Sunday, April 14, 2013

(Vegan) Healthy Mint Chocolate Milkshake

Follow my blog with Bloglovin I'd like to clarify, with this first recipe, that while I am not vegan myself, some members of my family are, and I fully support the idea of veganism and animal rights. I simply don't want to strictly limit myself in my food choices. Plus, a lot of vegan foods are lower in saturated fats and especially cholesterol than their animal counterparts, though not necessarily in other baddies such as added sugars and sodium. In this case, my recipe was made with what I had at hand, all of which happened to be vegan.

Ingredients (serves 1):


  • 1 sprig of mint (adjusted to taste, or a few drops of peppermint extract works as well)
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 5-10 ice cubes (depends on your preference in consistency of milkshakes)
  • about 4 tablespoons of silken tofu (1/4 cup)
  • 6 drops liquid stevia, or to taste (alternatively you could add a few teaspoons of agave nectar)
  • 1/4 cup water or nondairy milk (dairy milk works for nonvegans- personally I prefer water, as the tofu adds sufficient creaminess for my taste, but it is up to you)
  • 1/2 medium banana, sliced
Combine in a blender and blend until smooth. :) I use a Magic Bullet, which has some trouble with ice cubes but it's nothing some shaking and patience can't handle! I also occasionally replace the tofu with a scoop of protein powder to add protein or just experience a different taste.

Calories based on above ingredients: 108


An Introduction

My name is Yuming Qin. I'm a junior in high school as of April 2013, and this blog will be a record of my quest to become healthy and lose weight, as well as aid others in their journeys to do the same. :) 

I will be posting healthy recipes of my creation or that I've tweaked to fit my standards. If I've simply tweaked a recipe I have seen, I will try to include credit for the original recipe. I will also describe workout routines, diet changes, inspirations, and all sorts of nutrition and fitness-based ideas.

Some basic information and history: I am 5'5" and 130 pounds, which is a normal weight for a teenager. However, in junior high when I was significantly shorter my highest weight was 160 pounds, and I was extremely unhealthy and overweight at the time. Even recently, despite a drop in body weight, you could say I am "unhealthy skinny" (or more accurately, "unhealthy average") because my fitness is not at very good levels. However, I am working to improve this. :)

Good luck to you and I hope you will join me in this journey!