Did you even know there was a national holiday celebrating this smooth, creamy and extra vanilla-ish treat? It happens to land on the first day of summer, too.
Hey, we’re on board with all that lusciousness, but man, do we have some work to do on that sugar, y’all.
When I did some reconnaissance work into finding out just how much sugar is in some of the popular brands’ varieties, I felt the onset of diabetes immediately. Care to take a guess as to where they clock in?
Starbucks Grande Vanilla Frappuccino: 58 grams
Dairy Queen Large Vanilla Shake: 168 grams
Shake Shack Vanilla Shake: 66 grams
Sonic French Vanilla Java Chiller Medium Shake: 100 grams
Arby’s Medium Vanilla Shake: 70 grams
White Castle Medium Vanilla Shake: 107 grams (throw in a slider and you’re gold for a coronary)
McDonald’s Small Vanilla Shake: 63 grams
Ok, that’s a helluva lotta’ sugar. You see, the American Heart Association suggests that women and children limit their intake to 25 grams a day, and men, around 35-40.
So…I’m no math whiz but it looks like most of those shakes pretty much triples down its bet.
What’s a shake lovin’ girl or guy to do? Make your own. It’s not hard, and I think I’ve got the flavor down pretty darn good. The key is real vanilla, and added protein.
Why? Protein helps to stabilize your blood sugar, which is what got us into trouble in the first place. If you add more protein and good fats to your clean eating routine, you’re less likely to craze the sugar, and a shake like the ones above won’t even be drinkable – they’ll taste too sweet.
And with mine, you’re at a slim and trim 2.5 grams of sugar. Now that can fit into anyone’s diet.
I made this version LIVE on Facebook, so you can watch the replay or follow the recipe below. Any way you shake it, this is a refreshing, super vanilla-y glass of yumminess. Enjoy all summer long – and make popsicles out of them while you’re at it.
xMareya
Double Vanilla FIT Shake
Protein: 18 g Fat: 3 g Sugar: Only 2.5
Serves 2
Ingredients:
2 C unsweetened vanilla almond milk
6 ice cubes made from unsweetened vanilla almond milk (frozen)
1/2 teaspoon real vanilla bean
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
4 tablespoons TruWhip Skinny whipped topping
1 scoop Garden of Life Raw Meal Vanilla Protein Powder
Blend until smooth and creamy and enjoy!