Rice Protein Drink (gluten free, vegan, soy free)

I thought I’d share my protein drink. I generally have this after a good workout or if I am on the run and need a quick meal before I leave home. I think it tastes great and is quick and easy.

I start with rice milk but you could use whatever milk substitute you prefer. I add brown rice protein powder (since I can’t tolerate dairy/whey or soy products), vanilla (pure with no corn syrup), agave nectar, and chia seeds. I chose agave nectar because it has a low glycemic index compared to other sugars (meaning it won’t send your blood sugar out of whack) and, being a liquid, it desolves quickly.

Now what is a chia seed you may ask. Cha-Cha-Cha Chia. Yep. It’s the same thing they use to grow green hairy sprouts on the tops of heads like Garfield, Shrek, sheep and others. It turns out that they are incredibly nutritious and high in Omega fats much like flax seeds. However, unlike flax seeds you do not have to break the hull of the seed in order to get the nutrients. Your body can digest it. It was an ancient food of the Aztecs and Mayans.  Here’s a little more info if you’re interested. http://drlindsey.com/introducing-chia-the-super-seed/ and http://chiaseedsguide.com/chia-seed-history/

I usually make my drink/shake in a mason jar with a lid. I throw everything in and shake it up. If I still have some clumping of the protein powder I’ll just take a whisk and place it in a jar. Then I’ll roll the whisk handle in my palms spinning it inside the jar. That usually does the trick. I’ll shake it again after that if needed. If you wanted you could certainly use a blender instead. I generally don’t since I would then need to clean said blender….

Then, drink it down. I usually drink mine rather quickly since the seeds will often sink to the bottom and be difficult to get out. If you don’t have the seeds or don’t want to use them, just make the drink without them. It’s still filling, nutritious and beneficial. And please don't worry about exact measurements, I usually just eyeball it.

Live long. Plant strong!!

Rice Protein Drink (gluten free, vegan, soy free)

8oz. rice milk or other milk of choice

1 or 2 rounded TBS rice protein powder or other protein powder of choice (I use 2 TBS)

1 or 2 tsp pure vanilla extract (to taste, I use close to 2 tsp)

2 tsp or 1 TBS agave nectar

1 TBS chia seeds

Place all ingredients in a mason jar with a lid or a large glass you can fit a whisk into. Shake and/or whisk the ingredients together until no clumps remain and drink is well blended.