A few weeks back I had a co-worker approach me and tell me that she has officially stopped counting calories. She was tired of answering to an app and she had made a commitment to just start eating better but not necessarily worry about the calories. And guess what- she lost 4 pounds in one week! She had given up most sweets and processed junk and made a really positive change for herself. I totally agree with her mentality. It is taxing on your mind when you have to constantly record every single thing you eat. For some people, calorie counting is the only way for them to lose weight, for others its a good kick start, and for others it doesn't work at all.
Anyway, this same co-worker told me that her birthday was coming up, but she didn't really want to indulge in cake. I threw out the idea that a birthday cake smoothie might be a good option for her. Then I realized - what the heck - I don't even have a recipe for a birthday cake smoothie. So, of course, that next day I created one. My calculations show that this smoothie is right around 200 calories. Birthday celebration & only 200 calories? Thats pretty spectacular.
Happy birthday, you awesome co-worker, you!
Ingredients
- 1 cup banana slices, frozen
- 1/4 cup vanilla almond milk
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder*
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 tsp. almond extract
- 1 tsp. pure maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp. sprinkles
Directions
- Mix all of the ingredients, except sprinkles, in a blender or food processor.
- Top with sprinkles.
- Put on a party hat & enjoy.
*I like Tera's Whey vanilla protein powder. If you are sensitive to milk, this protein powder may not be a good choice.
