12 Days of Smoothies: Recovery Smoothie
Yes, you can have your recovery smoothie and your chocolate too. In fact, cacao is high in anti-oxidants and inflammatory properties, not to mention mood-boosting! I’ll write you a note: Must Eat Chocolate (70% or more cacao). This is definitely a You Still Got It, Girl smoothie. Time it 60-120 minutes post workout for the best boost in muscle repair.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 handfuls spinach (if you like kale, go for it, spinach is milder for those just starting to add greens)
- 1 serving Chocolate Paleo Power
- 1-2 T cacao
- ¾ cup frozen cherries
- ½ cup avocado
- 1 T chia
- 1 tsp maca
- Coconut milk
- Dash of cinnamon
Instructions:
Blend all ingredients in a high-powered blender. Start on low if you have the option and increase speed slowly.
Flips to Love: After exercise wait 60 minutes to have this smoothie and your body will synthesize the protein better for optimal recovery. When that’s not possible? Don’t stress over it, even doing the right thing 80% of the time will help. Every single ingredient in this recovery smoothie offers anti-oxidants, anti-inflammation, toxin-removing properties that support your goals while satisfying your “I deserve this” deliciousness thoughts at the same time.
Recovery Smoothie vs. “Real Food”
A recovery smoothie that’s got 7 or 8 anti-inflammatory ingredients in it wins in my book over a meal. What would you be most likely to have? If you’re a soup and salad girl, an oatmeal girl, a sandwich… you will have a hard time pulling in a moderate calorie meal together with the high nutrient-density you can in a smoothie. (more on the smoothie vs. food debate)
I’m not about eating less. I’m all about eating to satisfaction and no deprivation. Feeling cravings constantly usually means you’re potentially getting insufficient micronutrients. You can’t operate well without all the parts any more than a car could. Tune yourself up with smoothies like this recovery smoothie in a way that every ingredient is good for you. Don’t play that game if I eat this (or don’t eat this) then I can have that. It’s a gamble at best.
Learn more about micronutrient deficiency and your cravings and the effect they have on fitness results after 50 here.
Did you know your hormone balance is related to your micronutrient sufficiency? Yep. So all that dieting for years? It’s time to ditch the diet and start eating again.
