I am really excited, anxious, and nervous to share my YouTube video with you guys today! I shared with you all last week that I’ve felt that my weight gain had really held me back from wanting to do videos and be on camera, but I’m really proud of myself for crushing that fear and making (and posting!) this video! I’m so hard on myself and never see myself the way that I used to since I was super underweight, so it’s been a huge process to learn how to accept myself again at any weight. Your comments and support have meant the world to me and were a huge reason I was able to find the courage to do this!

I know it may sound silly to some people, like posting a YouTube video isn’t anything special, but this was a huge milestone for me. Putting myself and my story out there on the internet is one thing, but to step outside of my comfort zone of this typed blog and onto video is rather scary. I can’t help but think that people will judge how I talk, how I look, etc. So thank you for letting me get that out there just now, and thank you for being so supportive of me and my rabbit food adventures!  I feel like I’m getting less cool by the day on my blog haha. I mean I am pretty darn normal… I struggle with body image, I get nervous to talk on camera (see beginning of video), I have anxiety, my weight is a freaking roller coaster… I’m losing my internet sparkle as I type!!!

Crazy anxiety aside, I hope that you love the video! It was really fun to make, and I shot it in one take with two cameras! Matt was using one camera on a monopod, and my camera was set on a tripod! It was pretty nerve wracking to shoot (I thought I was going to forget the entire recipe) but ended up being a blast! You can see all of the weird faces and all of the strange sounds I make in one video haha! I can’t wait to do more video tutorials! So let me know what you guys want to see next!

Healthy-Vegan-Shamrock-Shake-Tutorial-1 And of course, who would I be if I didn’t link you to my outfit deets?! My favorite color block hat is on sale right now!!! Outfit and kitchen gadget details from the video are below!

Hat: Urban Outfitters  |  Top: Cotton On  |  Blender: Vitamix  |  Cutting Board: Boos Block  |  Measuring Spoons: Le Creuset  |  Glass Jar: Kerr  |  Paper Straws: Amazon

Healthy-Vegan-Shamrock-Shake-Tutorial-2 Healthy-Vegan-Shamrock-Shake-Tutorial-4 Healthy-Vegan-Shamrock-Shake-Tutorial-5

Can you believe tomorrow is already St. Patrick’s Day?! One of my Instagram followers challenged me a few weeks ago to make a healthy version of a McDonald’s Shamrock Shake. Challenge, gladly accepted!!! I was dying when I read the nutritional facts online for the Small 12 oz. Shamrock Shake. It has 43 ingredients, artificial coloring, 530 calories, 15g fat, 10g saturated fat, 86g carbs, and 73g of sugar!!! OMG!!!!

I’m happy to tell you that my Vegan Shamrock Shake is none of that! My shake is made from 7 plant-based ingredients and is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber! Go check out my video to see how to make it, and don’t forget to subscribe to my channel!

Healthy Vegan Shamrock Shake

Serves 1

1 cup almond milk
5 Medjool dates, pitted
½ tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp peppermint extract
1 handful fresh spinach
¼ medium avocado
2 Tbsp cashews

Combine all ingredients in a high powered blender and blend until smooth.
*Recommended: Soak Medjool dates in water for 2-3 hours, and strain before blending. This is not necessary, but the dates will be extra plump and will blend into your smoothie perfectly.

Health & Happiness
xo-Catherine

37 Comments on Vegan Shamrock Shake

  1. fezziwig
    March 16, 2015 at 5:41 am (9 years ago)

    Hi Catherine! You are adorable, as I knew you would be. Keep up the good work!

    Reply
    • Catherine
      March 24, 2015 at 12:58 am (9 years ago)

      Thanks so much, fezziwig! xo

      Reply
  2. missmirandat
    March 16, 2015 at 10:53 am (9 years ago)

    I am so glad that you decided to post the video – I absolutely loved watching it! You have such a shining personality, and the video just captured everything perfectly! Your kitchen is seriously gorgeous & I cant wait to try the smoothie recipe tomorrow! Cant wait for more videos to come! 🙂

    Reply
    • Catherine
      March 24, 2015 at 12:59 am (9 years ago)

      Thank you, missmirandat! I really appreciate it and I hope you tried and loved the smoothie!

      Reply
    • Catherine
      March 24, 2015 at 12:59 am (9 years ago)

      Awww thanks Hillary! Yes, that’s my kitchen! I am so lucky, that kitchen is a dream!

      Reply
  3. evolvewithmary
    March 16, 2015 at 12:52 pm (9 years ago)

    Catherine… You killed it!!! I’ve never had a Shamrock shake, starting out with a healthy version makes tons of sense. I have to comment on your super cute outfit, I never make smoothies with a stylish block hat on… such an inspiration. I can’t wait to see what you decide to record next. I am also working up the courage to post some interesting youtube tutorials, hopefully I’ll get it together sometime this week. Keep rocking it girl, super proud of you!

    Reply
    • Catherine
      March 24, 2015 at 1:02 am (9 years ago)

      Thank you so much Mary! I love getting dressed up, I’ve been so into hats recently! Oh my gosh I cannot wait for you to start doing YouTube tutorials! It’s so much fun!!! xo

      Reply
  4. Hydie Johnson
    March 16, 2015 at 2:01 pm (9 years ago)

    Thanks again! , for sharing that yummy Irish Shamrock shake. It is delicous, and good for your health! keep up the good work

    Reply
    • Catherine
      March 24, 2015 at 1:02 am (9 years ago)

      Thanks Hydie! xo

      Reply
  5. Hannah
    March 16, 2015 at 2:37 pm (9 years ago)

    Kelsey Miler at the Anti-Diet Project is one of my heroes and has a very timely message for you (and everyone else!) today. 🙂 http://www.refinery29.com/weight-gain

    Reply
    • Catherine
      March 16, 2015 at 4:01 pm (9 years ago)

      Hannah, that article is AMAZING!!!!! Thank you for sharing it with me, I’m going to post it on social media for everyone to read right now!!!

      Reply
  6. Shelby
    March 16, 2015 at 7:50 pm (9 years ago)

    You are adorable :p I remember my first time trying to record something for my cousins wedding and I burst into tears I got so nervous! Can’t wait to try the shake tomorrow :]

    http://www.thefernwehwolf.com

    Reply
    • Catherine
      March 24, 2015 at 1:03 am (9 years ago)

      Hahaha Shelby that is exactly how I felt! I probably could’ve started crying! Thanks for watching 🙂 xo

      Reply
  7. Tabitha Kahney-Smith
    March 17, 2015 at 3:41 am (9 years ago)

    Hi Catherine, I’ve been reading your blog for a couple of years but never commented before. I was inspired to tell you how wonderful your video was, how gorgeous you look, and how inspiring your attitude and meals are. Seeing that someone else isn’t “perfect” over social media is really refreshing as so many bloggers manipulate and contort what you see, I love that you are brave enough to share your struggles with all your Bunnies x

    Reply
    • Catherine
      March 24, 2015 at 1:05 am (9 years ago)

      Hi Tabitha! Thank you so much for your support and for commenting! I’m so happy that you liked my video and that you enjoy reading my blog for those reasons :)! It means so much to me! xo

      Reply
  8. Ellen
    March 17, 2015 at 4:05 am (9 years ago)

    Catherine – you look amazing and did a freaking awesome job!!! Thanks for the killer recipe and have a super day 🙂

    Reply
    • Catherine
      March 24, 2015 at 1:06 am (9 years ago)

      Thank you so much, Ellen! xo

      Reply
  9. Mary Shelly
    March 17, 2015 at 6:10 am (9 years ago)

    Catherine, I’ve been a long-time follower of your blog and felt compelled to post. So glad you pushed through your self-doubt and made and posted your video! A big congratulations to you! I love the fact that you are not afraid to put it all out there and admit you struggle like so many of us with weight. I am 51 but relate so much to what you are going through as I have dealt with weight issues my whole life. I am always trying new recipes and looking for healthier alternatives, which is what brought me to your site, but what keeps me returning is your optimism, enthusiasm, and most of all, your honesty. Life takes us through many ups and downs and often that affects our weight. A year ago I injured my neck which seriously affected my ability to do much of anything, especially exercise. As a result I’ve gained a lot of weight so I know what it’s like when your exterior does not match who you are on the inside and there is that big disconnect and loathing when you look in the mirror. I am slowly working on getting back to where my exterior matches my interior and know it is going to take time, patience, commitment, and most importantly: shutting down negative thoughts I have about my body and replacing them with patient, kind, positive thoughts while I do the work I need to do.

    Thank you for the awesome recipe ideas, sharing your ups and downs and your bravery for being your funny, smiling, beautiful self regardless of what the scale says today. You are totally adorable – please next time wear one of your bright RFFMBT shirts and not hide behind a black oversized shirt. You are way too young and beautiful to be self-conscious about your appearance. Your awesome personality is what shines through on your video and baggy black sort of detracts from that a bit. Just a suggestion to think about. :).

    I made your Shamrock shake for breakfast today and it was delicious! Even my hubby and 10-year old daughter liked it. I have missed McD’s shamrock shakes-I totally love them but know the nutrition info is a disaster so don’t dare buy one anymore. Your recipe makes me so happy to get a healthier replacement to an old favorite, and honestly I think your version tastes much better! BTW I was out of spinach so used some kale and beet greens plus a bunch of ice and it was super creamy and cold. I highly suggest adding ice to your recipe. Truly delish recipe, thank you!

    Looking to see many more great videos to come from you Catherine. I know you will only continue to do bigger and more exciting things! Thanks again for your great blog and don’t ever be ashamed of where you’re at and to share your struggles with us. We understand. :). Mary

    Reply
    • Catherine
      March 24, 2015 at 1:15 am (9 years ago)

      Thank you SOOOO much for your support, Mary!

      You hit the nail on the head when you described the “exterior and interior.” I could not agree with you any more, I definitely know that feeling when the outside doesn’t match how I feel on the inside. Such a great description! I’m going to use that in the future!

      I’m so happy you enjoyed the video and the recipe! Oh la la, A+ with the kale in place of spinach! I totally forgot to add ice in the video recipe and Matt said the same thing as you after I filled it! It is just perfect icy cold! I should suggest it in the written recipe.

      I need to get past my (all black) flouncy oversized shirts. I practically live in them, but I know they aren’t doing anything for me, especially on camera! I will keep that in mind and TRY to wear color! Although I’m always wearing black… or grey hahaha!!!

      Thank you so much for your support and for taking the time to comment! It means the world to me and I really appreciate it! xoxo

      Reply
  10. Sara Monday
    March 17, 2015 at 6:41 am (9 years ago)

    You have the most beautiful hair!! I will be trying this healthy shamrock shake, thanks for the recipe!!

    Reply
    • Catherine
      March 24, 2015 at 1:15 am (9 years ago)

      Thank you so much, Sara! And thank you for watching! xo

      Reply
  11. Meghan @ Rootiful
    March 17, 2015 at 7:06 am (9 years ago)

    Loved the video—I did the same thing with date pits once, yikes! Not a nice sound in the Vitamix. 😉 The shake looks delish!!

    Thinking about doing some recipe videos in the future too—I am sure I will have the same “eeks!” about recording. Seems like something that gets easier as you do it. You did great! Looking forward to more. 🙂

    Reply
    • Catherine
      March 24, 2015 at 1:16 am (9 years ago)

      Hahaha I’m glad I’m not the only one who has made that mistake! Make videos!!! It’s so much fun! Thank you so much for watching and for commenting! xo

      Reply
  12. Stephanie
    March 17, 2015 at 3:28 pm (9 years ago)

    You are too cute! Love the recipe- definitely going to make that asap. When are more shirts coming in!!?
    P.S. Some how I got unsubscribed from your page : ( can you add me again somehow?

    Reply
    • Catherine
      March 24, 2015 at 1:18 am (9 years ago)

      Awww thank you! You are too sweet! My email subscription is run through wordpress and sometimes it has little glitches. A few months ago I had another reader tell me that she got removed from the list as well 🙁 Boooo! I will try to get into my end of the subscription and re-add you! xo
      P.S. Yes, more shirts coming soon!

      Reply
  13. Jenny
    March 17, 2015 at 8:04 pm (9 years ago)

    The shake was really good!!! I was nervous about peppermint and spinach but it was delicious! This is such a cute, fun video. Thanks for sharing about your struggles. I have body image issues that I’m working on and seeing a healthy, pretty, successful gal like you work through similar things makes me feel less alone.

    Reply
    • Catherine
      March 24, 2015 at 1:20 am (9 years ago)

      Yayyyyy I’m so happy that you loved it, Jenny! All of the ingredients (especially spinach, avo, peppermint) do sound a bit scary together, but I’m so glad you gave it a try and enjoyed it! That makes me so happy! And thank you so much for the sweet comment and support, it means so much to me. You are definitely not alone. There’s tons of us going through the same struggles with body image. We got this! xo

      Reply
  14. Alicia M
    March 17, 2015 at 8:40 pm (9 years ago)

    Such a cute video! Your optimism is inspiring. Thanks for sharing the Anti-Diet Project Article on Twitter…I totally fall victim to beating myself up over recovery weight gain but it’s SO normal & necessary.

    I’m curious about how long the Cotton On shirt lays on you – I’m 5 feet 0 inches & struggle with drapier clothes because they’re so long, but I LOVE that top. Let me know!! 😀

    Reply
    • Catherine
      March 24, 2015 at 1:31 am (9 years ago)

      Thank you so much Alicia! Your comment is so sweet : )
      I LOVED that Anti-Diet Project article about gaining weight. It seriously hit the nail on the head and made me feel so… normal! It’s crazy how much we beat ourselves up and how unnecessary and silly it is in the big scheme of things. But I get it, I’ve been there, and I struggle with it all the time.

      You have to read this post by Andie Mitchell from “Can You Stay For Dinner?”
      It’s AMAZING. So inspiring.
      http://www.canyoustayfordinner.com/2014/06/09/losing-and-gaining-and-accepting-myself-at-every-weight/

      P.S. The Cotton On shirt is really long! It covers my behind and I am about 5’4! Have you ever bought an oversized shirt from Brandy Melville? I bought this exact shirt over winter and I tend to not wear it as much because every time I put it on I wish it was a little longer, so I bet it would be the PERFECT length on you! All of their tops are “one size fits all.” There are also a couple more colors if you click the “more colors” tab!
      http://www.brandymelvilleusa.com/clothing/tops/tees/ivory-top-001.html
      xo

      Reply
  15. Amanda
    March 18, 2015 at 9:03 am (9 years ago)

    Terrific video! Beautiful kitchen – great personality – simple and healthy ingredients. Can’t wait to make the shake! Keep the videos coming.

    Reply
    • Catherine
      March 24, 2015 at 1:32 am (9 years ago)

      Thank you so much, Amanda! You’re making me so excited to make more videos! xo

      Reply
  16. Lisa
    March 20, 2015 at 2:37 pm (9 years ago)

    You look wonderful <3. I can totally relate to your story. I was overweight for a long time and lost a lot of weight which led to disordered eating and me becoming underweight. I gained some weight back, but was never truly on a healthy plan and would compensate "bad" eating with no eating and life was just a mess for me. I had my son and went through some rough times and gained it all back. I am now on the path to getting healthy, not thin… so I can have my sanity back. I also fear judgment and I avoid seeing friends because I just am unhappy with where I am and I know that's wrong. I am so glad you posted this because I have been waiting for you to make a youtube video and I am proud that you did it despite feeling insecure because that is very brave. Again, I think you look amazing and I love your recipes!

    Reply
    • Catherine
      March 24, 2015 at 1:44 am (9 years ago)

      Thank you so so so much for your support and for taking the time to comment, Lisa! I can completely relate to what you said about not wanting to see friends. Just know that it’s all in your head. Our friends probably wouldn’t notice half the things that we notice and nitpick about ourselves. Our friends love us because we are us! I know it’s hard, honestly I’ve been there 100%. When I was at my most depressed I never hung out with my friends in fear of them “noticing” that I gained weight. Sadly, that was when I was at my thinnest and most disordered and ate a big meal and thought I gained a million pounds with one meal. It was a scary and sad time in my life, but I’m really thankful that my friends were always there for me through those really rough times and honestly never cared what I looked like. The’ve always enjoyed hanging out with me and making me laugh and smile and seeing me happy, and that’s what matters. Don’t let your body image effect you seeing friends! It’s not worth it! I know it’s easier said than done, but next time you are thinking about avoiding an opportunity to hangout with friends, go on YouTube, find an awesome hair tutorial to try, put on some fancy lipstick and own that you are a strong beautiful woman! xo

      Reply
  17. Cynthia
    March 25, 2015 at 8:46 am (9 years ago)

    New reader to your blog. You are so cute! Love the video content.

    Reply
  18. Annaleigh
    March 26, 2015 at 10:59 am (9 years ago)

    I just discovered your site and you are gorgeous and adorable! Keep making videos!

    Reply
  19. Casey
    May 3, 2015 at 8:54 am (9 years ago)

    I love this recipe so much and don’t be hard on yourself you are absolutely beautiful and inspiring to many people.

    Reply

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