As an owner of a personal training gym in Miami, I usually like to write about a topic that is on my mind and this week is no different. McDonald’s released its famous Shamrock Shake recently for the month of March and St. Patrick’s Day. I used to love these things as a kid, but these days I know it’s nothing more than an extra-large dose of sugar and empty calories. So when I came across this healthy Shamrock Shake recipe, I had to give it a try. * This recipe was found at the website: ChocolateCoveredKatie.com Ingredients:

1 overripe large banana, peeled and frozen
cacao nibs or chocolate chips
1/4 tsp pure peppermint extract
up to 1 cup milk of choice – for a super-rich shake, use full-fat canned coconut milk
1/4 cup frozen spinach

Directions: Blend all ingredients in a blender until completely smooth, using anywhere from 2/3 cup to 1 cup milk, depending on desired thickness. Make sure the banana you use is at least somewhat brown, so you don’t get that unripe earthy banana flavor in your mint chocolate shake! You can add the chocolate either before or after blending. Be sure to use pure peppermint extract, not imitation. Result: A big thumbs up! As a Miami personal trainer, I wanted to make a healthy recipe for a party I attended and it was a big hit. I didn’t tell people what was in it until after they tasted it – no one could detect the spinach! How often does that happen? This is a great healthy recipe to have this time of year, or any time, you crave something with a mint chocolate chip flavor. If you enjoy knowing that you can be healthy and still have some fun with food then connect with me about your weight loss and/or health goals. I believe in creating a healthy plan that gives you the results you want, but a plan that is also designed to let you live and not feel totally restricted. Those plans never work. Visit www.elitemiamipersonaltrainer.com to schedule your free 30-minute consultation with me. Stay Healthy and Fit, David Dubail Owner, Dubail Fitness

Healthy Shamrock Shake