet idea?

So here I sit, drinking my turmeric, taking loads of nettle and histamine blockers, and thinking how lucky I am that I am not so severe that this cross reaction is sending me to the ER like many latex allergy sufferers. Currently you cannot even buy items that say, "Latex-free" as they have changed the wording to say, "Not made with Natural Rubber Latex" as the FDA has decided that the agency is not aware of any tests that can show a product contains no natural rubber latex proteins that can cause allergic reactions. This is something that at least ten percent of us are dealing with, and I am sure more on the horizon.

So now that I can't have any of these filler ingredients... the idea of what sort of vegan protein shake can I actually use? I have actually found two, and one has none of my allergens in it. The first is the Sprout Living Epic Protein, which unfortunately has sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds in their protein blend. I am VERY allergic to sunflower, and sunflower seeds are a low cross-reactive ingredient for those with latex sensitivity.

The second one that I can actually have is the vegan Pure Food Plant Based Protein Power with Probiotics.  Pure Food Protein Powder is the first and only truly clean protein powder with 100% plant-based, organic, real food ingredients and probiotics, and no gum or other thickening or emulsifying agents that I may react to. The company also donates 5 meals to hungry families in need for every order they get. They are a very small business, yet they have still donated 10,000+ meals so far, which is amazing. So this is the really the one, the healthy meal replacement shake for vegans. I have given a lot of alternative meal replacement shakes for vegans over the years, but this is the cleanest shake I have seen. One note is that lucuma has a latex sap when immature, although I haven't seen anything about this causing a latex reaction.

Recently food members of the thaumatin-like protein (TLP) family have been identified as important allergens in peach fruit, and also been described as allergens in various fruits, such as apple, cherry, kiwi, olive and banana, and in pollens such as cypress and possibly others. So that means the NuZest Clean is out as well as since that is exactly what you are getting from the Katemfe Fruit.

If you want just one ingredient, Julian Bakery has a Sacha Inchi powder that is just that. Nothing else included. But it is really very bland, and really only giving you protein. Still, for some people that may be all you need. Yet, sacha inchi has two unigene expression latex-like proteins that take place in the development that could trigger me, so for not it has to go into the "next" space.

So as I keep looking I have a few options as far as I can use just plain organic pea protein. How much boring can it get. I have a moringa based plant protein mix that I can use if I want a little more excitement. I could move back over into vegetarian land and do a undenatured whey from Tera's, as a last resort.

Foods that they say may or may not be a problem, that I have already eliminated are Papaya, Pear, Mango, Sweet Pepper, Peach, Rye, Cayenne Pepper, Plum, Wheat, Shellfish, Cherry, Hazelnut, Sunflower Seed, Walnut, Peanut, Buckwheat, Castor Bean, Apricot, Lychee, Passion, Fruit and Persimmon.    New foods I will have to eliminate are Apple, Carrot, Celery, Potato, Tomato, Melons (I have been eating watermelon but have eliminated all of the others... bubye watermelon) Pineapple, Citrus Fruits, Strawberry, Soybean, Coconut, Fig, Chick Pea, Grape, Dill, Oregano, Zucchini, Nectarines and Sage. Do you hear a little sob? I am not sure if I will have to eliminate medium-chain triglycerides, as that may be like a lethicin where there isn't any proteins left. Research shows that medium-chain triglyceride oil supplementation had minimal or no influence on plasma amino acids. That leads me to believe I can still use it.

So after 19 years of dealing with an increasingly more complex latex allergy, and thirty years since I started having latex allergy symptoms, this will be the year that latex forces me to become a minimalist. As someone that loves trying new things, and just loves things in general... this year is going to be hard. I guess that is what turning 50 will be for me. Transforming. Maybe that is my word for 2019. What do you think?

A Missed Miscarriage

This is not the way I had wanted to start the new year. I had hoped to continue to have morning sickness, back pain, hormonal influx, mood swings, you know... all of the good things that you get before you can hold that amazing little person in your arms. Instead I'll be going into the doctor after having what I believe was a missed miscarriage. A missed miscarriage is when embryonic death has occurred but there is not any expulsion of the embryo. It is not known why this occurs. Signs of this would be a loss of pregnancy symptoms and the absence of fetal heart tones found on an ultrasound.

I had all of the symptoms of being pregnant. The implantation cramps, the "lightening crotch" and of course the morning sickness had started. Even had the "faint" second line on the pregnancy test. But then it all went away. I have had many months of peeing on sticks with the BFN, but this of course is different and it's heart breaking. I thought I was okay with it, but this morning it hit!!

Emotions Flowing 

This morning I have started my new challenge groups which meant starting P90X3 first thing this morning. It honestly took me an hour to go through a 30 minute workout. I was dealing with stuff that was stuck trying to escape. Then I hit the shower... emotions overflow!! I found myself just bawling in the shower. I realized that this Whole 30 / Virgin Diet / P90X3 change is the start of a renewal. Almost a rebirth in more ways than one. I slathered on the clary sage and geranium for emotional healing, and of course for healing internally the frankincense and basil. I will make it through this, and be stronger for it. I had my power shake, and I'm ready to do this. Going forward into a new day. Women over the age of 45 can have up to a 50% chance of miscarriage, sad but it's the reality of where we are. Feeling really crampy today, and drinking my shake and just going through the motions. Trying to not make any rash decisions in my moment of emotional madness.

And you know what I mean?? Emotions where you want to quit... but I can't quit, it's not in my nature. <3 life, and going to keep going for it!

JJ Virgin 28 Day Cleansing Group starting for the New Year

I am thrilled that I'm going to cleanse my body for 2014! I'm going to be using JJ Virgin's basic plan, her book the "The Virgin Diet" and you are welcome to join me. It's a great program for anyone that has been struggling with weight, or leaky gut. And if you are new to the paleo lifestyle, no matter if you are vegetarian , vegan or not this program will help you to cleanse your system and start from a place of health. Most people struggle with some sort of internal issues - and just changing your diet from SAD to Paleo isn't the quick answer that they'd hoped. So this program is a good start for you, in fact in my opinion this program should be done before ever doing a Whole 30 because this really addresses the leaky gut problems.

What is the 28 Day program 

You may want to know what the layout of the program is. And what's great is that it really is more of a 21 day cleanse, and the last week is reintroduction, where I will probably try out dairy first, eggs second after I see how I do with dairy. The program run is:

Week 1: Jump Start Week 
 2 shakes, 1 meal, optional snack
Week 2: Heal Week
 1 shake, 2 meals, optional snack (You can do 2 shakes if you prefer.)
Week 3: Reverse Week 
 1 shake, 2 meals, optional snack (You can do 2 shakes if you prefer.)
Week 4: Reintroduction Week  {gradually reintroduce eggs, dairy, and gluten. If you can tolerate these foods, eat them in moderation. If you can‘t, eliminate them again for at least three months and then
re-challenge. }
1 shake, 2 meals, optional snack

What do you eat on The Virgin Diet?

Well let's start with what you don't eat. Similar to a paleo diet there is no gluten, no peanuts, no soy, no corn, no artificial sugars. Like the Whole 30 there are no sugars, but also there are no eggs. You are working your body out of the allergens, so that you are able to figure out what truly causes your body issues. I'd even recommend you go through this, do the re-introduction plans, and then when you know what your body can and can't tolerate you then do a Whole 30 program.

For the Virgin Diet my protein choices will be sardines (maybe once a week or twice a week since it's no eggs), pea, hemp and sprouted rice protein. I'll be sticking mostly to the proteins in the Mediclear SGS shake which is very detoxifying. My fat choices will be ground flax meal, olives, olive oil, coconut oil, coconut milk, and I'm thinking about starting to use some cod liver oil although struggling with it. LOL.. Maybe sacha inchi seed oil instead.

Obviously where you can go wild is with the non-starchy vegetables. Her list includes:
• Arugula • Asparagus • Bamboo shoots • Bean sprouts • Beet greens • Bell peppers (red, yellow, green) • Cucumber • Broccoli • Brussels sprouts • Cabbage • Cassava • Cauliflower • Celery • Chicory • Fennel
• Chives • Collard greens • Coriander • Jalapeno peppers • Dandelion greens • Eggplant • Endive • Garlic
• Green beans • Leeks • Kohlrabi • Kale • Onions • Lettuce • Mushrooms • Mustard greens • Parsley • Radishes • Radicchio • Shallots • Spinach • Spaghetti squash • Summer squash • Swiss chard • Turnip greens • Watercress • Zucchini

And there are a shocking number of great starchy vegetables in her list of items to have as well. Pumpkin, root vegetables and the sweet potato are obviously favorites of mine.

This will be my daily shake: 

2 scoops MediClear SGS
½ scoop Thorne Medibulk or Suprafiber.
1 T Chia or freshly ground flaxseed meal
1 cup frozen organic berries (your choice. I prefer frozen organic blueberries)
1 cup coconut milk (So Delicious Unsweetened Coconut Milk. If you use the canned coconut milk choose the light version and dilute 1/4 cup coconut milk to 3/4 cup water.)

Add ice and blend to desired thickness

Add-ins:
1 tbsp nut butter
handful of Kale
1 T chia, hemp or freshly ground flaxseed meal
1 scoop greens powder. (I like the Alkalinize, Designs for Health - Paleogreens or the MacroGreens)

My husband HAS to have snacks because he tends to get low blood sugar issues (genetics) that make him not fun to be around. I will be sending him off to work with an apple and nuts, and then a Designs for Health - PaleoBar in the Chocolate/Almond flavor. They have that L-Carnitine which has been a big impact on him pre-workout. He's been using this L-Carnitine supplement for several months. And then I can't do nuts at all due to allergies, so I love the Designs for Health - Cocommune PaleoBar. It's my daily reward for being so good, and it is made up of about 50% lauric acid which becomes 2 mono-lauren in the gut. This dissolves the lipid envelope that protects most pathogenic bacteria, viruses and parasites which works hand in hand with the Mediclear-SGS to remove the toxins in your body. It's honestly just a brilliant treat, I feel like I'm cheating on my clean eating without actually cheating.

My biggest challenge over the holidays has been the sweets. And it's nothing artificial or really bad for you, but it's not healthy to be munching on that much honey sweetened and sugar sweetened items. So we'll bring back the treat of the cocommune bars and see if I can move past this. Get back into some functional fitness routines and really change my next year for the better!!