Before a workout, it’s important that you have enough energy to keep you going. Most times, a full breakfast is not an option. You want to have something that’s light but also staves off your hunger. Smoothies provide both energy and hydration, two essential components for getting the most out of your workout.
It is equally important to give your body nutrients after you work out, especially within the 60 minutes afterwards. Consuming a smoothie will provide you with nutrients that will help your body to repair itself and grow stronger.
So what makes for the perfect smoothie?
Protein
Protein helps to repair and rebuild muscles while also filling you up. When it comes to protein powder, the less processed it is, the better, so opt for one with a small ingredient list. Rice, pea, and hemp protein are all excellent sources of protein. Brown Rice Protein Powder, for example, is a flavour-neutral option that can be added to your smoothie without significantly altering the flavour. Alternatively, select a powder that will work well with other ingredients. There are lots of options for ready-made protein powders to choose from.
Look for a strawberry-flavoured protein powder for a berry smoothie or a vanilla-flavoured collagen powder for a tropical smoothie. Add oats or chia seeds to the mix if you want even more protein.
Liquid
Your best option is milk or coconut water. Fruit juices taste good, but they’re high in sugar and won’t contribute to your health. Coconut water is a really good choice for rehydrating electrolytes after a run. If you are vegan or lactose intolerant, there are many dairy-free options, including almond milk, soy milk, and oat milk.
Fats
Healthy fats give energy and promote cell growth. A tablespoon of flax seeds, half an avocado, or a small handful of unroasted nuts is a good source of fat.
Vegetables
Adding vegetables to your smoothie is a terrific way to boost your fibre intake and keep you satisfied for longer. For a health boost, use nutrient-rich greens like kale or spinach, which have a neutral flavour. Spinach is high in nitrates, which aid in the delivery of oxygen to muscles.
Fruit
Limit yourself to two portions of fruit per day and choose low-sugar fruits like berries, which are nutrient-dense. Bananas have a greater sugar content, but they’re beneficial for refuelling and can be used in a post-run smoothie.
Buying frozen fruit is an excellent method to add fruit to your smoothies. Frozen fruit can lower weekly food costs, allow you to enjoy out-of-season products, and serve as a convenient backup when you can’t get to the store.
Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash
2 Light and filling Pre-run smoothies
Mango Smoothie
Mangoes are high in vitamins, minerals, and potassium, making them a great fruit to have before or after a run. You can make this smoothie with the $6 Olkos Greek Yogurt, $3.99 Almond milk and $2.29 Mangos from the Foodland weekly flyer.
Ingredients
1 mango, diced and refrigerated
1 frozen banana
½ cup Greek yogurt
1 cup low-fat cow’s milk or almond/ oat milk
Method
In a blender, combine your ingredients and blend until smooth.
Photo by Nature Zen on Unsplash
Energizing coffee smoothie
This smoothie combines coffee, yogurt, honey, and walnuts to provide a creamy consistency similar to what you’d find in a good cup of coffee from your beloved coffee shop.
Ingredients
1 Banana
1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt
¼ –½ cup brewed coffee
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon flaxseed (ground)
A handful of walnuts
A pinch of cinnamon (to taste)
Ice
Optional: 1/4 cup oats
Method
Blend all your ingredients until smooth.
4 Nutritious and Delicious Post-run smoothies
Watermelon Smoothie
This smoothie is both refreshing and incredibly tasty after a hot run. Watermelon chunks can be frozen ahead of time to make them easier to prepare when you need them.
Ingredients
2 cups watermelon, chopped
½ cup of low-fat yogurt
1 cup coconut water
ice
Method
Blend all your ingredients until smooth.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Smoothie
This peanut butter chocolate smoothie will make you feel like it’s a cheat day with how good it tastes.
Ingredients
1 cup milk almond milk
1 frozen banana
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1 ½ teaspoon cocoa powder
2 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
⅛ teaspoon cinnamon powder
ice
1 tablespoon chocolate protein powder (optional)
Method
Blend all your ingredients until smooth. If it’s too thick, add extra milk. If the mixture is runny, add more ice.
Apple, Oats & Chia Seed Smoothie
This smoothie has several benefits:
Oats are strong in soluble fibre and high in B vitamins. The apple and banana are high in potassium and vitamin C, and the honey is additional support for your immune system. This smoothie has enough calories to replace a full meal.
Ingredients
1 cup low-fat milk
2 tablespoons oats
1 apple
4 almonds
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon chia seeds
½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
Method
Combine all the ingredients (make sure you deseed and peel the apple) and blend until smooth.
Photo by Brenda Godinez on Unsplash
Tropical Smoothie
The pineapple gives the smoothie a bit of zest. In combination with the rest of the ingredients, this will be a summertime favourite.
Ingredients
1 frozen banana
1/2 cup pineapple
1 cup coconut water
1 cup spinach
1 cup kale
Optional: 1 tablespoon of protein powder or 1 tablespoon Supergreens/Green food powder
Method
Take all your ingredients and combine them to blend until smooth.
Remember:
- Higher-fat components should be avoided in a pre-run smoothie, but they can be included to your post-run mix.
- Keep in mind that everyone’s body is a little different when it comes to digestion and activity. If you become nauseated when you run on an empty stomach, drink your smoothie at least one hour before you go for a run or wait until you return.
- Smoothies are meant to add to your diet rather than be meal replacements.
- You don’t have to follow recipes down to every ingredient. There are many combinations you can experiment using the guide below:
Photo by Nutrition Refined on Pinterest
