Camp Biche

It's January, and that means that many people have made resolutions to lose weight by dieting; and so the allure of the quick liquid diet seems appealing.  (Remember, you need to add exercise if you want to feel good, look good, and keep the weight off permanently.)

The main liquid diet product in the U.S. is SlimFast.  It's four main ingredients are dry skim milk, sugar, fructose, and cocoa. LOTS of refined sugar . . . which is exactly what you don't want because refined sugar creates a craving for more refined sugar.  You'll never get off the junk food treadmill.

I'm not an advocate of drinking your calories, unless they're in a wine glass. However, since I've been training for a marathon, I've ended up altering my view on this rule after developing my own healthy fast shake that sates my desire for more food, is quickly digestible, high in fiber, has the right mix of protein and carbs, and powers me on my runs. 

I'm not advocating a liquid diet.  I am offering this recipe as a healthy replacement for any manufactured diet or energy drink that you're currently consuming. 

Marathon Shake

I'm giving you the simplest version; but feel free to add or substitute other fruits.  I especially like blueberries, strawberries and pineapples.  Try to use fresh fruit, but okay to use frozen fruit that has NOTHING added.

This would also be great served in small 1/4 portions after a meal as a dessert substitute.

Mix the following ingredients in a blender until smooth:

 

• one banana
• one whole, peeled, seedless orange (I prefer Mandarin oranges)
• one half cup natural, unflavored, unsweetened yogurt (preferably goat or sheep)
• one-half cup milk or sparkling, unsweetened, unflavored water
• one fresh whole egg or egg white
• add ice cubes if you want it to be thicker and colder :)