Buttafinga Shake

An athlete’s shake: some sweet carbs, a little fat, a little protein.  Also excellent for post-ride refueling.  If you can manage to slurp it through your water bottle, it wouldn’t be bad for during-ride fuel…unless it’s warm outside.  JK. I don’t recommend that in any conditions.

Inspired by the nice folks at Nature’s Grill, Ventura.  Perfected at home.

The “Butterfinger Shake,” no candy required

(print this recipe)

2 T peanut (or other nut) butter
1/2 c. chocolate ice cream or frozen yogurt (I like TJ’s coconut milk ice cream, and soy or other ice creams work too.)
Juice of 2-3 whole carrots (~1/2 c. juice)
Nutmeg and cinnamon, to taste
1 Frozen banana, broken into a few pieces before freezing for easier blending

The chocolate ice cream can be substituted for vanilla ice cream/yogurt plus cocoa powder or chocolate syrup.

Blend all the above and scoop some whipped cream on top if you like.  Sprinkle with extra cocoa powder, cinnamon and nutmeg, and swirl a little chocolate syrup on there, too.

But, ice cream can be dangerous, especially before running.  For a lighter version, perhaps more ideal for higher intensity workouts and better for your triathlete mentality:

1-2 T almond butter
1/2 c. nonfat greek plain yogurt
1 T cocoa powder
1 handful of ice
Juice of 2-3 whole carrots (~1/2 c. juice)
Nutmeg and cinnamon, to taste
1 Frozen banana

This version tastes a lot less Butterfinger-ish, but is still delicious, and is filled with athlete-friendly carbs (banana), solid protein (yogurt), ever-so healthy fat (almond butter), vitamin A (carrot juice), and yummy micronutrients (cocoa, cinnamon, and nutmeg).