Okay so re-introductions and thanks out of the way, I want to move on to a topic that's very important to me and my family. And that is the NUTRITIONAL SHAKE. You may have read my post, How I Bounced Back After Baby, in which I discussed the program that helped me before AND after pregnancy. A program I recommended highly and still do! But this particular post is about the idea of building any good nutritional shake program into your life, whatever brand you choose...and I will recommend my favorites.The nutritional/super food/protein shake has been one of the absolute BEST "weapons" in my nutritional arsenal. Both for myself, and for those I love. I had protein shakes on and off growing up, thanks to the original Crunchy Chic gal in my life--my mama. And I credit Isagenix and my Isagenix friends for re-introducing the concept shortly before I became pregnant with Noelle, as a weight-loss and cleansing program that REALLY worked for me. I drank them throughout my pregnancy as well, including in the early months when I could stomach little else. They were honestly a god-send because they offered complete nutrition for me and my growing baby, they gave me energy, and they were, above all, palatable to a queasy mother-to-be. I continued "shaking" long after pregnancy for weight-loss and energy, and, to one degree or another, to this day for overall health. They've done a lot for me.
But this post isn't about me and my experience with shakes, it's about my daughter Noelle who has been happily drinking them since she could enjoy solid foods. She just loves them! And mamas, here's the kicker: every time she asks me for and guzzles down one of mama's homemade shakes like it's a real treat, she is taking in high quality, organic, easily-digestible protein, mega greens, organic fruits, and a variety of other super foods including spirulina, sprouts, coconut oil, hemp oil, bee pollen, chia seeds, maca, and more. Let's speak frankly...what toddler gets that kind of regular nutrition without an almighty blender? You can see WHY I am so happy about this. To know that my growing girl is getting everything she needs to be truly, truly healthy in every way is, well, everything to me as a mother. I know how difficult it can be to get little ones to eat well--it's serious work (and often a battle!) to steer development of a pallet, and make no mistake, it does develop largely based on what we give them. Now, put that "mama guilt" aside (I know it well), and make a plan to incorporate nutritional shakes into your child's diet, and you can feel really good about what they're getting. So let's get down to it: some of my favorite brands for the shake protein, and the additions I love. Like anything else, it's all personal. Do your own research, experiment a little, and see what you and your family like best. But this will give you a start:
FOR PROTEIN, I LOVE:
(Plant-based) Nutiva Hemp Protein (Organic)(Plant-based) Garden of Life Raw Protein (from raw, organic sprouted plants)
(Plant-based) Arbonne protein (this can be an easy intro as well, because the flavor is great! You can order through a local rep/sign up for an account)
(Whey) Isagenix organic whey protein from grass-fed cows, pasture-raised on small New Zealand farms (they offer chocolate and vanilla and can be another easy intro, because of the yummy flavor)
FOR ALREADY-PREPARED ADDITIVES, I CHOOSE 1 OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING:
Garden of Life Perfect Food (super green fruit and veggie formula)
Garden of Life Perfect Food ENERGIZER (raw organic green super food)
Healthforce SuperFoods Vitamineral Greens ("beyond organic"--they even use filtered water!)
Earth Circle Organics Raw Organic Maca (for natural hormone-balancing, energy and overall health)
Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Oil (I always have this on-hand for yogurt, oatmeal/muesli, etc REFRIGERATE!)
Organic Chia Seeds (any good brand! Offers excellent protein AND cleansing properties)
AND MY OWN FLAIR:
Banana (sweetens naturally) or berries (relatively low glycemic index, MUST BE ORGANIC!)
Honey (always try for local, raw honey--meaning it hasn't been super heated and retains enzymes/probiotics)
Stevia (if you are avoiding sugar altogether, use stevia to sweeten)
Bee Pollen (actually supports the immune-system and if local, can reduce allergy symptoms!)
Raw Organic Almond Butter (any good brand!)
Virgin/Raw Organic Coconut Oil (adds energy and SUPREMELY good, healing fats)
Organic cinnamon and turmeric (both anti-inflammatory--inflammation is a major source of problems)
Coconut, sheep or goat yogurt (yogurt is a fabulous addition because of its pro-biotics and creaminess!)
Non-dairy milk, like coconut, hazelnut, cashew, hemp, etc. OR milk kefir (fermented and yummy!)
...choose your faves, just add ice and blend!
I always say with anything: don't get overwhelmed, just pick a few things and try them. It gets easier once you start. Make them for breakfast OR as an afternoon snack. Or both! And feel really good about it.
Happy shaking, crunchy chic friends!
As always, please feel free to ask me a question in the comments section OR on my Crunchy Chic Facebook page.
