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Post-Run Smoothie Boost

Pump up your post-run smoothie

It’s no secret runners love smoothies, and with good reason. A well-made smoothie is a nutritional powerhouse. With the right ingredients (and limited added sugar!), this blended concoction supplies protein, energising carbs, and a wealth of vitamins, minerals and health-boosting compounds that can speed recovery and help keep your body strong. Use these ingredients to make a powerful recovery snack.

PROTEIN
Include 20 to 25 grams of protein in your post-run smoothie to boost muscle recovery.

  • Plain Greek yoghurt: 20g per cup
  • Cottage cheese: 26g per cup
  • Yoghurt: 12 to 15g per cup
  • Milk, low-fat or skinny: 8g per cup
  • Soy milk: 6 to 7g per cup
  • Protein powders (whey, soy, pea): 12 to 25g per scoop (check the label as sources vary in protein content)

FRUIT
Aim for one to two medium-sized pieces, leaving on the peel when practical. Fruit supplies a wealth of vitamins and other antioxidants that aid muscle recovery. It’s also packed with heart-healthy soluble fibre and a great source of pre- and post-run carbs.

  • 1 cup berries (fresh or frozen)
  • Citrus fruit (if organic, use the peel for added benefit)
  • Banana
  • Apple with skin
  • Mango, pineapple, papaya
  • 1 cup grapes
  • Peaches, nectarines, and apricots
  • Use frozen fruit for added chill, or use 2 to 4 ice cubes per smoothie (less for thicker consistency).
  • Adding 1/2 cup of 100 per cent fruit juice will make your smoothie less viscous and pack in a little more nutrition.

VEGGIES
Adding veggies (raw or cooked but chilled) to your smoothie is an easy way to work up to your daily goal of two to three cups per day. Use well-rinsed and clean veggies; peel when needed.

  • Leafy greens (like spinach and kale)
  • Carrots
  • Tomatoes
  • Colourful capsicum without the seeds

ADD-INS
For an added boost of essential nutrients or a hint of sweetness for those veggie-based smoothies, try one of these.

  • Agave syrup, honey or coconut sugar give a little extra sweetness; these count as added sugar so go easy: 1 to 2 tsp. per smoothie
  • Chia seeds or ground flaxseed for omega-3s and fibre.
  • Almond or other nut butters for heart-healthy fats and vitamin E – a potent antioxidant.

 

 

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