Green Tea Frap

I have been really craving a Green Tea Frappuccino from Starbucks... but since I decided to start eating clean making the trip was a no-go.  Instead I used my brain power to use what I had in my cupboard to try to make an imitation.  I had some Tazo green tea (part of my Christmas present, thanks to my future mother-in-law) which is the same brand used at Starbucks.

• 1 Tazo China Green Tips tea bag
• 8 oz. hot water
• 1 scoop Jay Robb Vanilla whey protein
• ice (add as much as you would like)

Allow the green tea to steep in the water for 5 minutes, and then allow it to cool.  Ideally, put it in the fridge over night so that it is completely cold when you add it to the blender so that the ice doesn't melt as quickly.

I use a magic bullet blender (http://www.buythebullet.com/) because it is easier to clean up and you get the perfect amount.

Add all of the ingredients in, and blend until it sounds like all of the ice has been chopped up.  If you notice that you put too much ice in, add a little bit of water and it will thin it out.

Mine was a little watery, I should have added more ice, as you can see.

I was surprised that this turned out like it did.  I was a little disappointed that it was thicker, but I am going to try this again and see if I can improve it.  

Next time I am going to brew 2 tea bags in a smaller amount of water so that the green tea flavor is more concentrated.  Since I made this spur-of-the-moment, I didn't have all of the ingredients I would have liked, so  next time I am going to try making this with soy, almond, or coconut milk hoping that it gives it a thicker consistency.  Adding the alternative milk will also enhance the flavor of the green tea.  Next time I go to the store I will pick up these items and post the new concoction.  

Give it a try and see what you think.  If you have any suggestions let me know :)

You can order Jay Robb protein here: http://www.jayrobb.com/protein/Whey-Protein-Vanilla.asp 

it is also available at the Vitamin Shoppe and GNC

If you are looking for Tazo tea it can be found at most Target and Starbucks stores

Enjoy!

Sugar sugar, ah honey honey

Maybe Winnie was onto something...

If you haven't used honey lately, now is a good time to start.  Honey offers many benefits including: improvement of skin, hair, cholesterol & diabetes, and healing of wounds. It's a cough suppressant, boosts the immune system, and the list goes on and on.

Did you know that honey can be used as an antibiotic because it kills bacteria?  

Honey is an excellent alternative to sugar, just bee (sorry I couldn't help myself) careful that you don't add too much, as honey is packed with calories.  If you want some healthy recipes using honey, check out: http://www.recipe4living.com/articles/our_top_10_healthy_honey_recipes.htm

The obvious way to use honey is to consume it, but it can also be applied topically.  I use honey on my skin, the only downside is the stickiness, I love the way it makes my skin feels and I notice the difference it makes the next day.  Did you know that honey can be used as an antibiotic because it kills bacteria? If you suffer from acne, like me, honey may be a good treatment for you because it draws the bacteria out of the acne sore!  I find it best to put the honey on at night and leave it on when I sleep.  If you want something less sticky check out this video from make-up artist Kandee Johnson

Let me know what you think.  How has honey benefited you?

Sources
Benefits of Raw Honey: http://www.livestrong.com/article/259549-benefits-of-raw-honey/
Eggs-cellent Mask: http://youtu.be/LqBUm0txdhQ
Honey as an antibiotic: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100630111037.htm

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