Breakfast: Smoothies and Eating After Working Out

Using your blender is a really easy way to pack a ton of nutrition into a rushed morning.  I like to use the VitaMix because it’s fast, easy to clean, and can liquify a small maple tree if that’s what you’re into!   Just remember that smoothies are kind of a meal - I wouldn’t make a full plate of breakfast to go with this.  Some nutritionists and different articles talk about the health benefits of processing food like this, unlocking nutrients and making vitamins and minerals readily absorbable.

Here’s my favorite - skip the protein shake and have this for breakfast after the gym!

Oh speaking of ... the gym ... for a couple reasons it’s important to eat after the gym and not before.  Studies show it can boost fat burn.  While that’s probably true, I think about it this way - you know that sense of tiredness after eating a bunch of food (very pronounced after Thanksgiving)?  That’s usually your body directing blood flow to your gut, to focus some energy on breaking down and processing that food.  When working out, I think you want maximum blood flow to your lungs and muscles - processing food is going to get in the way of an optimal workout.  Plus there is some calorie control going on, just generally speaking, by not having say two breakfasts.  Have a small apple or a cup of low-fat milk if you need a little sugar in your system to get started.

Anyway - put this all in the blender, start slow then go up to max speed.  Pour and enjoy!

PB&J Smoothie:

~550 calories:  9.5g fat, 62.4g carb (12g fiber, 21.9g sugar), 54.5g protein

2 packed cups organic baby spinach

3/4c non-fat organic greek yogurt

3T JIF peanut butter powder

1 scoop Sun Warrior - Warrior Blend / Natural protein powder

1/3c Fairlife 2% Milk with DHA / Omega-3

1c Welch’s (frozen) antioxidant fruit blend

1/3c Silver Palate Thick & Rough Oatmeal

Truvia/Stevia (depending on how sweet you like it)

Vanilla Spinach (lower Calorie Alternative - still really good!):

~240 calories:  3.5g fat, 23.2g carb (3.2g fiber, 15.6g sugar), 27.3g protein

2 packed cups organic baby spinach
2/3c non-fat organic greek yogurt
3/4c Fairlife 2% Milk with DHA Omega-3
1/3c fresh blueberries (a good handful)
10 ice cubes
shot of real vanilla extract
1-3tsp Truvia/Stevia (depending on how sweet you like it)