Low-Cal Frappuccino with Added Protein

I know that many of you adore a yummy coffee drink in the morning, yet feel guilty if it replaces breakfast or another meal. I also know that many of you would like to make a low-calorie frappucino at home that would rival any coffee shop offering (that’s cheaper too). And others tell me that they miss our coffee-based protein drink sachets that we can no longer offer competitively in the UK due to import duties. So, bowing to demand, we have come up with what we think is a great 2-in-one drink suitable for all stages of post-op (and maybe even pre-op) eating/nutrition after WLS. It ticks all the boxes when it comes to a gorgeous coffee drink but also provides that added extra by being a filling protein shake. We’re not suggesting that you have this everyday to replace a meal but it sure does hit the spot when time is at a premium, you want a coffee ‘hit’, but also require the added nutrition from a protein-based drink.

We have used unsweetened vanilla almond milk but you can replace with whatever milk you prefer or can tolerate; vanilla protein protein powder with about a 100 calorie per scoop stat but is also low in fat and sugar – use your favourite – we tested with several and all tasted good but provided different nutrition; added a little cinnamon for a hint of spice, but leave out if you don’t like; and given the option to add more sweetness with a no-calorie natural sweetener if you like it – we don’t think it’s necessary but that’s personal. Some of our tasters also added a swirl of low-fat cream type topping to make very decadent – try it on a lazy weekend!

HOT TIP! I love it when you respond with your take on our recipes and Rose has just commented on our Facebook page that you could use a shot of espresso instead of the instant coffee granules listed. Indeed you can and might be more to your taste – thanks Rose!

LOW-CAL FRAPPUCCINO WITH ADDED PROTEIN

Ingredients

METRIC/US

1½ tsp instant coffee granules

3 tbsp hot water

90 ml/½ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk or your choice of milk

1 standard scoop vanilla protein power (your favourite low-fat, low-sugar formula with about 100 cals per scoop)

¼ tsp ground cinnamon

about 12 ice cubes, crushed/approx. 400 ml/1½ cups crushed ice

natural no-calorie sweetener to taste (optional)

Method

Mix coffee granules with the hot water and stir to dissolve. Transfer to a blender with the milk, protein powder, cinnamon, ice and sweetener if used.
Blend at high speed until smooth. You may need to pulse a little and stir depending upon the machine used. The longer you blend the mixture the bigger and frothier it will get so stop when you achieve the desired consistency you enjoy.
Pour into a glass to serve – topped with a swirl of non-fat cream if liked.

SERVES 1

WLS PORTION: ½ – 1

V suitable for Vegetarians

CALORIES PER PORTION: about 120

PROTEIN: about 20g

CARBOHYDRATE: depends upon protein powder but ours had less than 1.5 g sugars

FAT: about 3g

Image courtesy of Protein World