I read an article in Women’s Running recently that stressed the importance of getting enough protein after a long or intense workout in order to promote muscle recovery. If I’m eating a meal soon after I worked out, I don’t worry about it, because there’s usually enough protein there to give my body what it needs. But sometimes I’m rushing into the shower, then off to preschool pick-up, then home to start making lunch, and it can be several hours before I’ve eaten anything.
That’s when it’s helpful to have a protein powder on hand that I can toss in the blender with some coconut milk, ice, and a banana. My favorite is Vega sport performance protein. It’s plant-based, and was developed by Brendan Brazier, a plant-based endurance athlete who take a whole foods approach to nutrition. Perfect. It’s not cheap, but my local Whole Foods sometimes has it for $10 off, and that’s when I try to buy it. And if you consider that a glass constitutes enough protein to be a meal replacement, it’s a reasonable price. I can eat a lighter lunch later, and know that my body isn’t missing the opportunity to build muscles post-workout just because I didn’t have time to prep a hearty meal or snack.
My New Go-To Post Workout Smoothie:
1 banana
12 oz coconut milk
1 scoop chocolate Vega sport performance protein powder
5 ice cubes
Blend until smooth. Try to keep your toddler from stealing it.
