Giovanna's Paleo Kitchen: February 2013

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Perfect Healthy After School Snacks

I'm a fan of milkshakes, smoothies, and other foods that are now considered to be junk-foods, so when I was a kid, I'd often make myself an ice-cream shake or an ice-cream smoothie, or a big fat glass of Nesquik or have brownies or some other really tasty, but really junky food product. Now, as an adult who's desperately trying to eat healthier, ice-cream isn't a large part of my diet anymore, and sadly neither are brownies, even Paleo brownies. It's hardly on the list of things I'll eat at all simply because of the sugar content. Although, today, to be honest, I am in the process of making some homemade organic Bacon Chip Ice Cream, made with real sugar. (Shhhh!)

After school today, I thought I'd make a smoothie for both my son and myself for our mid-afternoon snack. And the only reason I'm even posting the recipe is because it was probably the best smoothie I've ever had, or ever created.

Strawberry-Banana Protein Cloud

8 oz Organic Whole Milk or Organic Hemp or Almond Milk
4 Whole Organic Frozen Strawberries
1 Whole Organic Yellow Banana (not spotty, but not green)
1 Tbsp Organic Whey Protein

Blend on high. Serve and drink. Note, there is no ice. It's what makes the cloud. Add ice if you prefer but it won't be as fluffy. It's also only as sweet as the banana, which makes it less likely to cause as big a glucose reaction from your body as it would if you used a ripe banana or added sugar or any other sweetener (besides stevia, which in this case I have not tried).

No added sugar, no ice-cream. Just real food and a dash of protein. It's not even sweet like those totally bad for you but yummy fruit smoothies you buy at that so-called "healthy" smoothie place down the street with all their added sugars, candies, sweeteners, chemical products, preservatives, and non-organic foods. *shudder*

On other days, and with a Paleo/Primal diet, when you're not having an uber yummy smoothie like this, or if you want something a little more substantial, freshly cut veggie sticks, apple slices with cheese, and deli-roll lettuce wraps are really great options.

Deli-Roll Lettuce Wraps (that your kids will like)

The problem I've experienced with lettuce wraps is that they're often not on the "what I like to eat" lists that kids have. This is a successful wrap, that my finicky children devoured and begged for more. The lettuce choice I used is a soft lettuce, and doesn't have a green taste or a leafy taste to it. It actually has very little taste at all, on the flipside, it's a healthy lettuce, green and rich with nutrients

Deli-Roll Lettuce Wraps

Organic Living Bibb or Butter Lettuce Leaves
Organic Preservative-Free Deli Turkey - each slice rolled up
Organic Cream Cheese - Softened
Organic Deli Cheese Slices (cut into 1/4 wide strips) - Muenster a.k.a. Monster Cheese is what we used, but any cheese will do, especially if it's a cheese they like.

In each leaf, spread about a tablespoon of cream cheese on entire side of leaf.
On one end of the leaf, lay one 1/4 inch strip of cheese, and rolls of turkey.
Beginning with the end that contains the turkey and cheese, roll up the wrap.

Serve and enjoy.

Because there is no mayonnaise, this makes a perfect snack to take in the car to pick up your kids so they can eat right away, and makes for a quick and easy picnic or hike snack. For longer distances or for warm weather, I do recommend using an ice-pack if you're taking it out of the house.