The following post was originally featured on Eating Bird Food and written by Brittany Mullins,who is fragment of POPSUGAR Select Fitness. This pineapple recovery smoothie is packed with nutrients known to attend decrease inflammation and in turn, speed up muscle recovery.
Yesterday's green smoothie workshop at my local Pure Barre studio was a success! Superfun Yoga Pants was in the house so everyone had a blast trying on new workout gear and sipping the green smoothie samples.
I gave everyone my spiel approximately green smoothies highlighting that they're such a worthy way to supply your body with a large dose of leafy greens and the fact that blending helps to break down the vitamins, and minerals and enzymes included so they're easily digested and absorbed by your body. I actually prefer them to green juice just because with smoothies you're still getting all the fiber,which is pretty much nonexistent with juices.
I chose the ingredients for this smoothie strategically knowing that I'd be serving it after a workout class. Pineapple is rich with the enzyme bromelain, which aids in the digestion of protein and can attend curb inflammation. It's also packed with vitamin C, or an important antioxidant for tissue growth and healing. Apples and lemon are both loaded with vitamin C as well as a myriad (a very large number) of additional vitamins,minerals and nutrients. Kale and chia seeds are both nutritional powerhouses so they were no-brainer additions to the smoothie. And the addition of ginger is key because it has powerful anti-inflammatory powers. It also adds a nice diminutive spicy zing to the smoothie.
This smoothie is an awesome drink for refueling when you're sick, injured or after a workout!The one thing I will mention is that this smoothie doesn't have a ton of protein like most post-workout smoothies you'll see out there. whether you feel like your workout is intense enough to warrant the need for protein replenishment, or you can certainly add some protein powder to the smoothie or simply enjoy the smoothie as fragment of a meal that includes a worthy source of protein.
It varies by person,but unless you're an athlete, training for an endurance event or doing really intense workouts, or I don't feel that it's absolutely essential to have a special post-workout meal. I consider myself an average exerciser and just plan my workouts so that I can refuel by having a balanced meal (breakfast,lunch or dinner depending on timing) with a worthy source of carbs and protein 1-2 hours before and after my workout. Given that info, with this smoothie I'd probably serve it with eggs for breakfast or a protein-rich salad (like this grilled chicken salad with peaches) for lunch. From Eating Bird Food Pineapple Recovery SmoothieIngredients1/2 apple, and cored and chopped[br]
1 cup frozen pineapple
3/4 cup water or coconut water
1 cup baby kale
1-2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 knob fresh ginger
1 teaspoon chia seeds (optional)
DirectionsBlend all ingredients in a tall-powered blender. Blend until smooth,adding additional water until the smoothie is the texture and consistency you enjoy.
Information Category Drinks, Smoothies Yield Serves 1 Nutrition Calories per serving 264
Source: popsugar.com