SHAMROCK SHAKE MAKEOVER!

These seasonal  milkshakes seem to be all the rage at the fast food joints these days.  This month it’s all about the GREEN in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.  The folks over at the Golden Arches have come up with a Shamrock Shake.  They say it’s back, but somehow I missed its debut last year or whenever it was introduced.  I, for one, do not like the mix of mint and chocolate.  Call me crazy but that combination does nothing for me so the thought of having those flavors blended in a shake isn’t something I’ll splurge on.  However, if that’s what makes you turn on your blinker and go for the wallet (and hopefully the treadmill afterwards!) I’ve got something for you. . . 

First of all, let’s take a look at the Shamrock Shake.  Imagine you ordered a small shake – that’s a 16 oz size.  Here’s what you get:

Calories:  550
Total fat:  13 grams
Carbohydrates:  96 grams
Protein:  13 grams 

That’s a small, remember?  If you ordered up a large it would be 1100 calories!  Whew!  That’s quite a while on the treadmill!

To the rescue is a tasty green smoothie that will satisfy that St. Patrick’s Day craving!  I cannot take credit for it completely, I confess.  I have tweaked it a bit here and there, as you may like to do too.  Let me know what you think!

St. Patty’s Day Smoothie:

1/2 Cup low fat vanilla yogart (I use Greek)
1 Scoop Vanilla protein powder ( I use JuicePlus)
1/8 tsp mint extract (mind you I don’t like this combo so you may want more!)
1/2 Cup ice
4 oz water
2 Tb sugar free instant pistachio pudding mix
**Here is where I throw in a handful of spinach, however, my boys would prefer it without.
A couple of drops of green food coloring (if  you want it authentic)

All for just 180 Calories!!

Have any special St. Patrick Day foods? Besides green beer?