Workouts

Pre-work out: About an hour before, drink a smoothie with fruit ingredients and include grains like soaked oats. (See the Cherry Oatmeal Delight recipe.) Also add a tablespoon of coconut oil and protein powder. Fruits and oats are generally low in fat and carbohydrates which means they are easy to digest, but still provide the fuel you need when working out.

Consuming a pre-workout meal in the form of a smoothie is an efficient way to gain energy and protect your muscles during exercise routines.

Post-Workout: Right after finishing your last set, immediately drink a protein and fruit smoothie. This should include high-protein plants like flax seeds, which will help your muscles directly absorb the protein. (See the Green Smoothie for the Newbie and Smoothie Zing recipes.)

On the other hand, the fruits' simple sugars will replenish the glycogen you lost during exercise. If you're into heavy lifting, go ahead and sip the smoothie during your work out. It is best to pick fruits that are easy to digest like apples, bananas, berries and peaches. (See the Apple Cucumber Twist, Berry Nutty Peach and Blue Banana Smoothie recipes.)

Drinking a glass of smoothie after working out will provide your body with nutrients essential for optimal growth and recuperation.