Starbucks took over my social media feed the last couple of weeks with their Unicorn Frappuccino.
I'll be the first to advise you that it's perfectly ok to eat (or drink) everything in moderation. If you really want that high-sugar limited-edition drink then I don't see a problem with it as an one-time treat. Yes, I know it has 79 grams of sugar. It's a lot. You probably shouldn't drink 79 grams sugar in one sitting every day, but every once in awhile a unicorn comes along and you may want to enjoy the treat with friends.
The recommendation for health is to keep your added sugars to 25 grams a day or less. If you follow this guideline most of the time, then breaking the rule occasionally won't break your overall health.
I don't see a problem as long as you go into it with your eyes wide open. You know what you are consuming is less-than-healthy. You know it's just an occasional treat. You enjoy it. You pay attention to how it makes you feel. You stop when you feel full. (You don't have to drink every last drop just because you bought it.) You move on to your next healthy meal. Consider it your indulgence for the week and move on with your life.
Except it's too late. The unicorn has already come and gone. (Don't worry, given the success of the unicorn, I'm sure there is another magical mystical character drink waiting in the shadows.)
I personally wasn't drawn to the sugary drink. When you don't consume a lot of added sugar, then things like fruits and berries taste very sweet and delicious. I set out to make my own healthy version of the unicorn drink.
When you are trying to live a healthy lifestyle, you don't have to give up all that tastes good. Sometimes you can make healthy swaps and find that same joy in a healthy version. I combined fruit, berries and protein powder for a delicious, filling...and pretty treat.
This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on a link in this post and make a purchase, I make a small percentage of the sale with no additional cost to you. No one is getting rich here, it just helps with the running (pun intended) of this blog.
Unicorn Protein Shake
Frozen raspberries
Frozen blueberries
Frozen pineapples
Small banana
1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
I made my shake in layers.
To start I mixed the frozen raspberries, 1/3 of the protein powder scoop and water in my Nutribullet.
I poured into a separate glass and placed in the freezer to set.
I rinsed the cup and made my second layer.
Frozen pineapples, small banana, 1/3 protein powder scoop and water to mix.
I rinsed the cup and made my third layer.
Frozen blueberries, 1/3 protein powder scoop and water to mix.
I let it all sit in the freezer for about 20 minutes, then I combined the layers and gently stirred them up with a straw.
Like this post? It helps me when you share!
I know it might sound strange to hear a health coach say, "I do not eat clean," but the phrase has become a sticking point for long term health. I often hear my clients say, “I eat pretty clean, but I still feel stuck,” or, “I ruined it with a huge cheat meal.” This kind of language creates internal friction and keeps capable people feeling frustrated.
The problem starts with the fact that there is no clear definition of what "clean eating" even means, which turns a simple concept into a rigid rulebook. Then there are terms like "cheat meal," which suggest you have committed a moral transgression by enjoying food.
In this post, I share why eliminating this black-and-white thinking and judgmental language is the key to sustainable progress. Your health journey should be about aligning your choices with what makes sense for your goals and your real life, not some idealized version of it.