Healthy Protein Date Shake

We’ve all heard how a protein shake a day is good for our health and vitality but have you ever thought of adding a handful of pitted dates to the mix? I had my first experience with this delicious shake when I visited a date farm near Palm Springs over 20 years ago.

I have seen many recipes for date shakes but they add ice cream, milk and yogurt. I don’t advocate this but by all means if you want to add these ingredients go ahead. My recipe for a date shake is a healthier version keeping in mind that the perfect time to have this delicious concoction is after a high intensity training session, hike or long run. It is sweet, thick and filling so it will satisfy hunger and provide protein, vitamins and minerals lost in training.

The Healthy Protein Date shake is a great alternative to eating a processed food snack of salty chips and dip, cookies or chocolate bars. Dates have no fat, no cholesterol, very little sodium and a ton of potassium. They contain calcium, thiamin, niacin, folate, iron, riboflavin, Vitamin B6, phosphorus and magnesium. Does it get better than that? Dates are a fresh fruit, not a dried fruit. You can store dates at room temperature for up to two months or in the refrigerator for up to one year or in the freezer for several years.

Food: Dates (dried)
Glycemic Index: 103
Glycemic Index Rating: High

Healthy Date Protein Shake

• 1 cup filtered water
• 3-4 ice cubes
• 1 T. Omega 3 rich oil (ie flax, hemp, chia, fish)
• ½ cup pitted dates
• ½ banana
• 2 scoops vanilla or plain whey protein isolate powder
• 1 T. tahini (optional)
• 1 T. unpasteurized honey

Add all ingredients to a blender and mix until smooth, pour into a glass, relax and most of all Enjoy!

Bon Appetite!...TKH