I can’t remember exactly when Spencer and I switched from skim milk to almondmilk. It’s been over a year.
It started initially because we couldn’t use the skim milk fast enough when he was in-season & traveling so much. Almondmilk has a longer shelf life. Then, I started reading about the benefits of reducing dairy intake. Plus, the Silk Pure Almond Unsweetened Original version is only 30 calories per cup compared to 80 calories in a serving of skim milk. And, it has 50% more calcium.
Once we switched, we haven’t looked back. Here are a couple recipes where I have used almondmilk.
Light Chocolate Almond Pudding Pops
Tis’ the season for resolutions. The holidays were filled with calorie-laden treats (at least they were for me!), and it’s tough to turn down decadent desserts & dishes. However, with the new year upon us, it’s time to tighten up our nutritional goals.
Does this mean eliminating sweets? I hope not! We can find ways to satisfy our sweet tooth while adhering to our wellness resolutions.
Chocolate can still be enjoyed in a much lighter version. For this pudding popsicle recipe, I have reduced the calories by substituting Unsweetened Vanilla Silk Pure Almondmilk for dairy milk. Choosing sugar-free and fat-free additions also keeps the calorie count down.
Here is what you will need:
2 c. Unsweetened Vanilla Silk Pure Almondmilk
1 packet of sugar-free chocolate instant pudding mix (or flavor of your choice)
1 – 10 oz. container of fat-free whipped cream
¼ c. of almonds (optional)
Add almonds to food processor to break down into bits.
Whisk almondmilk & pudding mix together until the mixture thickens. Fold in whipped cream, then add in almond bits.
Spoon into Dixie cups and add a Popsicle stick. Set in freezer for 3-4 hours.
Nutritional Info per popsicle:
Calories 120.1
Total Fat 1.8 g
Saturated Fat 0.3 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3 g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.9 g
Cholesterol 1.5 mg
Sodium 198.9 mg
Potassium 186.2 mg
Total Carbohydrate 28.2 g
Dietary Fiber 1.1 g
Sugars 15.8 g
Protein2.5 g
Silky Vanilla Spinach Pancakes
In the summer, I down protein packed smoothies daily. The hot weather calls for it! However, on chilly, winter mornings, nothing seems to hit the spot like hot pancakes: the ultimate comfort food. However, you don’t want to break your calorie bank first thing in the morning, do you?
Rather than cooking the traditional pancake with dairy milk & flour, I have increased the nutritional punch of this recipe by substituting Unsweetened Vanilla Silk Pure Almondmilk in place of dairy milk and adding protein powder and spinach. Don’t be wary of the green color of your pancakes, the spinach isn’t detectable by taste, only color!
I favor fueling with these pancakes before a long distance run or after an intense CrossFit workout. You can even make them in advance, so you are prepared to start your day with a healthy, nutrient dense meal.
You will need the following:
¾ c. vanilla protein powder
½ c. Unsweetened Vanilla Silk Almondmilk
2 eggs
1 tsp baking soda
1 c. of fresh spinach
Blend ingredients and cook mixture on medium heat in a non-stick pan. Flip pancake to other side when bubbles appear.
Top with honey, cinnamon or your favorite nut butter! Makes 6 generous pancakes.
Nutritional Information per pancake:
Calories: 71
Total fat: 2.6 g
Cholesterol: 83 mg
Sodium: 272 mg
Total Carbs: 2g
Fiber: .2 g
Sugars: .7 g
Protein: 10 g
We use almondmilk exclusively now. There are so many recipes out there that incorporate this ingredient that is lactose free and vegan friendly option. If you visit Silk Pure Almondmilk’s facebook page, you will see inventive ways to use almondmilk from some of my fellow FitFluential ambassadors. So creative!
The Silk Pure Almondmilk website also has a recipe database as a resource!
*FitFluential LLC compensated me for this campaign. All opinions are my own.
We love almond milk too. My four year old is obsessed with it. He gets upset that other people don’t have it at their house. Too funny!
Sarah recently posted..{Two Things Tuesday} 50…. and Obsession!
That’s awesome! I was just reading about the best foods to eat for breast feeding (doing my homework) and nut milk was listed! Smart 4 yr old!
I haven’t tried almond milk yet but the chocolate recipe you put on here makes me want to give it a try. I am not a big milk drinker my youngest son loves milk but my oldest one is hit and miss on it. Maybe I will pick some up next time I am at the store.
Shelley recently posted..Weekly Chase Week #2
I don’t drink milk plain, but use it for smoothies, oatmeal and cereal. It’s a little richer tasting than skim but less than half the cals!
We just bought our first almond milk on sale. So far so good, my husband loves it! However, we still prefer skim milk when eating cereal and haven’t transitioned to almond milk there. Do you use almond milk for cereal or oatmeal?
Genelle recently posted..What Alice Forgot
We use it for everything! Cereal, oatmeal, smoothies…it’s a bit richer tasting, but less cals!
Just made the switch to Almond Milk. So great in morning protein shakes.
I totally agree! That’s what I’ve been doing lately too!
I made the switch to almond milk a well. I have trouble drinking even skim, but love the taste of almond milk in my protein shakes and cereals. I am absolutely going to try the popsicles! Thanks Jess
beka @ rebecca roams recently posted..Weekly Workouts Roundup + NYE + A Wedding
I used to be weary of having oatmeal or cereal before long runs, bc milk seemed to upset my system, but with almondmilk, I don’t have those concerns. Enjoy!
I still have a smoothie as I head into the deep winter months in Northern Michigan. The thought has crossed my mind to use Almond Milk and I just gave up putting skim milk in my smoothie for basically $ reasons. I would go though a half gallon too quick and a full gallon not quick enough. I do get my calcium in everyday because I make my own yogurt and put that into my breakfast smoothies.
I’m not sure how you feel about oatmeal but making your oatmeal with the Almond Milk and adding a scoop of the protein powder from GNC. That was pretty good! I still have some of the pumpkin spice left and used that! Just another idea!
Oh yes, I have done the almond milk + protein powder often too. I look at quality food as an investment. That’s also why almond milk works better for us–we don’t waste it because it lasts longer.
I love almond milk!
Courtney @ Journey of a Dreamer recently posted..GEARing Up for 2013 – Shoes
I am an almond milk convert too! Mostly for the same reasons you mentioned above – reduced dairy intake, lower calories, higher calcium. Thanks for the recipes!
Addy @ Six-Kick Switch recently posted..Washington, DC: The Monuments
You bet! The Silk page has a crazy amount of ways to use almondmilk!
yes yes yes! to all this goodness! and don’t you think it tastes better too than skim milk? So happy to have my SILK!
I do! Much richer despite the low calories. Plus, when I was doing long runs, I never worried about my stomach getting upset after using almondmilk (can’t say the same for dairy!)
Hi Jess! I recently discovered your website and I love your recipes!
I’m a nutritionist and love to develop healthy recipes. Check them out:)
http://www.chelsearecently.com
Thanks for the share Chelsea–will check out your site!
Spinach pancakes! WINNING!
Courtney recently posted..Diane Meets Weston
Pancakes always get the “W”!!
My husband and I switched to Silk Almond Milk (unsweetened) when we realized how much sugar was in milk…. Holy cow! lol
The health benefits are a BONUS…and we like it too…
I’ll certainly make the pudding pops…thanks for the recipe! :c)
Hope your feeling good…you take care!
Sugar is one of the biggies! In fact, it’s the first ingredient I look at nutrition labels anymore!!
ooh, i’m way impressed! will try both of these! assuming you used GNC protein powder in the pancakes?
elizabeth recently posted..December Monthly Recap
Yes! I should link that! I used 100% whey vanilla protein for the pancakes! Enjoy!
I hope my pregnant brain can remember to come back here and get that recipe for pudding pops. Seriously looks like the most incredible thing ever!
Crystal@TheFastFitRunner recently posted..How To Run In the Rain
Super easy and yummy! Hope you try it!