Need to cool down from all the heat? Why not try out this choconana protein smoothie with toasted coconut that is thick enough to be ice-cream consistency! This no sugar added, low carb, high protein and fiber (and potentially clean and vegan) treat will keep you satisfied and keep you cool. It’s even healthy enough to eat for breakfast 😉 Well also chat a bit about basal cell carcinoma so that you can be proactive and have a basic idea of what to be on the lookout for when you do a skin check!
Let’s talk about another skin cancer today. We’ve discussed Melanoma here, but Basal Cell Carcinoma’s (often abbreviated BCC) are another type of skin cancer that you should be aware of. Like the other skin cancer’s, they are related to sun exposure. (Yet another reason to wear your sunscreen!)
The following are typical characteristics of these types of skin lesions.
They have pink, rolled borders
They have blood vessels in them
They may have a central ulcer
When on the face, they primarily reside centrally
If you draw a diamond from the ear to the corner of the mouth and to the corner of the eye, they like to reside within that diamond. [However, they can be anywhere]
Fair skinned people are more at risk
They are more common in men
This list is by no means exhaustive. In particular, there are other risk factors associated with this type of skin cancer. However, my main goal is for you to be aware and feel free to use this post as a beginner’s guide. As we discussed during the melanoma post, it is important for you to be familiar with your body so that you recognize when things change! If you notice any spots on your body that fit these characteristics, don’t hesitate to get them checked out. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Now, as I ‘ve said before, cure is good, but prevention is better. Although some sun exposure is healthy (looking at your Vitamin D), it is important to wear sunscreen regularly. (Something I certainly need to work more on myself :/). However, make sure your sunscreen has both UVA and UVB protection and don’t forget to re-apply!
Final PSA: for the love of all things good please, please, please AVOID tanning beds. They certainly put you at a much higher risk for all the skin cancers (not to mention accelerated aging).
Now that we’ve talked a bit about the sun let’s cool down with this Choconana protein smoothie with toasted coconut recipe! (Or, if blue is more your style feel free to check out my other smoothie recipe BlueNana Almond Butter Protein Smoothie)
Do you regularly check your skin?
How good are you with wearing sunscreen?
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1/2 banana frozen
- 1 T psyillium husk powder
- dash cinnamon
- ice optional but I used a tray
- water/liquid of choice* (I used water, ~1/4 cup)
- 1/2-1 T unsweetened coconut toasted
- Toast your coconut if you don't already have some on hand*
- Add a bit of your liquid to coat the bottom of your blender
- Add the rest of the ingredients (ice if using) and top with remaining liquid.
- Blend until smooth
- Top with toasted coconut! Eat and enjoy
*I toast my coconut with a sandwich maker. Alternatively you could toast it in the oven at 350 for only a few minutes. Keep a close eye on it. Often it is done as soon as you start to smell it, so either keep a close eye, or a vigilant nose 🙂
-Ice and liquid depend on your thickness preference. The psyllium (while not mandatory) thickens the smoothie quite a bit on it's own. It also is a bomb source of fiber. (If you aren't used to it, start small ~1t and work your way up. Be sure to drink plenty of liquid).
I link up with Deborah and Sarah’s, and running on happy’s/ the fit foodie mama’s Meatless Monday, #recipeoftheweek, Best of the Blogosphere, Homestead Blog Hop, glutenfreefridays,#healthyveganfridays,, What’s for Dinner, Sunday Fitness and Food
![Chocolate Chip Sweet Potato Protein Cookies [Clean, Vegan, GF, Paleo]...And A Dash of Cinnamon Close](https://i0.wp.com/www.andadashofcinnamon.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Chocolate-Chip-Sweet-Potato-Protein-Cookies-Clean-Vegan-GF-Paleo...And-A-Dash-of-Cinnamon-Close-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1418&ssl=1)
Such excellent info. on basil cell carcinoma! My husband just had one removed. Sometimes these spots look like absolutely nothing. Great to educate people.
Thanks! Yes, I agree, they can be very benign looking. I’m glad your husband’s was caught!
Great Info! Thanks so much for sharing at the Sunday Fitness & Food Link-Up. The smoothie sounds fabulous too, Pinned 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to read it!
“Final PSA: for the love of all things good please, please, please AVOID tanning beds. They certainly put you at a much higher risk for all the skin cancers (not to mention accelerated aging).”
YES! This is such fantastic advice. My sister actually had melanoma and they said it was caused by tanning beds – she used to use them a ton :/ I try to be fairly vigilant with sunscreen and wearing hats & sleeves because of it, but I have to be honest, I do forget sometimes.
I have never tried a toasted coconut smoothie – this would take the smoothie to a whole other level 🙂
Thanks for sharing at HVF – I’m pinning & sharing!
Ah I’m sorry to hear that about your sister. Hope she is doing well! Nobody can be perfect, besides you need a bit of sun exposure every once in a while for vitamin d absorption (Ok 15 min max) but hey you do well it seems for the most part. Just check yourself every once in a while so you know when things just don’t look right. Toasted coconut is so good. Gives it a nice texture, too!
I’ve never tried adding psyllium husk to a smoothie–I should check it out! Thanks for the info on skin cancer. I work up at 8000 feet altitude at the YMCA of the Rockies, so I definitely wear a lot of sunscreen. This reminds me I need to restock–almost out!
It makes it SUPER thick. I love it haha. But be careful with it if you’re not used to it. Start small (like a teaspoon) and work your way up. Drink lots of liquid too. It’s an excellent source of fiber, though and a great clean thickener. Oh nice! That sounds like a great job! I’ve been in the Rockies once and it was AMAZING
Yum!
so yum!
Interesting info – but not very appetizing pictures The Smoothie on the other hand sounds good! Thanks for sharing on the What’s for Dinner link up!
I would have to agree! I’m hoping readers don’t have these spots on them, but I want them to have an idea of what these things look like in case they do and can get treated!
Looks super tasty!!! I loveeee bowls like this 🙂
Me too!