SERVES 2 / PREP TIME: 5 MINUTES / TOTAL TIME: 5 MINUTES
Do they know you by name at your local Starbucks? Are you struggling with giving up your favorite cup of java in the morning? It’s true that most dietitians would approve of drinking a cup of black decaffeinated coffee after surgery (no added cream or sugars, of course). But until patients have a good handle on the post-operative diet and drinking enough water, it’s recommended that you pass on caffeine and permanently eliminate any sugary high-calorie coffee drinks. The good news is that you can still get your coffee flavor fix with this protein shake.
1 scoop (¼ cup) vanilla protein powder
1 cup decaffeinated coffee, brewed and chilled
1 cup low-fat milk
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup ice
1 In a blender, pour the milk, then add the protein powder, cinnamon, and ice. Blend on high speed, about 3 to 4 minutes, until the shake is smooth and the protein powder is well dissolved.
2 Refrigerate any shake you don’t drink or use right away, and reblend prior to serving. Discard any remaining shake after 7 days.
Per Serving: Calories: 102 Total fat: 0g Sodium: 155 mg Total Carbs: 8g Sugar: 6g Fiber: 0g Protein: 14g
Post-Op Servings
1 cup, as many times per day as needed to reach protein goal
1 to 3 cups per day