I'm happy to be back and working with my long-time partner Vital Proteins to bring you this new recipe for a chocolate paleo protein shake.
Before I tell you about the chocolate paleo protein shake, I want to thank you all for your prayers and thoughts. They were very welcome while I took time to rest and recover from my recent autoimmune disease flare up. It took a while, but I'm so happy to say that I'm back up on my feet. I have returned to my normal routine (with the exception of a scheduled nap daily while I still rebuild my strength!). I shared quite a bit on social media during this flare up, but didn't write anything in depth about it on the blog. You can read this old post from a couple of years ago though, as it was a fairly similar experience.
Every flare up for me is a little different in terms of what I can and can't tolerate food wise, but it's pretty consistent that I go through a period where I can't keep much down at all. When the disease has progressed to a certain point, I end up having a lot of nausea and I also end up afraid to eat anything with the fear that it will cause abdominal pain, so I mentally reject food. I have found that it can go downhill really quickly if I give into that mental wall and don't eat. I lose too much weight too quickly, and also get dehydrated and depleted on vital nutrients, so I usually try to find one thing that is semi-nutrient dense, and that goes down ok and won't exacerbate my UC symptoms. I eat only that for as long as it takes for the nausea to go away and then slowly reintroduce foods.
Bone Broth vs. Protein Shake
Usually I drink a lot of bone broth, but this time, the bone broth was not sitting well. I tried removing onions and garlic from the mix, but it didn't help, so I cut it and started drinking these paleo protein shakes instead. I think there was a week where I drank 6-8 a day! I was wary trying one the first day, wondering how my body would handle the nut-milk and cocoa powder. It didn't cause any symptoms so I latched on. I loved that every smoothie had 18 grams of protein and essential amino acids from the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. I also think my body loved all the potassium from the bananas too, as I usually end up deficient in that after a flare. I've been consuming these collagen peptides for years now. I'm not positive, but I also think this time around that they helped minimize the post flareup hair loss that I usually experience too!
Flavor through Stevia Powder
I was unable to tolerate sweeteners like honey and maple syrup during this recent flare, so if my bananas weren't very sweet I would occasionally add just a touch of 100% pure stevia powder extract to my shake. It doesn't take much – 1/8 teaspoon was more than enough. Unlike other sugar substitutes, Stevia is derived from a plant. Because Stevia has a negligible effect on blood glucose it is attractive to people on carbohydrate-controlled diets. I don't use it often in my recipes because I don't love the flavor for baked goods, but it works well in this shake.
Even now that I'm feeling a lot better, I've still been having one of these in the morning for breakfast. I'm limiting eggs and nightshades still, and also getting used to waking up early again (which is anything before 9am!). It's been great to have a filling quick breakfast I can make half-awake, while I'm trying to get the kids breakfast and Asher out the door. I have been adding a bit of avocado to it most days, and hope to be able to add a handful of raw spinach soon too!
Keep in mind that every body is different. What I can tolerate during a flare, could be different than what you can. I also used the chocolate paleo protein shake as a complete meal replacement, so keep that in mind as well! The ingredients are Whole30 friendly (just leave out the optional sweetener) if you're pregnant or nursing and want to add a smoothie to your snack repertoire.
Nicole Netzel
Recovering from a UC flare myself and just made myself this smoothie. Amazing! I added avocado and raw spinach. Thank you!
Danielle
Happy to hear you enjoyed it!
Megan Sears
Are you nursing with this? I’m a nursing momma and looking to find a way to help create a baseline to make the joint pain and naseous go away.
Danielle
I am, but I suggest talking to your doctor first!
Greg Enfield
I put strawberries, cantaloupe, blueberries anything I can find it makes a great breakfast and never get hungry till around 4
Veganpolice
…yeah? Cause your ancestors (be they Paleolithic or Neolithic) drank chocolate flavored protein supplements.
Lisa Newhouse Ross
In your post on your previous flare, you mentioned you were on LDN. Are you still on it? If so, how much? Also, did you get off of LDN while pregnant? I plan to start trying soon but am nervous about tapering off of LDN. I am so glad you are feeling better! This shake looks yummy!
Danielle
I am still on it. I suggest working with your practitioner to find the right dose and timing for your personal needs!
Nicole Lovato
I have a sensitivity to bananas. Is there something else I could substitute the banana for? Maybe avocado?
Danielle
Yes an avocado should work!
Danielle
I used this one, but all of them are great! https://www.vitalproteins.com/collections/collagen/products/collagen-peptides
Libby Pope
Danielle, thank you for sharing your experience. I have UC too and it helps to hear what works for you during your flares. I have been making tart cherry gummies with the vital proteins gelatin. I can tell it helps my gut. I’m glad you are improving! Thanks for the awesome recipes too!
Danielle
<3
Diane Pinter Sauer
Can you please tell me where to find the recipe for the tart cherry gummies ?
April Ruple
I have UC as well. I’m in the middle of a flare up just like what you described. So my best friend called me today and told me one of my most favorite recipe book authors has UC too! I just read all your blog posts and honesty on your flare ups from the past and present. I have been beating myself up lately for having to get back on medication and also for not eating perfectly before the flare. You have definitely encouraged me and I just had to tell you thank you!
Danielle
Hi April, thanks for sharing & sending love to you on your healing journey <3
Stephanie
I love the sweater you’re wearing in the above photo. Where is it from? Thanks so much for this smoothie recipe, I have been enjoying it for breakfast regularly!
Danielle
It’s a few years old from anthropologie!
Stephanie
I love the sweater you’re wearing in the above photo. Can you share where you got it? Thank you for this great smoothie recipe, I have been enjoying it for breakfast regularly!
Lauren Alvino
This is soooo good! I subbed almond milk for cashew and also added a tablespoon of almond butter. So tasty. It’s perfect late afternoon sustenance for me.
Danielle
Glad you liked it!
Melissa Towner
Did the cocoa make you jittery having so often in a day? I would be up all night if I had six of these!
Danielle
No that didn’t happen to me!
Robyn Sanchez
Are the collagen peptides safe while nursing?
Danielle
Yes!
Tricia McKee
I am in bed with a horrific flare, I have celiac, RA, PsA, Crohn’s and several other fun autoimmune diseases plus about a dozen syndromes…. and unfortunately when one flares, others follow. So I asked my husband if he would soak 3 cups of cashews for me and because he wants to feel better STAT, he instead soaked an entire two pound bag of cashews ( the more the better I guess LOL) SO, I just want to make sure with you, that your almond milk recipe can be made in larger quantities without compromising the flavor given that the water, honey and sea salt will need to be adjusted.
Danielle
Yes it should be fine!
Tiarra Stace
Hi, Danielle,
After reading your post about your flare a couple years ago and hearing that you are coming out of another one, I just wanted to say this: I purchased your first cookbook, and read it through cover to cover. Your story and mine are so close; my first U.C. flare ever began right before I got pregnant with my 2nd child. It was a horrific experience. As you’ve mentioned feeling like a failure and struggling with guilt, I just wanted to post a few comments from the back of your first cookbook:
“…You have no idea how your efforts in the kitchen are changing the lives of others…..” -Moriah
“…Thank you so very much for all you do…….your recipes have made the transition……so much easier.” -Nitsirk
“Your cookbook and your blog are helping me be a better mom by keeping my kids healthy….I am grateful!” -Megan
“…I just wanted to say that I love your recipes and every single one that I’ve tried makes me feel like I can do this!” -Erin
“Thank you!….Our treasured little 5 year old boy….developed a seizure disorder that 3 different pediatric neurologists have said cannot be controlled with diet…..is finally able to have a delicious version of Stuffed French Toast…like he used to….” -Christine
“…At first my world fell apart when I started the SCD…..but then I found your website! I was so happy…..It actually made me cry….” -Janine
“…..YOU, Danielle, made life…a lot easier for this (7-year-old) girl. Thank you for being born.” -Heather
As I’ve recovered from my first bout with this through diet, your recipes have brought joy and freedom where there are a lot of restrictions. You make a difference every single day because of your decision to share your talent and be vulnerable. God bless you as you’ve blessed others.
Amber Jimenez
Can you use raw honey with this instead of maple syrup or stevia?
Danielle
yes definitely!
Jenny Hartung
What would you suggest as a substitution for banana?