Monday, March 22, 2010

DF Chocolate Coconut Banana Protein Shake

My son, Nathan, is very small and underweight for his age (in the 5th percentile).  This has raised some concern, and our doctor has suggested to increase the protein he is getting in his diet.  Since we already eat a ton of beans and whole grains, lentils, and various meats, I decided to get some Manitoba Harvest Hemp Pro 50 protein powder and start making him shakes.  I am also trying to increase the healthy fats in his diet as well as add more calories in general.  Since he cannot have dairy, gluten, or soy it was difficult for me to find a protein powder that he could have. Most of the hemp protein powders out there have large amounts of fiber, which he doesn't need at this time.  This shake recipe is a variation of the other one I have already shared. 

DF Chocolate Coconut Banana Protein Shake
1/2 can of Thai Kitchens Coconut Milk
enough water to fill the blender pitcher to 2 c.
5-6 pitted dates
2 Tbs. cocoa powder
4 Tbs. hemp protein powder
1-2 Tbs. coconut oil, if desired
1-2 frozen bananas
ice, if desired

Blend the coconut milk, water, dates, cocoa powder, and protein powder until the dates are completely pulverized and the oil doesn't have a grainy consistency anymore.  This can take up to 2 minutes in a regular blender.  Add the frozen bananas and process until blended in.  You can blend in some ice if you like your shake to be really cold and thick.  Sometimes we add the coconut oil, and sometimes we don't.  Coconut oil is actually really good for you, and the coconut milk and coconut oil add more healthy fat and calories to my son's diet.  This makes more than what he likes to drink in one sitting, so he will usually divide it in half and drink one half immediately and the other half later in the day.

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