There’s nothing quite so satisfying as an ice cold milkshake on a hot summer afternoon. The challenge? Aside from often insane calories, many of the milkshakes available from fast food outlets are filled with extra ingredients that can irritate, such as preservatives, colorings and flavorings.

It’s better to make milkshakes at home, using high quality products and low acid organic fruits. While some prefer really think and creamy shakes, I prefer lighter and icier drinks that use low fat milks or milk substitute with a lot of ice. It’s lighter and much more refreshing on a hot, steamy day.

Lactose intolerant?? Coconut or almond milk products are ideal. I love using a vanilla flavored coconut milk. If you’re using a more acidic fruit like strawberry or mango, you can use (Prelief®) to reduce acid levels even more.

Berry Milkshakes

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup low-fat milk (substitutes: coconut milk, almond milk or lactose free milk)
  • 2 or 3 scoops vanilla ice cream (substitutes: coconut milk ice cream, almond milk ice cream, or frozen yogurt)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Sugar or honey to taste (substitute: 1/2 a frozen banana can add sweetness and thickness.)
  • Your choice of fruit or fresh herb (1/2 cup of shredded coconut, blueberries or blackberries. You can even use a few fresh mint leaves!)
  • 1 scoop of ice is you prefer an icier drink (optional)
  • Whip cream (optional)

Place all ingredients in a blender and mix until proper thickness. Top with whipped cream and enjoy!

High Protein Milkshakes

After having my gall bladder removed last Spring, saturated fats were off my diet for the immediate future. While looking for alternatives, I found OIKOS High Protein Yogurt (peach or raspberry flavors) which has a whopping 20g of protein with very little saturated fat. It became a healthier substitute for milk and is a great way to start the day. Remember, we should be eating approximately 50g of protein per day !

Ingredients:

  • One tub of OIKOS PRO high protein yogurt
  • 1 cup frozen mango (or your favorite fruit)
  • 1 cup frozen banana slices
  • 2 or 3 strawberries
  • 1 cup of crushed ice
  • water

Place all ingredients in your blender and add water to the top of the blender. Then mix to the thickness of your choice. Use more banana or less water if you like a thicker shake. Absolutely yummy! Again if you are acid sensitive, try using some Prelief® while enjoying this.

Learn more about the low acid IC diet here! 

Want more recipes? Check out  Fresh Tastes by Bev

Looking for more drink recipes? Check out the IC Chef Cookbook!