My Pre & Post-Workout Yumminess

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    By on Lifestyle

    Musme Bravo.jpgBy the time you read this I’ll be finished with my first phase of P90X and the 30 Day Squat Challenge. Let me tell you, it’s been grueling. And painful. Ouch.

    One of my goals in this health quest is to keep processed foods to a minimum–or obsolete. This means no protein powder shakes for me–raw, vegan, or otherwise. Yes, protein shakes are processed foods (read about it here or here)… Sorry guys 🙁

    So, what do I eat before my workout? Well, I eat fruit. Yup, fruit. I can either eat it as a smoothie or normal. My favorite combination of fruit during the summer is bananas and mangoes. I can eat this up to 15 minutes before my workout and not feel like my stomach is about to explode. However, to keep things on the safe side I eat at least 30 minutes before.

    Pre Workout Smoothie:

    2 bananas (usually frozen ones)

    1 manila mango

    ½ C of coconut water

    …and blend!

    Or

    5 medium ripe bananas

    …and chew!

    This gives you enough calories to get you going and not feel drained. Or dizzy. Or bloated. Or whatever it is you might feel while working out.

    So what do I eat after my workout? Well, a green juice or a green smoothie. I usually go with the smoothie because I like to eat as much fiber as I can get, and juices don’t have any fiber. I aim to have my post workout meal 30 minutes to an hour after finishing my workout.

    Post Workout Smoothie:

    6 leaves of Kale, destemmed (I love kale, but you can substitute for any dark leafy green)

    ½ Tbsp of chia seeds or hemp seeds (optional)

    3 bananas

    2 manila mangoes

    ½ C of coconut water

    …and blend!

    (told you my favorite summer fruits are bananas and mangoes!)

    Or

    2 green apples

    1 bunch cilantro (coriander)

    1 medium cucumber

    2 ribs celery

    2 tomatoes

    2 orange

    …and juice! (Or blend? I haven’t tried this blended, so I can’t vouch for it.)

    I don’t really like going all out in the kitchen, so keeping things simple works best for me. However, you’re more than welcome to experiment and explore the different combinations of fruits and veggies that best suit your palate.

    I use a Vitamix (my BFF for life!) and I have an Omega J8004 Juicer. (A “YAY!” for a 15-month 0% APR credit card. Thank you.) So there you have it, my pre and post workout yumminess. I don’t focus so much on “getting enough protein” (dark leafy greens have protein, FYI), so much as I focus on replenishing what I lost: water, electrolytes, and make my body alkaline.

    When I used to take those protein powders I’d feel sore the next day and with no “juice” to workout. Now, I don’t feel sore, I have more energy, and I’ve stuck to P90X longer than before.

    xoxo

    Eat your fruits and veggies

     

    EDITOR’s NOTE: Musme is not a registered dietician. This post is a report of her favorite recipes and her day to day experience.  Please consult with your physician before beginning any new diet or workout plan. 

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