Healthier Shamrock Shake recipe: Nutritionist approved

St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and that means Shamrock Shakes are back on the menu at McDonald’s for a few more weeks. These tempting treats have become an annual indulgence for some, but they are not the best choice if you’re trying to cut back on sugar, saturated fat and excess calories. Fortunately, we have an alternative. Try our healthier spin on the McDonald’s classic and enjoy a nutritious creamy-mint treat year-round.

Ingredients

1 cup spinach

¼ cup plain Greek yogurt

½  banana

½ avocado

2 tablespoons honey

¾-1 cup almond milk

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon peppermint extract

1 cup ice cubes

Instructions

Makes 1 serving (578 grams per serving)

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender on high until smooth.
2. Pour shake into glass and serve immediately.
3. Optional: Add mint leaves as garnish on top.

Nutritional information

If you are watching what you eat, note that in this healthier version of the Shamrock Shake, about 38 percent of calories are from fat. Fortunately, most of the fat is mono and polyunsaturated fat from the avocado. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the amount of saturated fat in your diet should be about 5 percent of total calories. The saturated fat in this recipe is 5 percent of calories. In addition, the AHA recommends that added sugar be limited to 9 teaspoons a day for men and 6 teaspoons a day for women. This recipe includes 8 teaspoons of added sugar. The take home message: even with this healthier version of the Shamrock Shake, moderation is key.