As a runner fuel is important, both for recovery and for sustaining workouts. There are mornings and even evenings I want something quick to prepare and sometimes cold to chill me off. It is easy to skip on post run fuel, especially when we have work to get to, kids to get ready for school or camp, or a chore list to start checking off.
This is why I love smoothies. In 5 minutes you can make a power packed smoothie, great for starting the day and repairing muscles after a hard workout. I especially love them during the summer when the temperatures are warmer, and sometimes the last thing I want is a bowl of hot oatmeal (I say that as I am eating a warm bowl of oatmeal and it’s going to be 80 some degrees today).
Smoothies can be full of fiber, protein, heart healthy nutrients and antioxidants. Summer is a great time to fill up on berry inspired smoothies, when berries are at the freshest and easy to find. Spinach, kale an chard are all in season, and if you have a garden you can pick your smoothie ingredients fresh off the press!! 😉
I always start with a dairy free milk, like almond, coconut or cashew milk, and a plant based protein powder. My favorite plant based proteins are Vega One, Orgain, Garden of Life, and Sun Warrior. They use a mixture of plant based proteins like pea, rice, quinoa and chia to ensure all essential amino acids are present.
I also love to add Barleans Greens to my smoothies, especially when I don’t have any fresh greens on hand. Barleans Chocolate Greens are my favorite. No sugars, full of superfoods, and no dairy or soy. It has an antioxidant blend, green vegetable and fruit blend, and probiotic blend, and it’s great tasting.
Here are a few of my favorite smoothies great for the runner in you:Â
Green Mango Island Smoothie – Cucumbers, mango, spinach and coconut water are the staples in this smoothie, with a little lime and shredded coconut. It’s like an island getaway in a glass 😉 You won’t be disappointed. Cucumbers are great for their high water content to help re-hydrate, spinach is full of iron and calcium, and coconut water has lots of potassium, making it great for replenishing lost electrolytes.
Chocolate Tart Cherry Smoothie – Tart cherries are amazing for runners. They help ease post workout muscle soreness and boost magnesium, potassium, and lots of antioxidants. Antioxidants are great for fighting off oxidative damage and repairing any damage within cells. The avocado will add more potassium and essential fatty acids, for a creamy taste. I used chocolate Svelte, but you can replace this with regular milk and add Barleans Chocolate Greens or chocolate protein powder, I have made it all three ways. Lots of anti-inflammatory power in this glass.
Blueberry Peach Green Tea Refresher – Why not start the morning with loads of antioxidants and polyphenols, helping to prevent cancer?! Matcha Green Tea does just that!! Blueberries contain the highest antioxidants of all the berries. Even more nutritious during the summer when they are in season. Peaches are a good source of potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, and calcium. They also have antioxidants as well.
Lavender Blueberry Smoothie – Nothing like a refreshing, smell good smoothie. Lavender has many healing properties, and yes you can actually eat it. I have a lavender plant, so I use the fresh leaves for this smoothie. It’s also great in ice cream. Lavender contains iron and is great for promoting relaxation and calming anxiety. Why not unwind after a workout or long day?!
Green Cappuccino Smoothie – Cappuccino Svelte is needed for this simple smoothie. A couple handfuls of power greens, banana, peanut butter, ice and protein powder is all it needs. It’s a green fighting machine. I am not a coffee drinker and I LOVE this smoothie. Lots of protein in this smoothie.
Honorable mentions: Carrot Cake Smoothie, Chocolate Pumpkin Smoothie (with Barleans Chocolate Greens), and Chocolate Avocado Smoothie. These aren’t really summer inspired so that’s why they didn’t make the list. They still are jammed packed with vitamins and minerals, and a little antioxidant power.
Check out my recipe page for smoothies for more inspiration and varieties. Have fun with smoothie creations. Anything goes, from avocados to carrots, kale, spinach, and even pumpkin.
Hope you all have a great weekend!!
Until Next Time Be Whole and Be Fit
What’s your favorite smoothie combination? As a runner are smoothies your thing? Ya or Nay for smoothies?Â