When we care for our bodies and stay hydrated and nourished, our muscles can rebuild faster to help us reach our goals. This is achievable with the power combo of a great workout and an even better after-workout smoothie! The best after workout smoothies include enough fat to satiate our cravings and enough vitamins from fresh fruit and veggies to replenish our muscles and stay hydrated for the day ahead.
The Best After Workout Smoothie Has Lots Of Fruit
Let’s talk fruits and veggies. We all need them, but getting as many servings as our body needs in a day is challenging. Of course, the easiest go-to is always frozen fruits because that’s what’s most readily available. But don’t let that keep you from using fresh if you have it. Just remember to add ice as a thickener when using fresh fruit!
Mango, peach, berries, banana, and greens like kale or spinach (which can also be frozen) help to add bulk to your smoothie. So choose your favorite flavors and go for it or try our tropical greens smoothie for an easy option.
Tropical Greens Smoothie
- 1 cup coconut water
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ½ cup chopped pineapple
- ½ cup frozen mango, diced
- 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt)
- 1 scoop of your favorite protein powder
Don’t Run From Healthy Fats
Fat, unfortunately, has become a bad word in the fitness world. But it shouldn’t be! The best after workout smoothie includes a good dose of fat. Not only does fat help keep our hearts healthy and replenish our skin’s oil barrier, but it also provides stores of energy in the body. Fat is responsible for that wonderful, satiated feeling after you’ve eaten something rich.
Examples of healthy fat sources in a smoothie come from avocado, nut butters, coconut oil, sunflower seed butter, flax and chia seeds, and the old standby: peanut butter. You don’t have to be on Keto (a diet high in good fats) to love everything about this energy-packed Keto Cacao Smoothie.
Keto Cacao Smoothie
- 1 cup Coconut Milk
- 1/2 of an Avocado
- 2 tbsp of your favorite nut butter
- 2 tbsp Cacao Powder
- 1 oz chia seeds
- 1 tbsp refined MCT coconut oil
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1/4 cup cacao nibs
Turn Up The Protein In Your Smoothie
And lastly, protein. For those strength training days when muscles are burning, make the best after workout smoothie with enough protein to meet your body’s needs. If you don’t get enough protein in your diet, you won’t see the results you’re looking for, especially if your goal is to build muscle. So kick muscle recovery into high gear with the best after workout smoothie. It’s sure to help your muscles recover after some hard sets.
Banana Nut Butter Smoothie
- 1 to 2 scoops of your favorite protein powder
- 3 tbsp natural peanut butter
- 1 small banana (or a few dates for sweetness)
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 2 cups skim or almond milk
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Dash of cinnamon
Go Beyond Smoothie Recipes With Nutritional Advice At Cathedral Oaks Athletic Club
The experts in health and wellness at Cathedral Oaks Athletic Club are ready to meet you! Whether you’re an existing member or are just exploring the benefits of the club, our offerings are geared to help you live an active lifestyle. Choose from over 75 weekly group exercise glasses or take advantage of our personal training services, with special programs designed to help you get more out of your workout. So stop in, call us at (805) 964-7762 or contact us today to learn more about becoming a member!