Have the  Green Machine Thick Shake to the gym, having transformed it into a protein shake with a  scoop of pure protein powder.

Treat yourself to the Green Machine Thick Shake for an afternoon snack or add unrefined protein powder, transforming it into a shake to take to the gym.

The combination of maca root powder, nutmeg and maple syrup add a delicious sweet flavour, balancing out the “green-ness” of the shake.

Maca is a superfood, grown in the Andes and used in traditional medicine. Some of its benefits include increased energy levels and whilst more research is needed to prove claims relating to its ability to potentially improve hormonal balance, some evidence suggests it may have a positive effect on sex drive. Regardless, it has a lovely sweet taste and stores well.

The healthy fats from the avocado enable the body to utilise the protein most effectively.

Don’t worry if you don’t have maca, pure protein powder or xanthan gum. Although Maca does add to the flavour, it still tastes great without and makes a delicious drink even if you don’t want to have it as a protein shake. Omitting the xanthan gum makes the smoothie thinner.

Makes 700ml (Serves 2)

Half Avocado

Half a Green Apple (peeled if not organic)

1 cup (237 ml) Coconut Milk (Use the drinkable version, not the canned or try this homemade version)

Handful Spinach (organic, you can use frozen spinach to keep your drink cool)

3/4 cup (178 ml) Filtered Water

1 tsp Grated Nutmeg

1 tbsp Maple syrup or rice malt syrup (unrefined)

Optional:

Handful of ice
1/2 tbsp Maca powder (use 1/2 tsp if you’re new to using maca)

1 tbsp Protein powder (Raw, organic, plant-based such as hemp or pea)

1/2 tsp Xanthan gum (organic, non-GMO. Xanthan gum may be derived from a variety of sources, including wheat, dairy, corn or soy, so check the ingredients if you have any sensitivities)

Approximate sugar = 2.6 tsp per serve

Method

Add all liquid ingredients to high speed blender. Add in this order for most effective blending:

Filtered Water

Coconut Milk

Maple syrup/rice syrup

Nutmeg

Maca

Protein Powder

Xanthan Gum

Spinach

Avocado

Green apple

Enjoy!