Smoothies and Oats

If you know me, you know that when I find a product or service that I love, I will 'sell' it to EVERYONE that will listen, so naturally it had to spread to my blog.

I have recently come across two products that fit into my 'have to tell' category.

The first is Muscle Milk 100% Whey protein powder.

Vanilla or Chocolate, A $28 bag from Costco will get you 80 servings of this wonderful stuff.

An 8 oz. serving is only 130 calories, with 27g of protein, and only 1g of sugar, and 2g of carbs. Plus, 15% daily calcium!

AND, this whey protein usually doesn't effect most people with a lactose intolerance!

My brother has spread an addiction to this stuff through our family like wildfire.

He (who is lactose intolerant) has had at least 2 servings a day, (along with a healthy diet) for the past couple of months. He is now at his lowest weight yet, and has noticed improvements in his skin, hair and energy by adding this product to his diet.

I have been drinking the protein smoothies for about 2 weeks now, and have gotten similar results.

Now, the flavor does take a little getting used to, but I was fine with it by the second day.

Here are a couple of recipes that add LOTS of flavor to the smoothies, and little or no calories or sugar.

STRAWBERRY (I have this one every morning)

8 oz. of water, a handful of ice, one scoop of vanilla powder, and 3 or 4 strawberries. (Costco's are AMAZING!) Blend until smooth. YUM!

130 cal from powder + 4 cal per 1 med strawberry ONLY 146 calories!

VANILLA CINNAMON

8 oz. of water, a handful of ice, one scoop of vanilla powder, and a dash of cinnamon. Blend until smooth. Similar to a vanilla chai tea flavor.

130 cal from powder + 6 cal per 1 tsp cinn. ONLY 136 calories!

BERRY CHEESECAKE

16 oz. of water, 2 handfuls of ice, 2 scoops of vanilla powder, a box of sugar free instant cheesecake pudding. Blend until smooth. Add a handful of fresh or frozen berries. Pulse in blender to slightly chop and mix in. Delicious TREAT! Great replacement for dessert!

Makes 2 servings. Each serving -130 cal from powder + 50 cal from pudding + 16 cal from berries. ONLY 196 calories!

COFFEE

8 oz. of strongly brewed coffee, a handful of ice, one scoop of vanilla powder. Blend until smooth. Vanilla powder replaces the need for sweeteners or cream.

130 cal from powder. ONLY 130 calories!

Also, If you have the time and are willing to wait for your smoothie, Make the smoothie as directed above, but then freeze for one hour. Re blend. The texture is FANTASTICAL. More ice creamy, less watery.

SECOND UP - Better Oats 'OAT FIT'

This instant oatmeal is inexpensive (found mine at fresh market for $2 I think...) is CONVENIENT (once you pour the oats in your bowl, you can use the packet to measure and pour the perfect amount of water), QUICK (cooks up perfectly in 90 seconds), HEALTHY (only 100 calories, with NO sugar!!!), and VERY tastey (I've tried maple and brown sugar, and cinnamon roll). Plus, they are eco friendly with compact packaging!

The also have a wide vareity of 'lines' aside from OAT FIT if that's not exactly what your looking for (although I can't vouch for the others cause i haven't tried them yet.)

OAT REVOLUTION - ll natural 100% whole grain oats. We then add heart healthy antioxidants and ground flax, a good source of Omega-3 to enhance the classic taste

ABUNDANCE - harvested and milled to retain their naturally thick and varied multigrain textures and mixed with real fruit and natural flavors.

GOOD N' HEARTY - 100% whole grain oats milled to retain their thick and chewy texture, and flax, which is a good source of Omega-3

LAVISH - premium chocolate morsels with the finest 100% whole grain oats for a naturally thick, rich and chewy texture.

MUFFINS - muffin taste in a healthy and nutritious 100% whole grain oatmeal.

OAT HEADS - oatmeal with fun flavors kids will love.

RAW PURE AND SIMPLE- 100% organic, whole grain oats blended with organic whole grains and seeds, like flax, barley and quinoa, for a wholesome and nutritious breakfast.