Post-Workout Smoothie

Smoothies can be a great way to start the day,but they can also be They're also great recovery drinks pre- and post-workout.

My current post-workout smoothie is a Chocolate Banana smoothie:

1c goat milk
1T cacao powder
1 banana
1t honey
 
I once read an article that chocolate milk was the best recovery drink after working out.  The article suggested that drinking an 8oz glass before your workout gives you the carbs and protein needed to power through your workout.  It goes on to say that drinking an 8oz glass after your workout provides the rest of the protein needed to repair your muscles.  The article said that you would feel less sore if you followed this method.  And you know what?  It was right.  After trying this method, I went from being so sore I could move after a workout to being barely sore, if at all, the day after.

http://eatthis.menshealth.com/content/chocolate-milk-diet

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/healthy-eating/superfoods/chocolate-milk-after-workout/

Smoothies!

I love smoothies, because they're quick and easy.  I'm talking smoothies you make at home--not the ones you get Jamba Juice that are chock-full of sugar and end up being worse for you than a cheeseburger at your favorite pub.

I find that smoothies are great to start your morning off with an energy boost.  Currently, my favorite smoothie is my Avocado Banana Berry smoothie.  The creamy texture from the avocado and banana makes it oh-so-pleasing to the palate.

1/2c goat milk
1/2 avovado
1/2c strawberries
1/2c blueberries
1 banana
1t honey
1T flaxseeds or chia seeds

I use goat milk because it is easier to digest than cow's milk, and it provides a good source of protein.  For a more Plan friendly smoothie, substitute coconut milk for the goat milk.  I have found, however, that the protein in the goat milk gives me more of an energy boost than coconut milk.

This smoothie is great as a pre-workout drink because it gives me an energy boost.  The healthy fats from the avocado and the antioxidants from the berries also make this a good smoothie for fighting skin breakouts.  (Very good if you're detoxing on The Plan).

What's healthy?

I really don't understand why the desire to have a healthy, balanced diet is met with such derision.  Why do people look at you like you just got off the train from Crazy Town when you carry in a smoothie packed with the majority of fiber, antioxidants, omega3 fatty acids and B vitamins you will need for the day?  It's a hell of a lot better than that Egg McMuffin you're scarfing down, and it will keep me fuller longer.   

A coworker mentioned how foul my smoothie looked this morning.  Granted, it is more puce than green, but I assured him it was very delicious and told him what was in it.  Another coworker was walking through the office and (ever the one to put her opinion in when it is unsolicited) said, "Yeah, she's going to turn green." in her snotty way.  What does that even mean?  You are on a more restrictive diet than I am, lady.  At least I can eat all of the things I love without sticking to only protein rich foods.  Yes, protein is a staple of my diet, but I get to eat all of the foods you are depriving yourself of (with the exception of red meat, which unfortunately makes me very sick).  I get to eat rice, bread and other carb-y foods.  I just understand the concept of portion control.

She also injects herself with a pregnancy hormone in order to kick-start her weight loss.  I know quite a few women who are doing this, and while they are seeing amazing results, I can't see how it can be completely healthy.  For one, it's a hormone found in a pregnant woman's urine.  Ew.   Secondly, the diet requires that you eat 500 calories a day.  o_O  That's one third of the recommended daily intake for the average inactive female.  One third!  I couldn't subsist on 500 calories a day.  I realize that the hCG suppresses your appetite, so you can get by on the 500 calories, but I don't see how consuming so few calories can provide you with enough energy to get through the day.  Not to mention that the injections are expensive.  What happens when you decide you can no longer afford them and the weight piles back on?  

I understand the desire for a quick fix.  I have often found myself staring at a sea of fabric, wishing my hats would make themselves.  However, when it comes to losing weight, I don't think a quick fix is the way to go.  It can't possibly be healthy.  Modifying your diet by substituting lean, grilled meats for heavily breaded fried foods and fresh fruits and veggies for french fries and potato chips can go a long way.  Figure out what an actual serving size is for the food in question and adhere to it.   Add a 30 minutes of exercise of your choice to that three times a week, and you're on your way to a fitter you.  You will see slower results, but at least you won't be starving yourself to get there.  Then again, I'm not a nutritionist.  

Articles about the hCG diet:

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/truth-about-hcg-for-weight-loss
http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/10/hcg-diet-pregnancy-hormones-and-500-calories-a-day/
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400413/Pregnancy-Hormone-for-Weight-Loss.html
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20066096-10391704.html
http://www.abc4.com/news/local/story/ABC-4-Investigation-Pregnancy-hormone-for-weight/jUZY95Pok0u83IRWEU-hrg.cspx
http://hcgdietinfo.com/

Today's Smoothie:

1/2 c Kefir
1/2 c Greek Yogurt
1 whole leaf green Swiss Chard
2 whole leaves Kale
1 c Spinach
1/2 c Pineapple
1/2 c Strawberries
1/4 c Wild Blueberries
1/4 Raspberries
4 Peach slices
Add honey to taste (I didn't today, but sometimes I need a sweet fix.)