After eating, drinking and making a little too much merry, many of us start the new year with a clear-the-slate detox. A food-based detox begins by cutting out a lot of things we commonly eat: wheat, dairy, and meat, and boosting our nutritional intake and digestive function by eating several small meals a day that are rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains. A detox also means eliminating caffeine and alcohol – this is where my friends and I usually fail or fall short 😉 But my outlook is, if you fall off, just regroup and give it another shot – a healthy shot that is.
Last week I wrote about The Healthy Pantry and included a list of products to stock in your pantry so you can whip up healthy meals and snacks all year. Today, I’m sharing a simple recipe for a non-dairy Date Shake that will rock your world – or at least give you the energy required to face the day’s challenges head-on!
This shake contains not just one, but two, super foods. Dates are packed with nutrition and are a powerhouse of energy: one serving contains 31 grams of carbohydrates which makes them the perfect way to kick start your day or provide you with a healthy, energy boosting snack when you need an afternoon pick-me up. A serving of dates also contains 3 grams of dietary fiber and is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants; namely your B-complex vitamins, potassium and the highest concentration of polyphenols among dried fruits.
Coconut milk contains many vitamins, minerals and electrolytes that help boost the immune system. Coconuts are a dietary staple in many countries around the world and are used medicinally to protect the body against an array of internal and external ailments. Coconut milk is a creamy dairy-free alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to animal milk. It’s also a vegan drink that is soy-free, gluten-free and nut-free.
Cool and refreshing date shakes are a summer road trip treat in Southern California. Here, coconut milk puts a fun tropical twist on a thick and creamy shake to be savored with a spoon, not a straw. I find the chewiness of the date chunks more satisfying than drinking a smoothie – if you prefer a smoother texture, puree the dates with a ½ cup of water before making your shake. Either way, you’re treating your body to instant energy and a huge dose of nutrition 🙂
- 1 cup chopped dates* (about 8-10 dates depending on size)
- 1 cup ice
- 1 cup light coconut milk
- 1 ripe banana
- Fill the blender up to the 1 cup line with ice. Add the chopped dates and coconut milk. Blend the mixture until the ice and dates are fairly pureed - you'll still have chunks of dates. Add the banana and pulse to blend.
Enjoy 🙂 Your body thanks you!
This is surprisingly great when you add an avocado
looks so refreshing and creamy…the naughty me was thinking some rum would be pretty nice in there!
The power garnish looks like a kingfisher going in for the kill, but the shake looks like my last-ditch remedy for too much risotto, charcuterie, vino, etc.! Must try tomorrow!
This looks delicious !It’s so funny the warm weather we’ve been having here. The photos you posted, it looks like they were taken in the summer.
@Renee – You’re bad 😉 Don’t tempt me!
@Kelly – Too funny! That was the only flower I had – but “power garnish” suits this high-energy shake 🙂
@Roxan – Yes, we’re so fortunate! The photos were taken this morning!
Wonderful shake…..coconut and dates are a wonderful combination.
great shake not a fan of detox diets though as a dietitian lol, all about balance and wow love the snap with the bird of paradise nr the pool
I always love banana shake…this one with date and coconut added is calling my name :-))
delicious combination
That does look wonderful…detox is a good thing this time of year, but I would probably still sneak in a bit of brandy, lol
I love the combination of flavors! And it’s a milk shake … what’s not to love. 🙂
This sounds like a perfectly delicious and nutritious shake, love the dates and bananas here with the coconut milk!
Wowww!! This looks so refreshing!! And the thought of a coconut shake kinda reminds me of a Pina Colada.. heheheee 🙂
If detoxing is this good then sign me up! Great recipe and a great alternative to coffee, plus nutritious well that’s just a winner all around.
Stunninggggg picture! I really hope it makes it to the top 9 🙂
I really like the sound of all the flavors in this shake and it looks so refreshing. Can’t wait till summer when i make this on those unbearably hot days!
Amazing photos! And shake sounds wonderfully tasty!
Gorgeous photos and a great twist on the every popular smoothie!! Will have to whip some of these up for my crew – it is the perfect after workout snack!!
Oh man this combination sounds INCREDIBLE! Such a great idea, thanks for sharing!
Can’t wait to try this. I’m not a big shake person, but this one seems like the perfect balance. And you don’t have that heavy ice cream feel when you get done. I’m assuming of course, because I haven’t tried it yet:) Looks great!
Sipping this drink by the pool sounds heavenly good Priscilla! I never tried dates for drink but would love to!
How beautiful! I personally love dates AND coconut milk, so this sounds like a great healthy drink for me! I just wish it was warm and I could sit by the pool drinking it 🙁 Boooooo!
What a luscious milkshake! A droolworthy combo.
Cheers,
Rosa
Not only are dates and coconuts two superfoods…they are also two of my favorite foods! This looks like such a creamy indulgence. I love that it is healthy for you too! Thank you for sharing, sweetheart. I hope you have a happy Saturday. Hugs and love!
That shake sounds really really good! It is super pretty too! 🙂 Thanks for sharing the yummy looking milkshake!
Well, how interesting. I do like these ingredients individually.
I really wonder if I could actually drink this combo.
Well, I’ll just have to give it my own swirl ;o)
Flavourful wishes,
Claudia
I made this for breakfast yesterday and it was really delicious! Loved that there was some bite to it with the dates.
@Jen – I loved the chewiness of the dates, too 🙂
OH yummy thanks, I’m gonna try your version and with the avocado.
A tip I learned from my mother-in-law; take your ripe bananas and peel them then wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze. This way you will have frozen bananas for your smoothies/shakes and will not have to use ice. It makes them creamier. We just tried coconut milk with frozen pineapple last night. But I found this when looking up what to do with my dates, sounds like lunch tomorrow!
HOLY COW! I don’t know How I got to you, but I bless the Serendipity or is that psynchronicity? WHATEVER!… I’m having this Tomorrow Morning! TYVM!;)
Please don’t sell or share my email!
So glad you like it Alamar! And, don’t worry – I don’t even keep a list of everyone’s emails so I couldn’t possibly share it 🙂
This is gorgeous! Try it with this http://www.tiana-coconut.com/products/coconut-superfoods/raw-coconut-goodness/ and you’ll see how delicious it will taste 🙂