I thought today that I’d talk about a specific occasion, a perfect time to have a juice or smoothie – after a workout. Now, I’m not much of a workout type gal. I walk/bike as often as I can, but I don’t go to the gym or lift anything more than my 2.5 pound hand weights! But I do know that it is necessary to replenish your body after exercise. If you eat or drink the proper foods after a workout you can enjoy more energy, with less soreness, and a quicker recovery time. During immediate post workout your body is primed to accept the nutrition.
So what do your consume after your exercise routine? Because of heavy media advertising, we’re conditioned to believe we must have a protein bar or shake. Many of those are great and do provide nutrition. But you don’t have to go out and buy a pre-packaged snack to get such nutrition. Try fulfilling your body’s need the natural way. Fruits and veggies contain simple sugars, carbohydrates, and amino acids that refuel your body and won’t weigh you down. Green juices are especially rich in the vitamins and minerals you require. Greens such as kale, spinach, celery, and cucumber can be juiced with an apple or carrot and some lemon or ginger. It’s a quick, easy, and healthy snack.
Don’t just take my word for it. Fitness expert Yuri Elkaim also suggests drinking green juices and smoothies post workout. He makes the drink in the morning or just before going to the gym and has a quick punch of nutrition available exactly when he needs it. Here’s Yuri talking about his routine.