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Break the Monotony With Chocolate Almond Milk

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almond_fresh_3 Almond milk is a lot healthier than cow’s milk. It is lactose free, dairy-free, contains 50% more calcium than dairy milk, and is just 120 calories a serving.

Making almond milk or as our mothers would call it ‘badam milk’ is very easy. Those of us who are not in a time crunch, overnight soaking of almonds is the way to go. The almonds can take their time to soak and get all plump and double in size for blending. The more they are soaked and swollen the more amount of almond milk can be produced.

We understand that having plain almond milk may get too monotonous so why not add chocolate to it? By adding chocolate, you end up satisfying your dessert cravings as well as it makes for a healthy breakfast option. In case you find making almond milk at home a tedious task, you may shop them online as well as in supermarkets around you. There are several brands selling sweetened and unsweetened almond milk. If you want to make chocolate almond milk; you can add chocolate to the almond milk or add 1/4 cup cocoa or cacao powder and 2-3 dates for sweetness during the blending process.

Chocolate almond milk makes sure you get a good dose of key vitamins and minerals that support strong bones and other aspects of your health along with a tinge of chocolate. Almond milk delivers about one-quarter of the 400 international units of vitamin D you need daily. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and promotes a healthy immune system. A cup of chocolate almond milk supplies half of the daily value of vitamin B-12, which helps your body make red blood cells and supports the health of your central nervous system. That same amount of almond milk also supplies half of the daily value of vitamin E, which takes care of your cells from damaging and helps your body use vitamin K efficiently. A cup of chocolate almond milk has 17 grams of sugar, and a cup of the original contains 7 grams. Therefore, make your health your priority with almond milk.

Chocolate Banana Ice cream made in Unsweetened Almond Milk

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Unsweetened Almond milk is low in calories and fat, making it a great base for a number of dishes. Its neutral flavour with a hint of nuttiness and creamy mouthfeel lends itself well to soups, sauces, dressings, baked goods, and smoothies.

It’s blazing hot outside and we all need something to cool down. A healthy ice cream is the perfect option to beat the heat without adding those pounds. Make a healthy Chocolate Banana Ice Cream with frozen bananas, cacao powder, almond milk and almond butter. It’s mouth-watering, healthy, dairy-free and is quick and easy!

Healthy Chocolate Banana Ice Cream

INGREDIENTS

  • 3 frozen bananas, chopped into big pieces
  • 1/4 cup almond milk (unsweetened chocolate or vanilla)
  • 1 tablespoon almond butter
  • 1/2 – 1 tablespoon cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
  • 1/2 tablespoons cacao nibs or chocolate chips (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Place bananas, almond milk, almond butter and cocoa powder into a food processor or a blender.

Pulse/process until smooth and creamy. You may need to turn off the motor and stir the mixture a couple times while processing.

Add in cacao nibs or chocolate chips (if using) and mix once more. Spoon ice cream into a bowl and enjoy! If you want to be able to scoop the ice-cream you can place it in the freezer for 2 hours so it’s solid enough to scoop.

Almond milk or badam milk benefits people who are lactose intolerant, vegan or are finding ways to shed weight. There is no cholesterol or saturated fat in almond milk. It is low in sodium and high in healthy fats (such as omega fatty acids, typically found in fish), which helps to prevent high blood pressure and heart disease. Almond milk offers 30 percent of the recommended daily amount of Calcium and 25 percent of the needed amount of vitamin D, reducing your risk for arthritis and osteoporosis and improving your immune system leading to work together to provide healthy bones and teeth formation.

Almond Milk and Chocolate Almond Milk

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Dairy-free diets are in demand. Whether you are lactose intolerant, have a dairy allergy, follow a vegan diet, or simply want to try the tasty selection of plant-based milks. Almond Milk is an amazing option. With its delicate nutty flavour and a fluffy and creamy texture, unsweetened dairy milk almond has less calories than skimmed cow’s milk. However, almond milk has less proteins than dairy milk. It contains vitamin E which helps to maintain the skin and eyes as well as boosting the immune system. Most varieties are also enriched with calcium and other nutrients like vitamin D. Its subtle taste can be used in sweet and savoury recipes, and a splash of unsweetened almond milk makes a lovely addition to coffee or chocolate. Ideal for baking, cooking, desserts, or smoothies it makes tasty cakes, biscuits and even rice pudding.

Here is a fun recipe to get a full intake of almonds in the most Indian way!

Badam Milk

INGREDIENTS

  • ¼ cup approx. 30 badam / almonds
  • 2¼ cup almond/skim milk
  • few thread saffron / kesar
  • 3 tsp sugar
  • ¼ tsp cardamom powder / elachi powder

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Firstly, soak ¼ cup almonds in hot water for 30 minutes
  • Peel off the almond skin and transfer them into a blender
  • Add in ¼ cup milk of your choice and blend them all into a smooth paste and keep aside.
  • In a large hot plate heat 2 cups of milk and stirring them occasionally
  • Add in the prepared badam paste
  • Add a few threads of saffron,3 tsp sugar and stir well
  • Simmer for 5 minutes until milk thickens
  • Then add in ¼ tsp cardamom powder and stir well
  • Serve badam milk hot or chilled garnished with few saffron threads

  NOTES

  • Soak the almonds in hot water to peel off the skin easily
  • You may garnish with a few blanched almonds / badam to enhance the flavour
  • Additionally, if serving almond milk for toddlers make sure to filter it and skip sugar
  • Furthermore, you may adjust the amount of sugar to your preference

Your dessert and sweet cravings can be fulfilled with chocolate almond milk. The        perfect concoction of chocolate and almonds is healthy and is satisfying your evening hunger pangs.

Benefits of Chocolate Almond Milk

  • No saturated fats: Though this is a chocolate-based beverage, it contains heart-healthy and monounsaturated fats and is free of saturated fats. Thus, making it a smart way to indulge your sweet tooth without affecting your weight.
  • Excellent source of vitamin calcium, vitamins D & E:  The rich source of calcium, vitamins D & E in chocolate almond milk drink will keep your bones stronger as well as your skin and hair healthy.
  • A refreshing alternative to dairy milk: Almond milk is the ideal non-dairy beverage for anyone who is lactose intolerant, and no better way when you can enjoy the taste of health with a hint of chocolate .It is filled with an excellent source of vitamin A and other healthy nutrients. It acts as a refreshing alternative to dairy milk, so you no longer have to skip your protein, and calcium power.

8 Steps to Make Almond Milk At Home 

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Almond milk is a nutritious substitute for dairy milk. Almond milk is free of lactose, fats, carbohydrates, and sodium which makes it suitable for just about anyone. Almond milk is also very beneficial for children since it is easy to digest and light on the stomach. Even though almond milk is available at any supermarket, why buy almond milk when you can simply make it at home? Almond milk is surprisingly easy to whip up in your own kitchen. Here are 8 steps to make this delicious dairy alternative that is packed with Vitamin E at home!

Step 1: Take a cup of raw almonds (unsalted) and rinse them well so that they are free of any dirt/salt.

Step 2: Soak your rinsed almonds in water and leave them in the refrigerator overnight.

Step 3: Once soaked overnight, take your almonds, and rinse them again until they are clean.

Step 4: Put your almonds in a blender or a food processor along with 3 cups of filtered water, preferably cold.

Step 5: If you are using a blender, blend the almonds for about 30 seconds. If you are using a food processor, let it blend for about 1 minute.

Step 6: Strain this organic almond milk mixture through a nut milk bag, a sprout, a strainer or a cheese cloth into a big bowl or a vessel.

Step 7: Pour your blended and strained product into the blender again.

Step 8:  Blend your organic almond milk with a sweetener of your choice. This sweetener could be honey, dates, sweet cocoa, or sugar. You could also experiment with different flavors by adding lemon peel, vanilla essence, chocolate, or cinnamon.

There you have it! Homemade almond milk in just eight simple steps!

 

Best Weight Gain Shakes for Muscle Mass 

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Some people say that gaining weight is more difficult than losing weight. It is important to understand that by gaining weight we mean gaining muscle mass. It is imperative that you consume the correct amount of fats, carbohydrates and proteins to build muscle. For this purpose, weight gain shakes are a great way to add a few extra calories to your diet without sabotaging your diet or nutrition intake. Looking for some yummy inspiration? Here are some types of milkshakes that are a great way to sneak in some fiber, minerals and vitamin into your diet in a fun and delicious way.

Avocado, Strawberry, Banana Shake 

Let us face it, avocado, strawberries and bananas absolutely are not resisting able, so why try? A shake made with the blend of these three nutritious packed ingredients serves as a great way to include fats into your diet and keeps you full for a longer period.

Peanut Butter, Banana, Badam Shake 

Nothing beats a shake that instantly rejuvenates your body after a tough workout. It is always advisable to give your body a nutritious snack after a strenuous workout to recover. This delicious shake made from peanut butter, banana and badam shake quickly replenishes your body by giving it a quick protein and carbohydrate fix. This shake is excellent for breakfast, lunch and dinner too!

Banana, Chocolate, Nuts Shake 

Let us face it, no matter how healthy we want something to be, we still want it to taste delicious. To satiate both these needs, this shake is ideal. Whip up some bananas, cocoa or chocolate and almonds/pistachios/walnuts/cashews. This shake is the perfect source of fiber, potassium and protein and facilitates digestion too. Remember, dark chocolate is good for your heart and adds that extra delicious edge to your shake.

Is Almond Milk Good For You?

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When we think of almond milk India has quickly accepted it and made it a part of their diet owing to its lactose-free nature and low-calorie benefits. Individuals like to pour it into their morning coffee or smoothies or enjoy its nutty flavor by itself as well. Yes, almond milk has a watery consistency as compared to cow’s milk, but it does, at the end of the day, come straight from almonds, so we don’t need to guess that it is superb for health.

Plant-based milk is great for your diet as it is easier to digest and suits just about everyone. Here’s the nutrition value of almond milk per cup broken down:

  • 39 calories
  • 2.5 g fat
  • 1.5 g protein
  • 3 g carbohydrates
  • 2 g sugar
  • 482 mg calcium DV

What are some of the benefits of almond milk?

  • Compared to dairy milk almond milk is much lower in calories at fats which makes it a great alternative for individuals who are watching their calorie intake.
  • Almond milk has a natural nutty flavor and creamy texture that lends a great flavor to a number of dishes like dressings, cakes, smoothies, sauces and soups.
  • Almond milk contains just enough protein to sustain you – 18% of what you may find in a glass of low-fat milk.
  • Almond milk contains 10 to 45 percent of your daily calcium needs depending on which brand you consume.

What kind of almond milk should you opt for?

If you are avoiding all dairy, are vegan or lactose intolerant, you should choose an almond milk alternative that is rich in nutrients, and provides a substantial amount of protein, calcium and vitamin D. Before purchasing, read the label for a better idea on what sort of nutrition it carries.

Almond Milk Health Benefits

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These days, people tend to forget about the health benefits that come with almond milk, owing the wide range of options available in milk available in the market. As the name says, almond milk is made from almonds and has a light and frothy fresh taste. It is absolutely healthy and an excellent alternative to cow’s milk. Also, it has proven itself to be the perfect form of milk for people who are lactose intolerant.

Almond milk is an extract of protein-rich almonds and has more nutrients than other dairy products. Thanks to the vitamins, minerals and skyrocketed levels of antioxidants content, almond milk offers a range of benefits. While it has a unique taste to offer, it is also known to add the right savour to your beverages like coffee. It can also be drunk as chocolate almond milk, which makes for a pleasant morning treat. Drinking almond milk boosts the level of vitamin E in human body and keeps your skin looking young and beautiful.

Since this milk is different from other dairy products, it doesn’t need a cold temperature to survive. Almond milk has easy requirements for storage and can be preserved at room temperature. Thus, it is a great choice for when you are on the go with your friends and family.

Almond milk also offers many other benefits –

Almond milk protein has a major role to play in helping you in effective weight loss, while its magnesium content helps in the conversion of the energy in food into a usable energy. It also contains manganese that activates the enzymes in your body and phosphorus strengthens your bones and teeth. The potassium content in almonds makes your heart function better while also maintaining a normal blood pressure. Moreover, its selenium content boosts your body’s immune system. Thus, almond milk has a major role to play when it comes to preventing your body cells and any kind of tissue damage.

Why People Are Switching To Non-dairy Milk

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There’s no one definitive reason why when it comes to the sales of almond milk India has shown a massive rise. It is however related to the number of alternatives that are now readily available that are suitable for individuals who are lactose intolerant, vegan or are allergic to dairy products. Since the world is becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of almond milk, soy milk and coconut milk, they’re quickly becoming fans of non-dairy alternatives. Here are five ways that non-dairy milk is better than dairy and why you should consider making the switch too.

Suits the lactose-intolerants – Individuals who are lactose-intolerant cannot digest dairy very well. They may experience bloating, diarrhoea or gas. Lactose intolerance comes from the inability to digest lactose which is a sugar present in milk. Hence, milk that comes from plants is easier to digest and can be consumed by these individuals.

Wholesome substitute to dairy milk – We are guessing that at some point you’ve gulped down almond milk at one of your grocery stores and wondered if it serves the same purpose as dairy milk when it comes to nourishing you with nutrients and good health. To answer that question, not only is almond milk nutrition high, but it is also low in calories and fatty acids. In terms of nutrient balance, soy milk comes closest to dairy milk and has a good amount of protein. Soy milk also contains phytonutrients that boast cancer fighting properties.

Gluten free alternatives – Not only do non-dairy milk alternatives win in the area of variety, taste and health benefits, they also make for an easy transition from dairy to non-dairy. If you have gluten sensitivities or want to shed some pounds, non-dairy alternatives are a safer bet.

It is easy on the stomach – You must evaluate what you eat very carefully since everything you consume affects your digestive health and indirectly your well-being. Milk that is lactose-free is naturally easier to digest and isn’t heavy on your stomach. It keeps your digestive health in check and stomach happy. Almond milk keeps you full for longer too. So, instead of consuming full-fat dairy, whipping yourself up a nourishing badam shake will keep you full and healthy for longer. It helps you avoid cramps, bloating and fatigue that may be the result of food or beverages that are heavy on the stomach.

Cholesterol free – We’re sure that at some point while scanning through your supermarket you were conflicted with many varieties of dairy milk like unskimmed milk, full-fat milk, skimmed milk, double-toned milk etc. However, while choosing these seemingly healthy options you must remember that some of them are higher in cholesterol, some of them have higher levels of lactose and some of them can be heavy and difficult to digest. Plant based milks are naturally free of cholesterol and significantly low on calories which make them the safest alternative on the shelves.

Some of The Healthiest Milk Options 

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It has been noticed in recent times that the dairy isle is always brimming with many milk alternatives. However, amongst the many options that seem one better than the other, how is one supposed to know what they should buy? We’re all aware that cow’s milk isn’t as popular as it used to be anymore and it’s only natural that you would like to explore beyond what you have already tried. Unsure? Let us help you. We have curated some of the healthiest milk options available like almond milk, coconut milk, hemp milk and more and why they make for good alternatives to dairy milk.

Hemp Milk – Hemp milk is made from soaked hemp seeds and contains high amounts of protein as well as omega-3 and omega-6. Hemp milk – as compared to other plant-based milk alternatives – contains more nutrients. Hemp milk is carb free.

Oat Milk – Oat milk is very nutritious and is made by soaking whole oats. Oat milk is high in carbs and has a naturally sweet taste. Oat milk has a creamy texture and contains soluble fibre as well. Oat milk keeps you full for a longer period of time and also plays a role in stabilizing blood sugar levels.

Almond Milk – Almond milk is made by blending up soaked almonds and then straining it thoroughly. Compared to other non-dairy alternatives, almond milk is tastier and is also available in many flavors. There are several benefits of almond milk. One, it is very low in calories and low in carbs as well. It is available in unsweetened varieties as well. Almond milk is a great source of antioxidants, calcium and vitamins A and D.

Coconut Milk – Coconut milk is derived from the sweet, fresh flesh of coconuts. Coconut milk is very tasty and is great for anyone who suffers from nut allergies and cannot consume almond milk. Coconut milk is easily available and is loved by children as well.

Healthy Smoothie for Breakfast On The Go 

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Living the fast life comes with a price to pay – we never end up consuming the meals we hope for, especially not with the nutrition we hope for. We have often heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day – so why not make it the one that counts? For those individuals who are always on the go and seek superfoods to keep them up and about, smoothies are a great way to consume fruits, veggies and nuts at once. The key to blending up a spectacular smoothie is hitting the right balance of flavour and health. Lately, individuals have started blending up their favourite fruits and veggies with unsweetened almond milk to keep it low on calories and keep it light as well. Not to mention it works best for vegans and those who are lactose sensitive. Wondering what to blend up for breakfast tomorrow that checks all the boxes on the healthy list? Here’s a list of delicious and easy to whip up smoothies that you must try.

Oat, Coffee and Maple Smoothie –Don’t we all want a jolt of coffee first thing in the morning? But, sometimes, cannot bear the thought of sipping on a hot beverage on a hot day. For those days, here’s a quick coffee-infused fix. Blend up oats, maple and coffee and maybe add one banana to add a rich and luscious texture to your smoothie. This fiber-packed smoothie will keep you full for longer and is out of the ordinary!

 Coconut Milk Smoothie –There’s no arguing about the fact that coconut milk is super delicious, rich, and healthy! To whip up a delicious smoothie using that, you can add blueberries, strawberries, raspberries or any fruit of your choice to the mix!

Kale, Ginger & Mint Smoothie – We know what you’re thinking – how can you consume greens early in the morning? Well, overlook the color and think about it – this delicious, satisfying and ultra-healthy smoothie can keep you on your best game all day! Whip up fresh kale, mint, ginger and a burst of citrus with a fresh lime with some organic almond milk or coconut water for an easy and fast breakfast smoothie that is the epitome of healthy!

Orange & Cranberry Smoothie – Perfectly tangy, packed with the goodness of Vitamin C and of course, fresh! Blend up some almond milk with oranges and cranberries and you will create a smoothie that won’t just wake you right up but energize you to power through the day!

Creamy Date Smoothie – Dates may make for a sticky, difficult to eat snack but don’t forget it is packed with healthy goodness. So, how can you consume dates in an easy way? The solution to this dilemma is simple – drink it! Blend up a few dates with milk or chocolate almond milk for extra flavour to whip up a smoothie that is naturally sweet without added sugars and makes for a filling breakfast on the go!