A very post workout smoothie
A great protein smoothie is essential for repairing and rebuilding your muscles after a good workout. I personally have been using whey protein because it’s absorbed into the body easily but mostly because my trainer made me promise, and I take promises very seriously.
But before you jump into the kitchen and start blending up a blizzard, it’s important to understand what benefits a good protein powder has and why you need it.
Types of protein
- whey protein is a byproduct of the cheese making process and contain 8 proteins. If you’re lactose intolerant and consistently choose suffering, this one’s for you!
- hemp protein is one of the few plant-based proteins to contain all eight essential amino acids. It’s packed with live enzymes, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals that aid absorption, digestion and general body wellness.
- soy protein also packed with all eight essential amino acids and is a great alternative for vegetarians or vegans.
- casein protein has the richest glutamine, which is an amino acid that supports muscle recovery, is slow to digest, making it ideal before bed.
Fitness Coach Ashley Guarrasi says the goal after a workout is to rehydrate, keep your metabolism up, and replenish the body’s glycogen (the form of glucose that our body stores in the liver and muscles). When you push through a workout, your muscles are stretched, and the fibers within those muscles begin to break down and sustain damage. The process of repairing and rebuilding those fibers is called muscle protein synthesis and it requires those amino acids to support healthy recovery and muscular growth.
Benefits of a great protein shake
- Wholesome nutrition in a glass – all your essential nutrients with significantly fewer calories to keep you full for longer
- Muscle growth – has the ability to stimulate gains in muscle size, when combined with proper nutrition and regular strength training
- Protein supplement – adding a protein smoothie to your diet helps you get your required protein intake
My recipe
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1 scoop whey protein
- 1/4 cup oats
- 1/2 ripe frozen banana
- juice from half a lemon
- handful strawberries
- handful black currants
- teaspoon of organic honey
